Groups and Ministries in our Community
Sacristans
The Sacristans are a group of dedicated parishioners who have accepted responsibility for preparing the Church for Liturgy.
St Vincent de Paul Society
We have an active St Vincent de Paul Society in the Parish. Activities include helping people settling into new homes, organising outings and visiting the sick. They consolidate the food parcels donated by the parishioners – see boxes in the Church porch – and deliver to Mercy House weekly. The group meets every first Sunday of the month after the 10am Mass in the Parish Centre. Any person contemplating membership is most welcome to attend.
Sacramental Programmes
Sacrament of Baptism: This programme is for parents who wish to have their child received into our Parish family.
Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation: There is an annual Parish programme for the initiation into these Sacraments.
For Children
Please note the preparation of children for receiving the Sacraments is primarily the responsibility of the parents of the child. The parish willingly undertakes to provide a special Sacramental Programme in conjunction with parents, to assist them with their obligation.
It is important to note that it is not the role of the school to prepare children for initiation into the Sacraments. It is a parish based programme.
For Adults
At least once a year an adult Christian education course (R.C.I.A.) is conducted.
For more information contact Parish Office.
Readers – Ministers of the Word
Ministers of the Word proclaim First and Second readings at Mass.
Prayer Groups
These are the prayer groups in our parish, newcomers welcome. Please contact Parish Office by phone or e-mail for contact details.
1. Medjugorge Prayer Group has been meeting at 7:30pm on Fridays for the last 17 years. We pray the rosary, sing hymns and read a passage of scripture. The format is based on the Medjugorje where the Blessed Mother is reported to have been appearing since 1981 with a plea for conversion and prayer.
2. Rosary Outreach Group meets monthly. The group holds a Rosary/Bible session every third Friday of the month at 7:30pm followed by some light hearted fellowship. Should anyone wish to have Rosary/Bible recited at their home at any of these occasions, we shall be more than happy to accommodate you.
Planned Giving
The parish has both envelope and automatic banking payment systems operating. If you would like to adopt the automatic payment system please enquire at the Parish Office.
The collection goes to support the Priests, the Bishop and the upkeep of the parish.
Parish Weekly Bulletin
The Bulletin is collated and printed every Thursday morning. Notices for inclusion should be delivered to the Parish office no later than Wednesday afternoon.
Novena to Mother of Perpetual Help
The Novena in honour of Mother of Perpetual Help is held every Saturday at the 9:00am Mass. This is a very special way of expressing devotion to our loving Parish Patroness. There is a box for petitions and thanksgiving at Our Lady’s shrine.
Marriage
Marriage Preparation Programme :
Website: https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/marriage-family-life/
Contact: Gerry Smith (Leader / co-ordinator)
Phone : 09 360 3025
Email : gerrys@cda.org.nz
Music
There is a small group of musicians in the Parish who provide accompaniment at 5:30pm Saturday Vigil and 10am Sunday Masses.
Monthly Lunch Group
Every second Friday of the month all adults are welcome to meet other parishioners at a friendly lunch gathering at 11:30am in our Parish Centre.
Liturgy Groups (3)
The Liturgy Committee is made up of the Parish Priest and parishioners who work to meet the liturgical needs of the Parish.
The Samoan Community Liturgy Group
The Samoan Community takes the leading role in the liturgy at the 10am Mass on the 3rd Sunday of each month.
The Tongan Community Liturgy Group
The Tongan Community takes the leading role in the liturgy at the 10am Mass on the 4th Sunday of each month.
Home Visiting
Fr Denis and Br Frank, along with some parishioners, take Holy Communion to the sick and elderly in our community of faith. They visit Grace Joel and St Andrew’s Villages on Wednesdays.
Flower Arrangement
One person is rostered to arrange the Church flowers each week.
Finance Committee
The Parish Priest selects the committee to manage the financial affairs of the Parish. The Finance Committee is independent of the function of the Parish Pastoral Council, which is an elected body.
Eucharistic Ministers
To serve as a Eucharistic Minister is a privilege and it demands a sense of dignity and a spirit of recollection. Fr Denis Whelan invites parishioners to serve in this ministry.
Children’s Liturgy
Children’s Liturgy is held regularly during the 10am Mass throughout the school year. The children (over 5) are split into two age groups, which are led by parents. The liturgy, which is a child friendly version of the day’s readings, follows set guidelines and uses the excellent resources available.
Catholic Enquiry Centre
There is a group of regular donors in the parish who financially support the work of the Catholic Enquiry Centre and pray for its success in its mission to New Zealanders.
Care Group
The Care Group undertake to provide social interaction and support for parishioners. Our ongoing tangible activity, that includes many parishioners, is to provide a free community meal once a month at the Glen Innes Community Centre.
Anointing Masses
Anointing Masses for the sick and senior members of our Community are held during the year, on a set Friday morning. This is followed by a luncheon in the Parish Centre. Everyone is welcome to attend
Alter Servers
Girls and boys who have made their First Holy Communion are welcome to become altar servers.
Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament
The Church is open all day Thursday for the purpose of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There is a roster to ensure that there is always somebody present.
Church Cleaning
Two people are rostered on each week to clean the church, which can be done either on Friday or Saturday. Volunteers can expect to be rostered on 3 or 4 times a year.