Parish Groups

There are many groups within the parish that meet regularly and contribute to the welfare of the parish.

LITURGY
Liturgy Group
Liturgy is the centre if our parish life. Liturgy Group meets three times a year to plan and organise the main liturgies of the liturgical year. In addition to the main seasonal liturgies, extra liturgies are also organised for special occasions. Anyone interested is most welcome to join and help.

Children's Liturgy
As many of the children attend the Sunday 9.00am mass children's Liturgy of the Word is organised each Sunday except on the 2nd Sunday of the month (Family Mass). Once a month the older children also have a special liturgy of the Word.

Altar Servers
Alter Servers become members of the Guild of St. Stephen and are presented with their medal following a period of training and serving. We are proud to have a great number of young people who assist at our liturgical services every week under the leadership of our master of ceremonies. We thank them for their commitment and dedication. We encourage young people to join the Altar Servers.

Music Ministry
Music at the Sunday Eucharist and at other special services helps us to celebrate our liturgies well. Music workshops are organised in the parish and we encourage all to take part. At the moment we are looking for more help to support the music ministry.

Readers
We have a good team of Readers who help to proclaim the Word of God at our liturgical services. We always welcome new Readers.

Extra ordinary ministers of the Eucharist
Extra ordinary ministers of the eucharist are commissioned by the Archbishop or by his representative. They help at the liturgical services and take communion to the sick and the housebound.

Sanctuary Team
The sanctuary Team helps in the preparation and care of the sanctuary and the Altar. They maintain and take care of the Altar Linen, Sacred Vessels, Candle Stands and the Albs of the Altar Servers.

Church Cleaning
A clean and well kept church is always a welcome sight and helps to pray. We have a dedicated group of parishioners who clean the church every Tuesday morning at 9.00am. Help with this important ministry is always welcome.

Church Flowers
Flower arranging for the weekend is carried out on Saturday mornings. The team work on a rota basis. Anyone with an interest is always welcome.

Prayer Group/Fathers Prayer
Prayer Group meets every Wednesday at 8.00pm in the Parish Hall. All are welcome. We also have a Fathers Prayer Group which meets every first Monday of the month at 8.00pm.

Catechists
We have a dedicated team of catechists who help with the sacramental preparations and also with the Children's Liturgy of the Word.
Every year different study days are organised and we encourage all to take part in these events, which are advertised well in advance in the newsletter. More information about the Sacramental Preparations can be found under the section Sacraments.

OUTREACH
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
St. Vincent de Paul Society conference meets every Thursday evening at 7.00pm in the presbytery. They help to provide practical and spiritual help to those in need. The society warmly welcomes new members willing to help in its work.

Pastoral Care Group
The group meets every first Thursday of the month in the presbytery at 8.00pm. They visit people in their homes in a pastoral role.

Family Support Group
The group was formed as the need to discuss and share experiences of everyday life and support for each other, was felt by some of the parishioners. The group-among many areas of social needs, looks into the issues of special needs and disability. They also organise Coffee Mornings and outings.

Justice and Peace Group
Justice and Peace group mets on the first Monday of the month and work to promote issues of Justice and Peace. the group organises various activities, services and actions to spread the message of Justice and Peace and support the work of cafod, promote Traidcraft/Fairtrade goods, Prisoners of Conscience and other causes. The parish supports our twinned parish of Star of the Sea Cathedral Parish in Ghana. The group always welcomes new members.

Sunday Coffee
After the 9.00am mass a team of volunteers provide light refreshments in the hall. It is a great social occasion to continue the following after the Sunday Eucharist. We invite and encourage all parishioners to come along even for a short time. It is a good opportunity for people to get to know each other.

Bareavement Support Group
The members of the group helps and visit the recently bereaved when called upon to support them in their pain and loss. They do not offer any counselling.

Open Morning - Welcomers
Parish open morning is held on Saturdays from 11.00am-12.45pm. A team of volunteers welcome the parishioners/visitors on a rota basis when they arrive.

Uniform Groups - Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Guides, Brownies
21st Lewisham North Scout group meets every Tuesday evening and the Guides and Brownies meet on Friday evenings in the parish rooms. In addition to their weekly programmes and other outdoor activities, the uniform groups play an active role on the 2nd Sunday of the month at the church parade and organise the refreshments for that Sunday.

Babies & Toddler Group
The Group meets every Monday and Thursday 9.30am-12 noon

SHOPS
Repository
The repository is open normally at the weekends. We have a good selection of religious articles, books and cards for all accasions.

Fairtrade/Traidcraft
The parish support and promote fair Trade goods and organise evenings to promote fairtrade goods. They are available to buy/order.

If you are interested to know more details of these groups or would like to join and help any of the groups please contact the presbytery on 020 8857 5006 or email info@ourladyoflourdeslee.org.uk