Ministries and Sacraments
A-Z GUIDE TO MINISTRIES AND GROUPS
“Each one of you has received a special grace, so, like good stewards responsible for all these varied graces of God, put it at the service of others.” 1 Peter 4:10
This A-Z guide to Ministries and Groups operating within our community is intended not only to be a quick reference to the many activities and services, but also to assist you in finding meaningful involvement in the life of our parish. Should you wish to know more about any of the ministries or groups listed, or a contact person with whom you can register your interest, please contact the Parish Office.
Our parish recognises that each person is uniquely gifted. We encourage you to share your giftedness in serving our community, thereby fulfilling the rich and exciting plan God has for His church.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
An opportunity to join others in prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament every Saturday from 3:30pm till 4:30pm at St Anthony’s Catholic Church.
ADULT FAITH EDUCATION
These programs provide opportunities for formation and education. A variety of topics are covered including small home study groups, e.g. Little Rock Scripture Study and the Lenten Program.
ALTAR SERVERS
Our altar servers assist the priest during the celebration of weekend Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Training sessions and activity afternoons are offered on a monthly basis at each of the Churches. Children are welcome to join this ministry at any time after they have made their First Communion.
BAPTISMS
Baptisms are held on the 1st Sunday of the month at St Anthony’s and the 3rd Sunday of the month at St Luke’s. It is essential to attend a Baptism Preparation Session. These are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm. Phone the Parish Office to book in.
BAPTISM BUDDIES
Baptism buddies are parishioners who “walk with” families who present their child/children for Baptism. They offer to be at a Baptism Preparation Session and to attend the Baptism, thus providing a friendly face at an important milestone in the life of a family.
BAPTISM PREPARATION TEAM
This team supports the education of parents who present their child/children for Baptism. The team consists of the Parish Priest and a number of parishioners.
BAPTISM OF OLDER CHILDREN PROGRAM
The program for baptism of older children, designed for children aged 5-12 years is held in the second half of each year. Phone the Parish Office to book in.
BREAD MINISTRY
The bread ministry is responsible for the collection of donated bread from a commercial bakery and distribution to referred people in need in the community. This ministry operates each Wednesday and Thursday morning from the Parish Hall at St Anthony’s.
CARE AND CONCERN GROUP
The Care and Concern Group within the parish provides practical support to community members in times of need e.g. meals, catering after funerals, taking communion to nursing homes, visiting and transport to and from parish activities. The group oversees the Casserole Club and the OBE group (see separate listings).
CATECHISTS
Catechists offer their time and expertise in religious education to children at the local state schools and also those children within the Parish who are preparing for the sacraments. Catechists also lead Children’s Liturgy at both Churches (see separate listing).
CENTACARE
Centacare is a major welfare arm of the Catholic Church offering numerous counseling/support services, including relationship counseling, grief counseling, parenting courses and mental health support.
Website: www.centacarebrisbane.net.au
Phone: (07) 3336 9246
CHILD CARE CENTRE
St Luke’s Catholic Parish Child Care Centre is a 75-place centre catering for the needs of children from 6 weeks to 6 years. Long day care is provided by fully qualified personnel. Read more here
CHILDREN’S LITURGY
Children’s liturgy is held during the 6.00pm Mass at St Luke’s and the 9:00am Mass at St Anthony’s. Under the care of trained leaders and assistants, children 4 to 10 years of age have the opportunity to hear the Gospel of the day explained at their own level.
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
Christian meditation teaches and practices contemplative prayer through stillness of the mind and body. Prayer meetings are held each Tuesday night from 7.00pm to 8.00pm in the Church at St Luke’s. All welcome.
CHURCH CLEANERS
Church cleaners are parishioners who volunteer their time to ensure that our churches and immediate environs are kept clean and well-presented. Groups work on a weekly rotational roster. More volunteers are always welcome.
CLAREHAVEN MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
ClarehavenManagement Committee takes responsibility for the overseeing of ClareHaven, a 13 unit residential housing community, in partnership with St Vincent de Paul. Clarehaven is set in beautifully landscaped grounds and provides low cost housing for people on low incomes and young adults with physical challenges who can live independently.
CLAREHAVEN STAGE TWO DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
ClareHaven Stage Two Development Committee is our Parish Committee tasked with the realization of the second stage of the ClareHaven Housing Project.
COLLECTORS
Our collectors share the role of collecting parish contributions and donations during weekend Eucharistic celebrations.
COMMUNION TO THE SICK AND INFIRM
Communion to the sick and infirm can be arranged through the Parish Office.
CONFIRMATION, FIRST EUCHARIST AND RECONCILIATION (SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM)
Confirmation, First Eucharist and Reconciliation (Sacramental Program) commences in early February with a parent information session. It is vital that parents attend this information session. Children from the age of eight years are eligible for the Sacramental Programme.
COUNTERS
Counters are rostered to ensure that Mass offerings and planned giving pledges, collected at weekend Masses, are prepared appropriately for banking.
DATA PROJECTOR OPERATORS
Help operate the data projector during weekend Masses. Age is no barrier to anyone wishing to join this ministry. Operating instructions are available.
DISABILITY SUPPORT GROUP
This group offers support to carers who have a family member affected by disability. The group meets monthly.
EMMAUS CHILDREN'S CHOIR
The children’s choir meets at St Luke’s Church each Monday during the school term from 3.00pm to 4.00pm. The Choir lead the singing at St Luke’s 6.00pm Mass on the last Saturday of every month during the school term. All welcome.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Assist with the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ during Eucharistic celebrations and also to the sick and infirm. Information and discernment sessions are held mid-year for those wishing to join this ministry.
FAMILY GROUPS
Family groups are a support network operating within our Parish. Groups meet on a regular basis for social support and friendship through low-cost family activities. It is never too late to join a Family Group.
FINANCE COUNCIL
The Finance Council meets monthly and supports the Parish’s financial management and yearly budget.
FLOWER ARRANGING
A roster of volunteers ensures that our churches are always appropriately decorated for weekend liturgies. If your gift is in floral arranging, we would love to hear from you.
GARDENING AND MOWING
Volunteers are rostered to ensure that the church environs are kept neat and tidy. More volunteers are always welcome.
HALL HIRE
The Parish Hall at St Anthony’s is available for hire. Phone the Parish Office for hire details.
HOSPITALITY GROUPS
Hospitality groups offer welcome and refreshment to parishioners and visitors at St Luke’s following Saturday 6:00pm Mass and at St Anthony’s following Sunday 9:00am Mass.
KNIT AND CROCHET
Can you knit or crochet? You may like to become involved in the making of beanies for seafarers, or rugs which are distributed to those in need. Wool and patterns are available. Donations of wool are always appreciated.
LADIES GROUP
Fosters friendship, fellowship and community-building through a variety of activities and functions. All are welcome regardless of age, gender and creed. Meetings are informal and relaxed. Children are always welcome.
LARGE PRINT
Large print copies of the Newsletter and some parish publications are available on application.
LITURGY GROUP
The Liturgy Group meets monthly to plan and evaluate effective ways of presenting liturgies that enhance community participation. The group is also responsible for the liturgical environment.
LUKE’S LETTERS / ANTHONY’S ACTS
Luke’s Letters / Anthony’s Acts is a quarterly publication distributed through both churches. It contains personal stories, original poems and special reports and is a means for parishioners to share significant family events. Contributions are always welcome. A box is provided in each church or e-mail to lukesletters.anthonysacts@gmail.com
MEMORIAL WALL
You can have your loved one remembered in a special way by purchasing a plaque on the Memorial Wall of either of our churches.
MENS GATHERING
Men from our Parish gather socially with our Parish Priest to share a meal, a drink and a chat. The gatherings are held at St Luke’s Presbytery and are advertised in the Parish Newsletter and Calendar.
MOTHERS’ PRAYERS
This initiative provides mothers with an opportunity to come together in small groups to pray for the welfare of their children. Mothers Prayer Groups take place on Mondays at 9am at St Luke’s and Tuesdays at 9am at St Anthony’s.
MUSIC MINISTRY
The Music Ministry enhances liturgical celebrations by leading the congregation in song and worship. All age groups are invited to be part of this ministry. There is always room for more singers and musicians. Don’t be shy. Share your talent. (See also Emmaus Choir).
OLD BUT EVERGREEN (O.B.E.) GROUP
Old But Evergreen (O.B.E.) Group, a subsidiary of the Care and Concern Group, provides spiritual and social opportunities for senior members (especially those over 80 years) through parish-based activities as well as through telephone contact. Transport is provided where required.
PADUA PLACE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Takes responsibility for the overseeing of Padua Place, a 15-unit community housing complex for long-term low-income residents. The complex is built on parish property adjacent to St Anthony’s Catholic School.
PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATIONS
Parents and Friends Associations operate in both schools of the Parish.
PASTORAL/STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL
The Pastoral/Stewardship Council consists of the Parish Priest, four community nominated parishioners from each Church and both school principals. The Pastoral/Stewardship Council meets to discuss issues of a pastoral nature relating to our parish.
PLANNED GIVING
Planned giving is a means by which all parishioners are invited to contribute to the on-going cost of parish activities and building maintenance. Contributions can be by way of direct debit, credit card or envelope system. Planned giving forms are available at the entrance to both churches.
PLAY GROUP
The Little Saints Play Group meets every Monday (except school holidays) in the Parish Hall at St Anthony’s from 8:45am – 11:00am for craft activities and social play. Parents and carers are always welcome. Gold coin donation.
PRAYER HOTLINE
A fast network system whereby anyone in need of prayer is included in an email/telephone system of referral. To join this hotline or to request prayers, phone Patricia Rooney 3821-1854.
READERS
Readers are instrumental in proclaiming the word of God during Eucharistic celebrations. Discernment and training is offered (usually mid-year) for those wishing to join this ministry.
RECONCILIATION
Available 9:00am–9:30am (or by appointment) on the 1st Saturday of the month at St Anthony’s and the 3rd Saturday of the month at St Luke’s.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
RCIA prepares adults who have expressed a desire to explore the Catholic faith. The ‘journey’ usually commences in August and runs through to the following Easter Vigil. Candidates are supported by an RCIA team.
RCIA TEAM
The RCIA Team consists of Parish Priest, Pastoral Associate, catechists and sponsors. Parishioners not actively involved in the RCIA program have the opportunity to be involved by being a prayer partner.
ROSARY GROUP
The Rosary Group meets every Tuesday at St Anthony’s after Mother’s Prayers to pray the rosary. All welcome.
SACRAMENTAL TEAM
The Sacramental Team conducts programmes to prepare children for Confirmation/First Eucharist/Reconciliation (from 8 years of age and Baptism of Older Children (5 – 12 years of age).
SACRISTANS
Sacristans are responsible for preparing the worship environment, vessels, vestments, books and other items needed for liturgical celebrations.
SCHOOLS
Co-educational Catholic education – Prep to Year 7
- St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School
- St Luke’s Catholic Primary School
SOCIAL/COMMUNITY-BUILDING VOLUNTEERS
To help build community, a variety of social functions are held throughout the year. These include BBQs, fetes and trivia nights. If your skills and talents lie in organizing or assisting at these events, please speak to a pastoral councilor, or nominate when volunteers are called for.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL CONFERENCE
This conference responds to community members in need. The Conference meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month and new members are always welcome.
TRANSPORT
Transport to any of our Masses can be arranged by contacting the Parish Office.
USHERS AND WELCOMERS
Ushers and Welcomers offer genuine hospitality to all parishioners and visitors at each of the weekend masses. Ushers also hand out the newsletter and assist people to their seats where necessary.
WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS NETWORK
The WW Network is a friendship group offering support and social activities for widows and widowers. The network meets on the 1st Saturday of every month.
ZZZ...
You’ve come this far and not found what you’re looking for? Contact the friendly staff at the Parish Office to find out if it is just missing from this directory, or speak to Fr Emmanuel and offer to set it up! If any ministry is missing, or the details are incorrect, please let the Parish Office know and a correction will be made in the next edition.