CHILDREN’S LITURGY

Children’s Liturgy takes place within the 11.00 am Mass on Sundays for children between 3-11 years, where the Gospel is made available to children in a way that is meaningful to them.

We always welcome new catechists to help out with the liturgy. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Andy Robins

MINISTRY OF THE EUCHARIST

The selection of Eucharistic Ministers is the responsibility of the parish priest, who as far as possible appoints people to represent a fair cross-section of the parish as regards class, ethnic origin and sex, so that they may be seen as truly representative of the parish. When fulfilling their duty, the Eucharistic Minister should not fulfill any other liturgical function at that Mass, eg. reader or server. Eucharistic Ministers attend a course of training sessions in the Diocese which is approved by the Bishop.

SACRISTY TEAM

Volunteers to join the sacristy team rota are always welcome. Duties include helping to prepare the altar before Mass, and overseeing altar servers. If you think you could help, and for further details, please contact Armelle Belcher.

MINISTRY OF THE WORD

The Readings at Mass are undertaken by a group of volunteers, usually two readers at each Mass. Volunteers are always welcome. Training is available. If you would like to be a Reader, please contact Paul O’Rourke.

GUILD OF ST STEPHEN (ALTAR SERVERS)

Any parishioner can participate in a more meaningful way at Mass by becoming an Altar Server. It is one of the lay ministries of the Church, and provides an opportunity to explore a new path for growing closer to God. This involves preparing the altar and sanctuary with all the sacred vessels and accessories necessary for the priest to say Mass, and assisting him during Mass itself. Children are welcome to become Altar Servers once they have received their First Holy Communion. Please see Fr David if you are interested.

HOLY COMMUNION FOR THE SICK AND HOUSEBOUND

If you, or someone you know, are unable to attend Mass and would like to receive Holy Communion, please contact Fr David.

HOSPITAL VISITS

If you or anyone you know is going into hospital and would like a priest to visit, the onus is now on the family to arrange this. Please see the list of contacts for details of hospital chaplains.

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK

If a person is gravely ill and requires the Sacrament of the Sick, Fr David should be advised irrespective of the time – day or night.

MUSIC

A wide range of music is used from traditional organ music to more modern music used by the Music Group. The Music Group always welcomes new talent – all that is required is enthusiasm. We are always looking for new singers and instrumentalists to help out on Sundays. If you are interested, please contact Sue Hunt .

FLOWER TEAM

Flowers for the church are prepared on Fridays. Volunteers are always welcome. If you think you could help, please contact Margaret O’Loughlin.

CLEANING TEAM

If you think you could spare a little time during the week to help clean the church, please contact Anne-Marie Bromley .

WELCOMING TEAM

We are always looking for volunteers to act as ‘welcomers’ before Mass. This simply entails greeting people as they enter the church, and handing out hymn-books. If you think you could help, please contact Andy Robins .

TODDLER GROUP

The toddler group is aimed at pre-school children and babies and is held in the church hall. It runs on Mondays, 10-11.30 am during term-time. The group serves both St John’s and English Martyrs parishes, and provides an opportunity for coffee, chat and play.

YOUTH GROUP

There is a thriving youth group for ages 10+ which meets monthly, and serves both St John’s and English Martyrs, Didcot. The Youth Group aims to inspire children to take an active interest in their parish. For more information contact Andy Robins or Phyllis Green.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL

St John’s has a very active branch of the St Vincent de Paul Society. The aim of the group is to provide help and support to those who need it, through contact and visits to all types of people, including families and the sick and elderly. If you would like to become a member of the SVP, please contact Armelle Belcher.

PARISH COUNCIL

We are always open to ideas and comments from everyone in the parish, young and old alike, so please inform us of your ideas as to ways in which we can help you to fulfill your roles in the parish and the community.

We aim to respond to the needs of the parish, and as such our work is often dictated by the feedback we get from the various open meetings, the AGM we hold to begin our year, and comments made from each meeting. We are constantly working to improve our response to be a community for Christ in Wallingford.

You can always read the latest on what we’ve discussed at our meetings by checking the minutes on the notice-board, which are posted shortly after each meeting. The Pastoral Council always welcomes ideas for inclusion on the agenda. Meetings are advertised in the weekly newsletter.

How about joining the Pastoral Council? Elections are held every year. Members serve for three years. Further details are available from the parish office, or from any committee member.

REPOSITORY

The repository is open after Sunday morning Mass. You will find a wide range of cards and religious items for sale. If you would like to order specific item, please contact Anne-Marie Bromley.

PARISH GIFT AID

Through gift aid, the parish can recover from the Inland Revenue the income tax that tax-paying parishioners have already made on their offerings. If you give regularly, please consider using gift aid. Contact: Leslie Pidgeon .