St Joseph's RC Church

Liturgy

Liturgy concerns the planning and co-ordinating and celebrating of the Eucharist, and other services throughout the year, so that our worship may be reverent and fruitful.

There is a liturgy team that plans the overall programme and anyone from the Parish is welcome to attend the Meetings.

Liturgy includes the following ministries:

• Preparation of the Liturgy
• Bidding Prayers
• Eucharist Ministery
• Liturgy of Healing
• Presiding
• Reading at Mass
• Welcoming

Preparation of the Liturgy

The liturgy team meets at regular intervals to pray and reflect on the Mass and to prepare meaningful liturgies. For more information contact Rosemary Balfour via the parish office.

Bidding Prayers

To reflect the scriptures and current Church and world concerns in the bidding prayers at Mass.

The Bidding Prayers are written as per rota and submitted to the Presbytery by Wednesday for the following Sunday. For more information contact Jan Burr via the parish office.

Eucharistic Ministry

Eucharistic Ministers assist in the distribution of the Eucharist during Mass, and to distribute to the sick and housebound of our Parish.

There is an organised rota for this. Ministers are chosen by the Priests and had to follow some in-service training. Days of Reflection are organised and each Eucharistic Minister must attend one each year.

Liturgy of Healing

This liturgy gives an opportunity for people to experience more and more the "Healing Presence" of a personal Lord. There is a Healing Mass on the third Friday each month at 7.30pm.

Presiding

When Mass is not said, the community may be led in prayer by the laity. They organise the Liturgy of the Word and give out Communion. Some initial training is required. Anyone who is currently a Reader or an Eucharistic Minister may fulfil this Ministry.

Readers

Readers are to minister to the community by proclaiming the Word of God reverently and clearly at liturgical celebrations. They take turns as per rota and also lead people in prayer at the Intercessions. There are reading courses for people to attend.

Welcoming

This is an important Ministry to welcome all Parishioners and Visitors who attend our liturgies. They greet people, issue our weekly Newsletter and other Papers, and answer any queries.