MINISTRIES

 

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

When we receive Holy Communion we receive the Risen Lord Himself: body, blood, soul and divinity. It is a real presence that is both sacramental and personal.  It is the greatest gift we have in the Catholic Church.  Here at St Chad's we are blessed to have a faithful group of parishioners who have been specially commissioned to take Holy Communion to those who are sick and housebound.  It is a ministry that is greatly appreciated by those confined to their homes. If you know of anyone who becomes sick and housebound and would welcome a visit from a Minister with Holy Communion please let Fr Mark know.

Readers

All scripture is inspired by God (2 Tim 3,16). This means that God has breathed his divine words into the Bible through the human authors. At Mass, when readings are read aloud, the reader lends his or her voice to God so that He can speak His own words to the congregation.  St Chad's parish has a good group of lay readers who undertake this important ministry. If you would like to join them please contact Fr Mark.

Altar Servers

Altar servers form a very important part of the St Chad's family and the parish is enriched through their dedication and service.

We welcome boys and girls who have already made their First Communion. Serving on the altar is an honour which increases understanding and enjoyment of the Mass If you are interested in becoming an Altar Server please contact Fr Mark. 

 

GROUPS 

Various groups are involved in the running of the Parish, and new members are always welcome to join. If you feel that you are able to offer your services to any of the groups listed below, please do not hesitate to contact Fr Mark.

Children's Catechesis

Children's Catechesis, (Little Church) runs most Sundays through the year with a short break in the summer holidays.  It is designed to bring the Liturgy to young children who have not yet made their First Holy Communion at a level they can more easily understand.  We have a small team of helpers, all being parents in the parish and DBS cleared.

Children are called forward by Father at the beginning of Mass to go with the helpers for their own lesson. They later return to take part in the Offertory Procession and the children then return to their families.

During Children's Catechesis we welcome the children, listen to a short Gospel reading and talk about how we can apply it to our own lives.  We have prayers and activities such as singing, simple acting out of the Gospel story, drawing, writing, colouring or simple craft activities.  Sometimes the children will bring home a picture or something else they've made to help remind them of the Gospel during the week ahead.

When children first join us they may be accompanied by a parent for one or two sessions, but they will very soon settle in and enjoy our happy celebrations.  We are always delighted to welcome new children.  If you would like more information please ask Fr Mark

Choir

The choir attends the 9.15am Mass every Sunday and leads the congregation in the singing of the hymns and parts of the Mass.  They also perform the same function for special occasions throughout the year such as Easter and Christmas. Sometimes, after Sunday Mass, there is a short practice to discuss the programme for the following week with extra practices before special occasions.

New members of all ages are always welcome, without any  formalities or auditions.  If you feel you would like to join the choir or get more information, just pop up into the choir loft when the choir is there and you will be greeted with a hymn book and a big smile.

Flower Arrangers

At present we have a team of ladies who provide floral arrangements throughout the year with the exception of the Lent and Advent periods.  They take it in turns to buy, arrange and look after the flowers on a monthly basis.  At Christmas and Easter the whole team helps. The funding of flowers is by donation and Coffee Mornings.  The amount spent on flowers per week is about £15.

Anyone interested in arranging the church flowers would be very welcome.  No experience is required as everyone works to their own abilities.

Cleaning Team

St Chad's has a team of willing volunteers who regularly descend upon the church and Sacristy and proceed to maintain the sparkle of the whole place.

Washing and ironing of altar cloths, towels, purificators for sacred vessels and keeping the holy water containers ready for use by parishioners, is all part of this vital work. 

Anyone wishing to join this happy and friendly band would be more than welcome. Fr Mark can provide more information or point you towards someone who knows days and times..

Coffee Mornings

These are held in the Parish Centre after the 9:15 am Mass on a Sunday. St Chad's parish tries to have one each month (except August and December) as a community activity to enable individuals and families to strengthen friendships and to meet other parishioners.

The events are run by different parish organisations and groups and the donations they receive contribute to their funds or to Charity.  Notices are given in the parish newsletter about dates and times when available.

Help the Homeless

This is a Chorley-based Charity housed in a walk-in centre for the homeless and those with related problems. 

St Chad's parishioners have always been generous in donating food and other items as they become needed.  There is a tub in the church porch where they are collected..  

St Chad's 200 Club

This is a monthly draw run by St Chad's school and the parish to raise funds for the Church and School Diocesan Levy for schools.  The annual contribution is £15 for one 'Share'.  This is entered monthly into the Draw which takes place in the school.  Each month there are three prizes which total £100.  There are forms for anyone wishing to join at the back of church.  

CHORLEY JUSTICE & PEACE GROUP

The role of the Justice & Peace movement is to tackle poverty, violence, prejudice and injustice, to act on climate change, to protect the environment, and to work for a world where all have access to food, clean water, shelter, health, education and a livelihood.

Chorley Justice & Peace Group is inviting parishioners from all the Catholic Parishes in the Chorley Pastoral Area who are interested in supporting this work to join them.

For more information on justice & peace or if you would like to be involved in the Group’s activities or to support them in any way, please contact Andrew Thomson on 07802 249495 or e-mail thomson.andrew@btinternet.com

 

Chorley Catenians

The Catenian Association is an international body of proudly Catholic laymen who meet at least once a month in local units called Circles.  Catenians are committed to faith, family and friendship; they support the Catholic Church, young people, and those in need.  To find out more about the Catenian Association in the Catholic Church, young people and those in need.  To find out more about the Catenian Association in Chorley please click here.