Altar Servers - For young people who are interested in becoming an altar server and have received their First Holy Communion. After an 18 month probation period, altar servers may then be enrolled into the Guild of St Stephen and be presented with their medal. If you are interested in becoming an altar server, please attend TWO training sessions on Wednesday 23rd AND Wednesday 30th November from 5pm-6pm.
APF - founded in 1822 this is the Association Propogation of the Faith and is one of the Pontifical Mission Aid Societies. It is endorsed by His Holiness the Pope and is therefore the Church's official society for helping all the missions.
Donations are distributed to two divisions. One is the Mill Hill Missionary Society, who train missionaries and the remainder goes to the Vatican, who then allocate funds to missions in need, worldwide.
Each parish has a local director, usually the parish priest. He is assisted by the local secretary and also a number of promoters who organise collections bi-annually form the "little red boxes" that are distributed among the parishioners. If you would like a 'red box' to collect money for the APF or if you would like to volunteer to help - please call the parish office. Thank you.
ASSOCIATION OF SEPARATED AND DIVORCED CATHOLICS - a federation of lay support groups who provide mutual help and spiritual support to those who have experienced the pain of marriage breakdown. www.asdcharrow.org.uk
BETHANY BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP - if you have recently been bereaved, our trained bereavement visitors offer a 'listening service' in the privacy of your own home and in complete confidence. Please ask the parish office to pass on your details to a member of the Bethany Bereavement Support Group or email info@bereavementandloss.co.uk
BINGO ! Every Thursday in the new parish room, at 8.00pm - proceeds go to support the Lourdes' Society.
CCIA - Religious Instruction for Children attending non-Catholic school or for children who are interested in the Catholic faith.
The course runs during school term time Sept - July and is aimed at children of primary school age follwowing the Diocesan Catholic programme 'Walk With Me'. We especially welcome children attending non-Catholic schools and help them to learn about topics that will strengthen them in their Catholic faith journey and prepare them for receiving the sacraments. The groups are fun with story telling, art, teaching through play, interactive conversation and singing. The classes last approx one hour and are held in the new parish room on Wednesdays at 5.30pm. Please contact the parish office if you wish to register your child.
CHILDREN'S LITURGY - providing special liturgical groups for children during 10.00am Mass on Sunday. The aim is to present the Word of God at their level in a way that stimulates their interest and encourages their active participation. We believe that attending Mass as part of a Catholic community should be an enjoyable positive experience for the whole family.
The children are split into two age groups:
Pre-school age and Pre-first Holy Communion children
They meet in the new parish room and the groups begin with the Gospel reading for that day or a Bible story with a similar message. This is presented with the aid of puppets, pictures and/or drama. The same Gospel message is reflected in simple song, usually with actions followed by creative activity involving drawing or sticking. The children then carry out their work to show to the congregation during the offertory and resume their places with their families.
CHOIR - the choir provides music for the 11.30am Mass every Sunday. Choir practice is on Wednesdays from 8pm in church.
MUSIC GROUP - there is also a music group that sing and play at the 10am Mass each Sunday.
CHURCH CLEANING - if you can spare an hour or two once a month to help clean the church - please contact the parish office and join one of our team of helpers.
FAITH SHARING - meet on Wednesday mornings for Bible reading and discussion in the new parish room after morning Mass.
JUSTICE & PEACE GROUP - their mission is to work with all who share their agenda to bring the good news of Christ's love and peace to people who are poor, oppressed or excluded. The Justice & Peace group invite parishioners to contact them through the parish office with any concerns they feel should be taken up by the group. If you would like to take an active part and join the group, please contact the parish office.
KENTON SUPPORT GROUP - is a voluntary group, supporting families and individuals who have special needs. The group meets regularly in an informal and friendly atmosphere, to arrange fund raising events ie race nights, coffee mornings, bring & buy sales etc. There is also an annual Mass for the intentions of those with special needs, as well as outings and parties. Volunteers are always welcome. Please contact the parish office.
KNIGHTS OF ST COLUMBA - National voluntary organisation that provides service to the community through charitable work. Please contact the parish office.
LADIES' SOCIAL CIRCLE - meet on the second Monday of each month in the new parish room at 8pm. Started in 1968, their aim is to socialise whilst raising funds for the causes of the parish, they also organise various events and outings, have guest speakers etc. They arrange the annual Senior Citizens Party and generally help to support the events within the parish. Newcomers always welcome. Enquiries directed to the parish office. 02082043550
PLAYGROUP - for pre-school children from 2yrs and 10months - takes place in the Parish Centre, Shrewsbury Ave (opposite the church) HA3 9LX
Monday - Friday 9.15am - 11.45am
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 12.30pm- 3pm.
Please call Anna Alvino on 07908 323943 to register your child.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
If you, or anyone you know is:
interested in becoming a Catholic,
would like to be Confirmed in their faith,
is married to, or about to marry a Catholic and would like to know more,
has been away from the Church for some time,
please contact the parish office and ask about the RCIA.
The sessions are held on Monday evenings and are very informal and friendly.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION - please click HERE
SVP - St Vincent de Paul Society - this voluntary group meets once a week and does charitable work in the parish such as visiting the lonely, sick or housebound, providing transport for parishioners who would otherwise have difficulty attending Mass, helping the homeless and providing support for those less fortunate. The society relies entirely on donations. If you would like to volunteer to help the SVP in their charitable work, please contact the parish office.
TAMIL PRAYER GROUP - meet in church on Fridays at 8pm and there is a Tamil Mass in church every 1st Sunday of each month.
