PARISH GROUPS

Life can be hectic these days! Family and work commitments are quite rightly the main priority for our parishioners. However, we hope that if people have some time to give to their community they can find fruitful ways of giving within our parish.

The list of ministries is a long one this includes sacristans, collectors and counters and so on. Many people help in small, often un-noticed ways, but without their help things would grind to a halt.

This page of our website give you information about some of the many ministries lived out within our community.

PARISH FORUM

During a lengthy process of discernment and consultation in seeking the way forward for the Catholic community in Skelmersdale, it was decided that the time was right to assemble a Parish Forum.

The Parish Forum consists of elected and appointed representatives from all three churches in the parish. It fosters communication and consultation within the parish; advises on needs and resources and assists in developing the parish for the future.

The current members of the Forum are: Dcn Anthony Callaghan, Gill Chestney, Steve Conley, Fr John Causey, Arthur Egerton, Sr Monica Feehan, Zoe Fox, Jo Hooker, Alan Horridge, Melanie Maclean,  Fr Michael Thompson (Chair), Peter Wilson, Patrick Woodford

(You can find their photographs in the Church porch.) Please bring to any Parish  Forum member your hopes and questions for parish life.

ALTAR SERVERS

There are over 20 altar servers who serve at each of the Sunday (and Saturday night) Masses. Those who have served consistently for at least a year are formally enrolled in the altar servers' Guild of St. Stephen.

Some of our Altar Servers after Mass on our Parish Family Fun Day 2007  

Paul Rowan is the Parish Master of Ceremonies. Being an altar server is open to anyone who has celebrated 1st Holy Communion. Please contact Paul if you are interested. Alternatively, come along to the sacristy before Mass to chat to one of the priests, deacons or sisters.

CATHECHISTS

Many of our parishioners are involved in sharing and passing on faith as catechists. A range of school and parish based catechists are engaged in helping parents prepare for the baptism of their children. Contact Dcn Anthony Callaghan or Sr Eileen for further information. Around about 60 parishioners share in the work of preparing primary school age children to receive First Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion. Their work is co-ordinated by Sr Monica and Fr Mike Thompson. In addition to this work a dedicated team of catechists, led by Sr Monica, is engaged in accompanying adults as they prepare to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church.

CHILD PROTECTION

The protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults is of primary concern in all our activities. We subscribe to the Archdiocesan Procedures and Policies, Safe and Sound. Our Child Protection Co-ordinator is Ginny Egerton. She can be contacted on 723480.

CHURCH CLEANERS

Each week, for about 45 minutes, willing bands of volunteer cleaners meet in each Church to ensure that they are fitting places in which to worship God. They are a wonderful group of people who will always welcome new helpers. If you are willing to lend your services please contact one of the parish sisters on 724916.

DIACONATE

An ordained ministry in the Church open to men over  the age of 35 is the Diaconate. A Deacon is ordained to be of service. The ministry includes caring for those in need; being an interface between the world of work and the Church; giving witness to the values of the Gospel in family and social life; and a ministry of preaching and celebrating the sacraments. Our parish Deacons are Des Alger & Anthony Callaghan. We are always open to anyone who feels called to serve the Church in the Archdiocese in this way. If you are interested talk to Des or Anthony. Alternatively, contact the Diaconate Office at Liverpool, Archdiocese Centre for Evangelisation.

2007- Newly ordained Deacon Anthony Callaghan, with his wife Donna and their daughter Elizabeth.

EUCHARISITIC MINISTERS

There are around 70 Eucharistic Ministers in the parish. They assist in the distribution of Holy Communion in church and take Communion to the sick and housebound members of our community. If you would like to be part of this ministry group please  speak to either Fr Mike or Fr John If you know of someone who needs to receive communion at home please contact Sr Ita on 724916. If you are aware that someone is residing in one of the residential care homes in our parish and needs the care of a Eucharistic Minister then please contact Dcn Des on 559271

FINANCE

We are very fortunate to have the voluntary services of a number of people who assist Fr Mike with the financial administration of the parish. The expertise and commitment of our accountant, David Jamieson and our Gift Aid Co-ordinator, Irene Smith ensures that our parish remains financially viable. We are also indebted to the numerous collectors and counters across the parish, without whom our operation would grind to a halt.  

FLOWER ARRANGERS

Flowers for Sunday mass and special liturgical services are arranged by talented and dedicated volunteers in each church. Anyone wanting to help in this ministry should contact one of the parish sisters on 724916. If you wish to arrange flowers for weddings in St Richard's Church, please contact Hilda Duffy via the Priests' House

GARDENING & GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

The grounds of our churches all require considerable maintenance and we are grateful for those who offer their services in this respect. Of particular significance is the maintenance of our cemetery at St Richard's. A huge debt of gratitude is owed to Brian Grady and his helpers for their hard work and commitment in this respect.

GREETERS, USHERS & MEETERS (GUMS)

Have you ever gone to something and you wanted to join in but you didn't know how? Would it have been helpful if someone had said 'hello' and told you what to do? Perhaps some of the visitors to our churches feel this way too. Our GUMS try to do something practical to help them feel included and welcome. If you are interested in taking part in this ministry of welcome then please speak with a Parish Forum Member. 

HOLY FAMILY LAY ASSOCIATES

Stained glass and photograph by Willet Hauser Architectural Glass  

The Holy Family of Bordeaux was founded by a young French priest, Fr Pierre Bienvenue Noailles in the early 19^th century. He gathered around him a group of young lay people. Through Christian instruction he formed them into a community of love and charity, modelled upon the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Today the Holy Family Lay Associates are found throughout the world. The Skelmersdale Associates meet at 7.15pm in St. Francis' Church on the first   Tuesday of each month. They follow a programme of prayer and formation enabling them to live out their baptismal call within their families and local community. For more information speak with one of the Lay Associates or contact the Holy Family Convent on 724916

HOLY FAMILY SISTERS

In 1820 a group of women belonging to Fr Noailles'lay association consecrated themselves to religious life. They formed the first community of apostolic sisters within the Holy Family of Bordeaux. Today the Sisters serve in a variety of apostolates throughout the world. There are four sisters living within the Sklemersdale community. Sr Monica, Sr Ita and Sr Eileen are all engaged in pastoral ministry within our parish. Sr Bernadette undertakes counselling and support work. To find out more about the Holy Family and their work contact one of the Sisters or visit their website

www.holyfamilybordeaux.org/province_of_britain_ireland.html

The Ladies Guild meets in St Richard's Presbytery at 7pm on the first Monday of each month. The ladies gather so as to enjoy good company and friendship. New members are always welcome. LA SAINTE UNION SISTERS (HOLY UNION SISTERS) The La Sainte Union Sisters were established in northern France during the 19th century. Their primary mission was to young people through the provision of Christian education. Their mission has spread throughout the world and diversified into a variety of different apostolates. At one time the Sisters were heavily involved in education and pastoral ministry within Skelmersdale. Although no longer running a school within the parish, La Sainte Union maintains a presence in Skelmersdale. Sr Bernadette Naughton works in the field of spirituality and offers particular support to Our Lady Queen of Peace High School. LOURDES ASSOCIATION The Lourdes Association carries out an annual round of fund raising so as to enable sick and disabled people in our area make the pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. Over the years the Lourdes Association has helped many sick people and their families experience the healing and peace that Lourdes offers to such pilgrims. To find out more leave a message for the association with one of the Parish Sisters. MUSIC MINISTRY We are hugely blessed by the services of many musicians in our three churches. We range from traditional organ music to more contemporary styles. If you have  a musical gift to offer then we are sure to be able to find a place for you. Our organists are Brian Grady (St Richard's), John Roberts (St Mary's) Emma Thomas (St Mary's). Our three music groups are co-ordinated by Sheila Horridge (St Francis), Michael Callaghan (St Mary's) and Pauline McDonnell (St Richard's) Musicians and singers from all three churches join forces to enhance our major parish liturgical celebrations. PIETY SHOP Well stocked piety shops are operated at both St Mary's and St Francis'. Here you will find gifts for all occasions; a selection of cards (including Mass cards); seasonal items and first Communion and Baptism gifts. Anne Aindow takes responsibility for this service at St Mary's and Cath Lydon at St Francis. READERS There are about 70 readers in our parish whose ministry it is to worthily proclaim the Word of God in Church. Helping people to hear God's Word is of paramount importance and we would encourage people to come forward and share in this great privilege. Please speak to Fr Mike or Fr John for more information. SACRISTANS Preparing the churches for the daily liturgical celebrations is a huge task which sadly often goes un-noticed. We are blessed with the services of sacristans in all our churches. A whole host of people ensure that all is ready for Mass; who monitor  supplies of candles, hosts and altar wine; who clean candlesticks and sacred vessels; who launder the altar linens and serving albs; who assist in the training and supervision of altar servers. We take it for granted that all these things get done but how often do we think to ask who is making sure that they do get done?  SCRIPTURE PRAYER GROUP Each Thursday at 7pm in St Richard's Presbytery, a group of parishioners meet to reflect prayerfully upon the scriptures for the forthcoming Sunday. They nourish their own faith and serve the parish by preparing the weekly Bidding Prayers or Intercessions used at our weekend Masses.   SOCIAL & FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES.                                   
A dedicated and imaginative team of volunteers gather routinely to plan and arrange our parish social and fund raising events, such as Fairs and dances. They seek to  build up community relationships and raise money for parish pastoral projects. Sheila Horridge organises the weekly fund raising Tote which raises money for the parish and provides a little extra fun for parishioners. If you would like to offer your gifts, talents and ideas, please speak to Dcn Anthony Callaghan. ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY (SVP) The St Vincent de Paul Society ("SVP") is an international Christian voluntary organization dedicated to tackling poverty and disadvantage by providing direct practical assistance to anyone in need. The SVP has been active in England & Wales since 1844, today it continues to address social and material need in all its many forms. The SVP in Skelmersdale provides a wide range of support to many people in the area. If you would like to join our Parish SVP, or seek it's assistance, please contact Patrick Woodford via the presbytery or the convent.