Croxteth, Fazakerley and Walton Pastoral Area : Our Lady and St Philomena & Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs, and St Swithin
PARISH GROUPS
There are many parishioners whose ministry at this time is their family and this is right, but we hope that if they have some time to give in the future they can find a way to give in our parish.
The list of ministries is a long one this includes sacristans (who like John the Baptist prepare the way for the Lord in preparing the altar for Mass), collectors and counters in Church. Many people help in small, often un-noticed ways, but without their help things would grind to a halt, for example the lady who gets the votive candles ready, a small but vital task.
There are many people involved in local community groups (such as CLASS, City Safe, Credit Union, Residents Groups etc.)
PARISH COUNCIL
After 3 years of Parish Open Meetings it was decided that the time was right to form a Parish Pastoral Council which would look at taking real responsibility for the running of the parish. Parishioners were invited to put their names forward for membership of the Council – the following are its members: Ed Wright, Paul Burke, Kathy Fox, Lana McGuinness, Malcolm Fletcher, Fr Andrew, Phyllis Cooke, Sandra Hamilton, Margaret Nugent, Sheila Morris, Marie Shutt, Teresa McCarthy, Karen Neve. (You can find their photographs in the Church porch.) Please bring to any Parish Council member your hopes and questions about parish life.
ALTAR SERVERS
There are over 60 altar servers who serve at each of the Sunday (and Saturday night) Masses. Francis Armstrong co-ordinates the servers. Being an altar server is open to anyone who has celebrated 1st Holy Communion. Please contact Frances on 549 2640 if you are interested.
There is a monthly meeting of the CMS in Queen of Martyrs Club. This society, open to all the men of the parish, exists to promote the study of the faith and the spiritual growth of its members. For more information please contact Vin Torley on 546 6625.
Each Wednesday morning, for about 45 minutes, a willing band meets to help to clean the Church. They ensure that the Church is fitting as a place of worship of God. They are a wonderful group of people who will always welcome new helpers. If you are willing please contact Sr Sara on 546 3574
Flowers for Sunday mass and special liturgical services are arranged by Jean and Kathleen. Anyone wanting to help in this ministry should contact Jean via the Parish office. It is possible to donate flowers for the church in memory of someone or to mark a special occasion. Simply put your donation in an envelope and mark the date and intention you wish.
Many people are involved in regular fund raising. The Tote: There is a weekly Tote organised by Margaret Croxton, the proceeds of which go towards the Church restoration fund. The Lucky Numbers draw takes place each Sunday after the 11.15am Mass. Marie, Phyllis, Kathleen and Betty sort out the envelopes and winners; what is left is donated to the parish. An annual parish raffle is organised by the UCM. The collectors and counters in Church help us to be financially viable. Many people help in small, often un-noticed ways, but without their helps things would grind to a halt for example the lady who gets the votive candles ready every Sunday, a small but vital task.
Mini Martyrs is the name for Our Lady Queen of Martyrs and St Swithin Parents and Toddlers Group The group offers the opportunity for parents & children to socialise in a friendly, welcoming and relaxed environment. They meet each Thursday, during term time, in the Parish Club from 9.15am until 11.15am.
At the 6.00pm mass the organ supported by a small music group accompanies the singing. At the 11.15am Mass a music group made up of guitar and keyboard leads the singing. If you are interested in being part of this group contact Sandra on 545 1850.
Once a term there is a special Family Mass where the liturgy is lead by and focused on the children of the parish. A special music group exists to enable participation at this mass. Please see Fr for details.
Each Monday in Queen of Martyrs Club a pensioners group meets. This is a lively and vibrant group. Their meeting is mostly social, including bingo and a drink. For further information please contact the Club on 546 3683.
At the back of the Church is a well stocked piety shop. Here you will find gifts for all occasions; a selection of cards (including Mass cards); seasonal items and first Communion and Baptism gifts. Josie Dunne runs the Piety shop ably assisted by Ellen Cook.
Each Monday afternoon at 2.00pm the parish prayer group meets. This group is open to anyone who wishes to spend some time in prayer with the prayerful and helpful support of others.
In the porch of the Church one set of notice boards is reserved for what we call sales and trades. If you have something to sell please feel free to advertise it or if you have a trade that might be of use to parishioners you can advertise your trade there. Please hand any notice to Sr Sara.
There are almost 100 readers and Eucharistic Ministers in the parish. Their ministry is to proclaim the Word of God and to help in the distribution of Holy Communion ion church and at home. If you would like to be part of this ministry group please let Fr Andrew know.
At various times in the year a scripture study group meets. This is usually for a period of 4 or 6 weeks. Please consult the parish newsletter for further details.
COMPANIONS GROUP
The Companions Group is a club for people with disabilities. We started meeting over 30 years ago in St Swithin's Parish and are based in the Parish Community Room. We meet every Thursday evening between 7.00pm and 9.00pm. New members and helpers are always welcome. For more information contact Maureen Murray on 228 4772.
For over 40 years a branch of the Union of Catholic Mothers has existed in Queen of Martyrs Parish. It is fair to say that at this present time the membership is more like the Union of Catholic Grandmothers! New members are always welcome, Please contact Teresa McCarthy on 548 6844.
The welcomers arrive 20 minutes before Mass starts in order to hand out newsletters, hymn books and any additional information to parishioners as they arrive. We consider this as important in making people feel part of our parish family. If you are interested in joining this friendly group, working on a rota, please make contact.
TEA MAKERS
After the 11.15am Mass we have tea and coffee in our Community Room. If you wish to volunteer to be a tea maker please get in touch.
CLASS
Community Learning and Social Solutions The aim of CLASS is the simply facilitate the needs of the Community, the Associations and individual projects. CLASS exists for the education, improvement and involvement of individuals, businesses and people in the local area. You will find CLASS at 223 Lowerhouse Lane where there is a welcome cup of tea and a charity shop. For more information call Lana McGuinness on 546 2870
ECUMENICAL JUSTICE AND PEACE GROUP
In Autumn 2004, 3 local ministers, from Queen of Martyrs, Good Shepherd and St Cuthbert's got together to encourage action for justice and peace to begin in an ecumenical setting. This group organised a trip to the Make Poverty History Rally in Edinburgh and has met to look at international and local issues of justice. Anne Monaghan and Doreen Burke are the parish reps for the J and P Commission. There is now also a Pastoral Area Justice and Peace Group which feeds information into each parish in the Pastoral Area.
8th Kirkby OUR LADY QUEEN of MARTYRS RAINBOWS, BROWNIES and GUIDES
Each Thursday evening (in term time) in Bosco Arts College our parish unit of Rainbows, Brownies and Guides meet. Under the careful guidance of their leaders young people grow in the traditions of the movement and enjoy their activities together. For further information contact the unit at the school on a Thursday evening. (There is a waiting list for Rainbows and Brownies).
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. We have a team of volunteers who oversee our parish implementation of Safe and Sound, led by Moira McLoughlin. She can be contacted via the Parish Office or at Liverpool Hope University.
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 included 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. Len Barton (now retired) was the 1st permanent Deacon in Queen of Martyrs Parish from 1980. Our parish Deacon is Malcolm Fletcher, but we are always open to anyone who feels called to serve the Church in the Diocese in this way.
BEREAVEMENT GROUP
– this has just been set up to provide support for parishioners at the time of the death of a loved one. The group will also enable the rosary to be said prior to the funeral service and will organise a quarterly Mass for the Beareaved. For more information contact Moira McCarthy.
PARISH CLUB
It is right that the parish Club, known as Queen of Martyrs, should be included under ministries. We see the Club as part of our ministry of welcome. Having a suitable and welcoming place for people to gather for social activities is very important for us. There are 2 rooms that can be hired for private functions, the large Alt Suite (holding 185) and a small room (holding 85) off the Kennedy Lounge. Queen of Martyrs is a members Club.
For information about Queen of Martyrs Parish Centre please phone the Manager on 546 3683.
