PRACTICAL MINISTRIES
Parish Finance Council
Overseeing the financial administration of the parish, approving major expenditure, and organising fundraising.
Further information: contact Fr Stephen or Michele or Allan at the Parish Office - 3357 6640.
The Samaritans
The Samaritans are a group of volunteers associated with the parish who hold an activities morning in the Parish Hall each Tuesday from 10.00am till 12 Noon during school terms only, for the frail, aged, disabled and homebound. Activities include art, craft and bingo. About 30 members attend each week with about 15 helpers. The helpers are all volunteers who provide transport, assist those who need help with bingo, prepare the morning tea and teach art and craft. A Parish Morning Tea and Craft Sale is held each year to raise money for the Franciscan Mission. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed.
Further information: contact Fr Stephen or Diana Stark on 3355 1631 (AH) for further details.
Community Care
Care for the Sick and Elderly in our Parish
There are groups of parishioners who administer Communion of the Eucharist to the sick and home bound of the parish who are unable to attend Mass. The Franciscan Friars work with these groups, so that our people are able to see a priest at least once a month. This can be arranged through the Parish Office by calling 3357 6640.
Meals on Wheels
Parishioners have been involved with the Chermside Meals on Wheels kitchen for over 35 years. On the 4th Tuesday of each month they are responsible for providing cooks, drivers, and assistants to prepare and deliver the meals to over 140 people. The usual commmitment is a few hours every two months. They always have fun and welcome new members.
Further information: contact Deidre on 3356 4108 if you can spare the time for this valuable community service!
Passionist Family Groups
Family Groups are about sharing the good times, the bad times and the normal times and by so doing developing a sense of community and extended family. They are about loving in the way Christ commanded us ... to love one another as He has loved us. Family Groups enables us to live in faith in our everyday lives. The Family Group Movement aims to let you get to know other members of the Parish, support each other, sharing in the joys and the sorrows. They aim to provide example to, and involve our children in our Christian sharing, and help build and promote community spirit within the Parish.
Further information: contact Sonia Abbott on 3269 8446.
Group 61
Group 61 is a charitable, not for profit organisation which helps people affected by mental illness. The object of Group 61 is to support people affected by mental illness who live in the community. Support is given through committed friendships and aims to empower people to achieve their potential personal growth. Included are people diagnosed with a mental illness and those experiencing excessive stress, anxiety or depression. Volunteers provide support through friendship bringing understanding, empowerment and fullness of life.
Members of Group 61 are volunteers and their service is free. Volunteers are provided with relevant information and training. Once a month volunteers meet to support and share in confidence with one another. The Management Committee meets monthly to ensure Group 61 operates in line with government standards of service. The Prince Charles Hospital Mental Health Unit has appointed a liaison person for the group.
Further information: contact John on 3359 4089.
Secular Franciscans
Following Christ in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi
Being a secular order (and not a religious order) means that Secular Franciscans are living in the world, working in the world, and following Christ in their everyday activities. We are single, married, widowed, and celibate persons, and vary in age from early 30s to 80s. The order consists of lay people and diocesan priests who are called to follow Christ in franternity. St. Francis provides a way of living the life of Gospel with a rule of life as a guide, and the assistance of like-minded brothers and sisters. This is a way of life, and a school of holiness for the ordinary people, who are called to an extraordinary vocation.
Fraternities meet at: Kedron (Holy Spirit SFO)
Further information: contact Michael McGarry: 3862 8559 orFr Finian Perkins OFM: 3350 3955
Web address: http://www.secularfranciscansoceania.com.au/