We are often called upon to volunteer to take a role in the life of the parish. There are many possibilities here: music, serving at Mass, children’s liturgy, lay ministers of the Eucharist, church cleaners, readers etc. Each person’s contribution is important for the parish.

Liturgy
Music
Deanery Youth Council
Sacristans
Childrens' Liturgy
Teen Liturgy
Church Cleaning
Flowers

Liturgy

The different celebrations for the liturgical cycle have to be planned well in advance. This group meets regularly to discuss all aspects of our worship as a community. It liaises closely with the priest and the music group. Special attention is given to Advent, Lent and Easter, but non-eucharistic liturgies are planned for special occasions.

Music

This group meets to plan the music and co-ordinate with the liturgy group for all the major feasts and liturgical celebrations. The members take turns on a monthly basis to choose music and hymns for our Masses. Care is taken to ensure that the theme of the readings is emphasised by the songs, and that there in commonality between our two churches. Feedback is welcomed and we are delighted with offers of voices, instruments and new musical ideas.

Deanery Youth Council

The Parish has two young representatives on this Council which organises social and spiritual events for the young people of the Deanery.

Sacristans

The sacristan takes responsibility for all the contents of the church relating to the liturgy: the correct vestments, vessels for the various celebrations, books, thus ensuring that all will run smoothly. Another function is to train altar servers.

Children’s Liturgy

Buckland: All children of 11 years and below are welcome to join in every Sunday* at the 10.30 am Mass. In an informal and relaxed atmosphere we aim to share the Gospel of the day and encourage open discussion, often acting out the events of the Gospel with the children. Using a combination of art, singing and puzzles we seek to impart to the children the inherent messages of the Gospel in an enjoyable way. Parents are more than welcome to accompany their children if they wish, and for children of 3 and under this is desirable.
*Please note there is no children’s liturgy at the 9.00 am Mass on the first Sunday of the month.
Sunday Masses at Buckland will end on 26th June 2005.

Faringdon: Two groups meet every Sunday during Mass for children aged 5-7 and 8-11 years where they celebrate an adapted Liturgy of the Word and homily. The catechists lead the children into an enjoyable celebration suited to their age and ability with language and symbols relating to the childhood experiences. It is hoped that regular participation in these groups will prepare the children for greater participation and active involvement in the liturgical life of the Church in adulthood.

Teen Liturgy

Faringdon: This group is intended to take the young people forward from 11–18 years. The group meets each Sunday after Holy Communion. The leaders discuss aspects of the Sunday Scriptures with the group members drawing on major themes from the readings. The young people are invited to respond in a personal and active way so that they make connections between the Scriptures and their own lives.

Church Cleaning

A very important ministry to us all is cleaning and caring for our churches, without which our worship would be impossible. If you have an hour or two to spare every few weeks or so we would welcome your help.

Flowers

Are you interested in flower arranging/church decorations and would like to join the rota? If so, please make yourself known to us.

Parish Guide
Index
Introduction
Where are we
The Parish Pastoral Council
Our Christian Journey
Prayer in our parish
Ministries
Holding things together
Outreach