Activities
COMMUNICATIONS
ST. MARY'S HALL and CASSIDY PASTORAL CENTRE MANAGER The Manager of St. Mary's Church Hall and The Cassidy Pastoral Centre is John Morrison. All enquiries regarding lettings, bookings, booking charges etc. should be addressed to him. He will be able to advise as to availability of the various rooms for meetings and other functions. His Telephone Number is 07511 799526.
PARISH PRESS OFFICER Claire Shelton-Jones is our Parish Press Officer. She sends items of interest from the Parish to the Editor of the A + B NEWS - our Diocesan Newspaper - every month and to local papers. If you have something to contribute please get in touch with Claire and ask her to include it with her next contribution to The A + B NEWS. Her Telephone Number is 505642.
THE PARISH NEWSLETTER. If you have items for inclusion in the weekly Parish Newsletter please send them to the Parish Priest by Thursday for inclusion on the following Sunday. You may send them by Fax or Email or Telephone 01273 554509
LOURDES PILGRIMAGE FUNDRAISING Our parish endeavours to send pilgrims to Lourdes with the Diocesan Pilgrimage each year. Some go as sick or handicapped and young people from the parish go as helpers. The Parish helps to pay their fare by raising money throughout the year by sponsored events - London Bike Ride - or coffee/tea after Mass on Sundays, etc.
GIFT AID is a new way of supporting our parish finances. Gift Aid replaces the old Covenant Scheme. To take part in the Gift Aid scheme the following are necessary: you must be a taxpayer; you must make a simple declaration (which can be revoked at any time) that ANY money you give to the parish can be counted as gift aid for the purpose of the parish reclaiming tax; assuming you make offerings to the Church in the normal course of events, IT COSTS YOU NOTHING; you are not committed to give any particular sum as was the case under the old covenant scheme; no disclosure of your financial affairs is required; all records are completely confidential; IT WILL BE OF CONSIDERABLE FINANCIAL BENEFIT TO THE PARISH. For every £1 donated the Parish can claim back from the Inland revenue 28p. I you want more information about GIFT AID please contact the Parish Gift Aid Secretary - Bernard Regan. Tel No. 559862
CHRISTMAS FAIR Our Parish runs a very successful Fair in the autumn each year to raise funds for the Parish. If you would like to help in any way please contact the Christmas Fair Organiser - Cara Chollerton. Tel No. 01273 5532172
HOSPITAL VISITS The hospitals in Brighton and Hove have appointed Catholic Chaplains but the priest from St. Mary's will also try to visit. Please let them know if you have to go into hospital or if you have a relative in hospital.
FLOWER ARRANGING A group of ladies from the parish community arranges the flowers in the Church for Sundays, Festivals, Special occasions and Weddings.Contact Chris Rodrigues. Tel. No. :- 553585 or Joan Spells. Tel. No:- 558268.
CHURCH CLEANING Our Church is always beautifully clean and tidy. We so easily take it for granted. We always need more help. If you would like to help please come to the Church any Saturday morning about 10.30 a.m.
ST. MARY'S PARISH HALL and CASSIDY PASTORAL CENTRE are at the centre of many activities and are very much in demand. If you would like to use the Hall or Cassidy Pastoral Centre you should contact the Hall and Cassidy Centre Manager- John Morrison. Tel. No:- 07511 799526.
GUIDES AND BROWNIES Rainbows (5-7 year olds), Brownies (7-10 year olds) and Guides (10-14 year olds) from Girlguiding Preston Park meet in St. Mary's Church Hall on Mondays and Wednesdays. These groups include some of the girls and young women from our Parish.
For more information about these and other guiding groups in the area (including Senior Section (14-26 year olds) and volunteering opportunities) please contact Girlguiding Preston Park on 07934 380 314 or e-mail :prestonparkguides@googlemail.com
PARISH CHILD PROTECTION POLICY These guidelines set out our Diocesan and Parish policy and a current code of good practice for church people working with children and young people or vulnerable adults in parish and diocesan situations. Copies of the Policy are available to all parishioners and their families and are in the Church porch.The Parish Child Protection Officer is Mrs Hazel Sharpe - Tel. No. 01271- 541050
THE PARISH FINANCE & FABRIC COMMITTEE meets on a regular basis to oversee and organise repairs and maintenance to the Parish property and to advise the Parish Priest on all matters to do with Parish finances. It has five members who currently are, Bernard Regan, Philip Spells, Maureen Fleet, John Woodhead, Harry Cross and the Parish Priest.
ECUMENISM St. Mary's Parish is a member of Churches Together in Preston and is represented by the Parish Priest and two members of the Parish - Sister Margaret Mary and Christine Alexandrou.Through our membership of Churches Together in Preston we are associated with Churches Together in Brighton & Hove and are represented by Maura Lesser - Tel. No. 503442.
PRAYER AND STUDY GROUPS
CaFE F AQ’s
What is CaFE? CaFE stands for Catholic faith exploration. Why do we need it? Many Catholics’ have not had any formal teaching about their faith since first holy communion or confirmation and much has changed in the church over the years. What happens exactly? This will vary, once or twice a year there will be a specific theme with a series of set talks and the rest of the year there will be individual events such as Adoration, films and other get- tog ethers. Do I have to come every week? No, the idea of CaFE is that it is a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere with a large emphasis on the social as well as spiritual. (Hence the play on words!) Want to know more? Contact Eve or Henry Morrison on 273923, Fiona Wookey on 554954, Jacqui Batchelor on 227084, Chris Rooke on 551577 or Luke Fernandes on 556927.
SCRIPTURE & MEDITATION GROUP Would you like to have a better understanding of the Readings at Mass on Sundays? Our Group meets every Tuesday evening from 8.0 - 9.0 p.m. at The Cassidy Pastoral Centre. We read, study and discuss the scriptures. We also meditate and pray together. For further information telephone Sister Margaret Mary - >Contact: Tel. No. 509986, or Colette Northage - Contact Tel. No. 565722
CENTERING PRAYER - A MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP Follows the teaching on Centering Prayer by Fr Thomas Keating a Catholic Trapist Monk in California.
Group meets once a month on a Saturday from 2pm to 4pm. Group begins with a short introduction to Centering Prayer; a period of centering prayer followed by a talk on DVD by Fr Thomas Keating.
Group is non denominational and is run by Mrs Jan Nowak at her church, the Anglican church of The Holy Cross in Warren Road Woodingdean.
Anyone interested could phone me for more details if interested: - Cathy – 01273 564431.
ECUMENICAL HOUSEGROUPS During Advent and Lent Christians from the local churches meet together to pray and to discuss topics recommended by the local dioceses.The coordinator is Sister Margaret Mary: Tel. No. 509986
PRAYER GROUP for retired and elderly people - to deepen one's spirituality, to offer friendship and to encourage the apostolate within one's environment.Meets on Monday afternoons at St. Mary's House, Preston Park Avenue at 3.0pm.Contact Ellen MacRorie - Tel. No. 508006
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION GROUP A non-denominational group which meets on Monday evenings from 8.0 - 9.0 p.m. at St. Mary's House, 38-39 Preston Park Avenue. Please come along. It is a drop-in group, so attendance every week is not necessary, as you take the ‘skill’ of quiet meditation away with you, but its strengthening to meditate as a group. For more information please phone Sister Teresa on 550488, or just come along and see.
ROSARY GROUP On Wednesday evenings a Rosary Group is held at 22, Millcroft, Patcham. This informal group is open to every one of all ages and the evening includes recitation of the Rosary, music, scripture reading and intercessory prayers. Start time 8.15 p.m. - ends at 9.45 p.m. Contact Chris Rooke on 551577.
JOHN MAIN PRAYER GROUP meets on Tuesday mornings from 10.30 - 11.00 in The Cassidy Pastoral Centre. We begin with a short Talk on tape by John Main, O.S.B.. This is followed by about ten minutes silent prayetr. All are welcome. For more details contact Sister Teresa on 01273 550488
CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP Meets every Wednesday at 8.30 at 91,Graham Avenue, Patcham. Praise and Worship, Scripture study with discussion and prayer, personal and intercessionary. Contact Eve Morrison. Tel. No. 273923.
PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES A Prayer Group for people with learning disabilities, their family and friends takes place on the first Friday of each month at 8.00 p.m. Contact Celia Gurowich on 01273 555967 for details.
SOCIAL ACTION
SOCIAL CONCERNS Our Parish has a Social Concerns Committee which meets regularly to review social issues in the Brighton area and to support local iniatives. Please contact Michael Birch. Tel. No. 557322, or Sister Margaret Mary on Tel. No. 550488.
ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY Lay men and women who "...seek, in a spirit of justice and charity, to help those who suffer..." by visiting the housebound, the sick or the lonely - to offer Christian love and friendship and, if needed, practical or financial help.The President is Dennis Batchelor - Tel. No. 227084. The Hon. Secretary is Patricia Dixon - Tel. No. 880732. Meetings are held every two weeks at 8.0pm in the Lourdes Convent, 29, Harrington Road. Contact the Secretary for dates of Meetings. New members will be very welcome.
SICK or HOUSEBOUND Holy Communion is taken regularly by the Parish Priest or by Special Ministers of the Eucharist to anyone who is ill or housebound or who is unable to come to Mass. Contact The Parish Priest.
PRESTON MINISTERS FRATERNAL This group consists of the clergy and ministers of all the local churches. It's activities are linked with Churches Together in Preston.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB It meets every Thursday in The Cassidy Pastoral Centre from 2.0 - 4.0pm. Talks, games, slideshows and various social activities. Coach outings in the Summer months.Annual subscription - £1.15p Weekly charge - 30p. Contact David Alfred, Tel. No. 540038 (Mobile 07960385671) or Isabelle McHardy - Tel. No. 556299.
YOUTH CLUB We have a thriving youth club that meets every two weeks during term time. We currently support year 7 children from the parish, soon to be enlarged with the current year 6. We have enthusiastic helpers who enjoy contributing to its success, but more would be very welcome. Don't worry if you dont have experience in this area, come and share whatever you can offer. We run games and activities, and are always looking for new ideas. Contact Peter McDermott on 550187 for details.
THE PARISH LITURGY COMMITTEE meets to plan Liturgies for Christmas, Easter and special occasions. It has representatives from various groups who are interested in helping and is open to anyone wishing to attend. It welcomes people with particular talents or anyone who is interested in helping.
PARISH CHOIR If you wish to join the choir you may wish to contact Maureen Fleet - 504778 - or the Organist - Charles Wookey - 554954. The Choir leads the singing at the 10am Mass on Sundays and on Festival Days including Christmas and Easter.
CHILDREN'S LITURGY GROUP Each Sunday the children of the Parish have their own Liturgy of the Word in the Parish Hall and in the Cassidy Pastoral Centre during the 10.00am Mass. It aims to coordinate and promote the spiritual and moral development of our children, by providing suitable and relevant liturgy for the children of the parish every Sunday - either by a special Mass or a different and appropriate Liturgy of the Word during the 10.00am Mass on Sundays.
Contact Emma Mann on 01273 388103 - for any group although each group has a Rota Organiser.
Pre School Children - Contact Nicola Bond.
School Age (Year R - 2) Contact Nadia Terrazina.
School Age (Year 3 - 4) Contact Vicky Gaffney
CHILDRENS CHOIR. This is a large group of children and young people who lead the singing at the Children's Mass on the First Sunday of each month. It welcomes those who can play an instrument or who would like to help with the singing. Contact Charles Wookey, Tel. No. 55495.
ALTAR SERVERS. Boys and girls are invited to become Altar Servers after they have made their First Holy Communion. If you would like to serve at Mass contact the Parish Priest or Dennis Batchelor on 01273-275974.
MINISTRY OF READER We welcome new readers and offer a programme of training giving important guidelines. Once a year we have a morning of reflection followed by some basic training.If you would like to read at Mass please contact Maureen Heath - Telephone 882693 or the Parish Priest.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARISTThey help in distributing Holy Communion at Mass and in taking Holy Communion to the sick and housebound. The coordinators are Dick Morris - at 7.00 p.m. - 540877, David Alfred at 10.00 a.m. - 540038, and Mary Brett at Midday - 501991.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
RECONCILIATION AND HOLY COMMUNION. Charles Wookey - 554954, Hazel Sharpe - 541050 and Janet Forte - 552900 - prepare children for the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Reconciliation. It is a home/parish based course which lasts about six months. Parents who wish their children to celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist should contact the Parish Priest.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION The Bishop requires that couples marrying in our Diocese attend a Pre Marriage Course. It is organised in our Parish by Brighton Marriage Care which runs courses twice a year in St. Mary's Parish. Arrangements to attend the Course should be made through the Parish Priest.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS (R.C.I.A.) Are you interested in knowing a little more about the Catholic teaching of its faith. How to find out and where to go? Why not try the R.C.I.A. Course. It teaches all about life and the WHO and WHAT and WHY we are. For more information please contact The Parish Priest. Tel No 01273 554509
BAPTISM PREPARATION A Course of Preparation for Baptism is offered to parents of children about to be baptised. Two meetings are held each month in The Cassidy Pastoral Centre. It is coordinated by Dennis O'Sullivan - Tel. No. 563769. Arrangements for Baptism should be made with the Parish Priest. See the Parish Newsletter for details.
CONFIRMATION PREPARATION A Course of Preparation for Confirmation is offered to young people who express a wish to be confirmed. It is coordinated by John Stone - 680106. Application for Confirmation should be made to the Parish Priest. Meetings take place in The Cassidy Centre on Saturday afternoons. See the Parish Newsletter for details.
ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH The A.P.F. is a worldwide organisation which supports the Missions in many countries. In this parish approximately fifty people have collecting boxes in their homes.If you would like to have a box in your home or would like to become an annual member please ring Edmund Mahony. Tel. No. 01273 556685.
THE CASSIDY PASTORAL CENTRE was opened by Bishop Kieran Conry, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton on October 7th 2007. It was made possible through a very generous bequest to the Parish by Cyril Hubert Cassidy who died in 2004. He served the Parish faithfully for many years and was most at home helping the needy and the elderly. He organised activities for them, arranged outings and led an annual holiday for the Senior Citizens Club which he organised and ran for about twenty five years. He was a life-long member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, an Altar Server and served the Parish in many other ways.
The Cassidy Pastoral Centre is a fitting memorial to him and is for the use of parish, deanery and diocesan groups and organisation. It is also available for hire to local charities and commercial organisations.
The Manager is John Morrison. All enquiries should be addressed to him. His Telephone Number is 07511 799526
A wide variety of activities take place in the Cassidy Centre. Children go there for Liturgy of the Word on Sundays. First Holy Communion groups meet there with their parents and catechists. Preparation for Marriage and Marriage Counselling take place on a regular basis. Our Senior Citizens Club meets there on Thursday afternoons. Young people preparing for Confirmation meet here on Saturdays. During Lent we run a Hunger Lunch on Fridays from Midday - 1.00 p.m.. Proceeds go to an African project - "Hope For Children" - run by a member of the Parish who works in Uganda. The Parish Social Concerns Groups holds regular meetings as advertised in the weekly Parish Newsletter.
If you would like to use one or more rooms in the Cassidy Pastoral Centre please ring the Manager- John Morrison. Tel. No. :- 07511 799526