Guilds, Ministries & Fellowship
The work of the Guilds and other opportunities for sharing ministry, prayer, and fellowship together at St John Henry’s make up an important part of our common life in our parish. Volunteers help in ways both big and small, often unseen, that are crucial for us as we worship and share fellowship with one another with and the whole company of heaven. In addition to service, our community meets regularly in different groups for fellowship, refreshment, and discussion. Such fellowship, particularly around the table, reflects and strengthens our gathering at Mass, for the table of fellowship at which we partake mirrors the table of fellowship at the altar.
We encourage you to explore each of these aspects of our community and the many ways in which you can participate and so share our mission to bring Jesus Christ, the truth of his Gospel, and the fulness of the life of his Bride, the Catholic Church, to the people of Victoria.
We encourage you to explore each of these aspects of our community and the many ways in which you can participate and so share our mission to bring Jesus Christ, the truth of his Gospel, and the fulness of the life of his Bride, the Catholic Church, to the people of Victoria.
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ST STEPHEN’S GUILD
Our servers’ guild, affiliated with the Guild of St Stephen in England, is open to men and boys who wish to serve at the altar at Masses and other sacred liturgies according to Divine Worship. This is a wonderful opportunity for fraternity, fellowship, and service.
Contact: Wendell Clanton [email protected]
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HOLY SOULS’ GUILD
The Holy Souls’ Guild promotes the Church’s teaching on the Faithful Departed through prayer for the dying and for the repose of the Holy Souls. The Guild encourages serious preparation for death and time-honoured Christian customs for those approaching death.
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LITTLEMORE FELLOWSHIP
Our men’s group aims to explore the faith a little more by meeting for two hours once a month to share passages from Scripture and religious writers, for discussion, and to help men better conform their lives to the will of God. Compline and refreshments follow.
Contact: Wendell Clanton [email protected]
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COR AD COR
The name of our ladies’ fellowship, Cor ad Cor, is taken from St John Henry Newman’s own motto, ‘Heart speaks unto heart’. The ladies meet once a month to reflect on and discuss various readings and theological issues, with refreshments and plenty of good cheer to follow.
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VERGERS
Rooted in medieval English practise, Vergers are laymen who fulfil the role of Master of Ceremonies in the nave. With verge in hand, their role is to assist at processions, weddings, funerals, and other occasions as needed, in order to keep good order and peace within the congregation during divine worship.
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SIDESMEN
Sidesmen are men and women who fulfil a ministry of welcome in our parish. They arrive at least 30 minutes before a service, greet people as they arrive, give out information, help people to find a pew, and take up the collection. They also tidy up the church, booklets, and turn off the lights following Mass.
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POST-MASS FELLOWSHIP
Five days a week, from Monday to Friday we gather following the morning Low Mass for tea, coffee, snacks, and often the odd leftover treat from our Sunday fellowship, whilst debating and pondering the goings on in the parish and the world around us. On Sundays, parishioners are encouraged to bring food to share with all, and stay to welcome visitors and see friends. All are welcome to join us.
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MONTHLY POTLUCK
On the third Sunday of each month, since we offer the Solemn Mass at the later hour of 3.30 pm, we invite parishioners to bring a home-cooked meal or dish to share after Mass, and so enjoy a grand potluck supper. Hot and cold foods are also welcome, as are dainties and cakes. All are welcome!
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FOUR MILERS
The Four Milers meet once a month following a weekday Low Mass at the historic Four Mile pub, 199 Island Highway, to share a lunch together in a cosy snug we’ve dubbed ‘The Newman Room’. All are welcome to join us for this time of good food and excellent fellowship.
Contact: Bernie McCabe
[email protected] |
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FLOWER ARRANGERS
On a three-month rotational basis, shared with Queen of Peace parish and the Latin Mass community, St John Henry’s arranges flowers at the High Altar and shrines so as to add beauty to our celebration of Mass and other liturgies. Volunteers are always welcome to assist with this important ministry.
Contact: Heather Hoffman
[email protected] |
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