Groups & Committees
Get involved in Parish life! There are many ways to use your gifts and talents to serve God and our community.
Proclaim the Word of God at Mass. Training will be provided for those called to this ministry.
Help our youngest parishioners understand and engage with the Sunday Gospel in age-appropriate ways.
Greet parishioners and visitors as they arrive for Mass, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Young people who assist the Priest during Mass. Training will be provided for anyone who wants to become an altar server.
Beautify our church with floral arrangements throughout the Liturgical year.
'He who sings prays twice' - St Augustine of Hippo
Music has always been important at Our Lady Help of Christians and St Aloysius. We have a fine organ and are blessed with some keen volunteers who are privileged to place their skills at the service of our Church community at prayer.
Organists
We have two organists, plus a learning organist. Mark de Pulford covers the 11 am Sunday Mass and most of the principal feasts. Michael Woolley covers principally the 9am Sunday Mass. Miriam Ugoeze currently helps at the 11 am Sunday Mass.
Choir
A small group of committed singers meets every Thursday evening to prepare music for the 11am Sunday Mass and for the principal liturgical feasts.
The choir is always delighted to receive new members. There is no audition and anyone who can sing a hymn in tune (more-or-less) is very welcome.
St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP)
The SVP is a Catholic charity providing practical assistance to those in need within our Parish and local community. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out.
Parish Committees
Our Parish Committees play a vital role in the life and mission of our community. Membership is open to parishioners and subject to approval of the Parish Priest.
The Parish Representatives Group is a composite Committee that draws its representatives from each of the Parish Committees and encourages cohesion and communication across all committee activities.
The Parish Representatives Group (PRG) serves as a coordinating body that brings together representatives from each of the Parish Committees. Its primary purpose is to foster cohesion and communication across all Committee activities, ensuring that the various ministries and committees work together effectively for the good of the Parish community.
Through regular meetings and open dialogue, the PRG helps to prevent duplication of efforts, identify opportunities for collaboration, and ensure that all committees are aligned with the overall mission and vision of the Parish.
The Parish Representatives Group is a composite Committee that draws its representatives from each of the Parish Committees and encourages cohesion and communication across all committee activities.
The purpose of the Evangelisation and Formation Committee is to support ministries and programmes which evangelise and catechise as part of the mission of the Church.
Committee Leadership:
Chair: Chi Davies
Secretary: Earl Morris
Evangelisation and Formation is a lifelong process aimed at personal conversion, growth in faith, and transformation of society. This Committee collaborates with members of the Parish Clergy on the design, implementation, and evaluation of Formation programmes including: evangelisation efforts, Sacramental preparation, children's ministry, Parish school and home relations, youth and young adult ministry, adult and family ministry.
The mission of Formation in discipleship is so extensive, the Committee may form Sub-Committees or ministry teams to work directly with specific ministries. The Committee's role is to monitor, evaluate, and collaborate with any Sub-Committees or teams to minister effectively.
Evangelisation involves three dimensions:
- Internal: Proclaiming the Gospel to the existing community of disciples
- External: Reaching out to those who have not heard the message
- Personal: Embracing the Good News and living a life of ongoing conversion
The purpose of the Evangelisation and Formation Committee is to support ministries and programmes which evangelise and catechise as part of the mission of the Church.
Assists with Management and Preparation of Parish Finances & Returns and Parish Buildings Maintenance, Compliance and Projects.
Committee Leadership:
Co-Chairs: Andre Kleinman and John Devine
Key Responsibilities & Objectives of the Parish Finance & Property Committee: are to liaise with other Parish Committees and Groups to initiate and co-ordinate activities to assist in the creation of/fundraising for a Parish Building & Development Fund, whilst also assisting and advising the Parish Priest in the key areas of Parish Finance, Accounting & HR and Parish Buildings & Maintenance and Projects across the Parish Estate.
Finances:
Assists and advises the Parish Priest in matters relating to the financial oversight and management of the Parish Finances, identifying improvement and income opportunities, efficiencies and economies where appropriate. It is also involved with the ongoing monitoring of Parish income and expenditure, the preparation and development of the Annual Parish Return and projected year end and forward Annual Budget. It also assists with the procurement of external services and sourcing of funds through various means including Parish Drives, Parish Fundraising Events, Grants and Legacies.
Parish Buildings:
This Committee also retains responsibility for the management of the 'state and condition of Parish facilities and property' across our Parish Estate, ensuring repairs and maintenance are undertaken where required, ensuring compliance with all relevant Archdiocesan, Health, Safety, Fire and Other relevant regulatory requirements.
Parish Development Projects:
The PF&PC supports and advises the Parish Priest on matters relating to Parish development and improvements or other expenditures and projects.
Assists with Management and Preparation of Parish Finances & Returns and Parish Buildings Maintenance, Compliance and Projects.
The purpose of the Liturgy Committee is to support the liturgical ministries and to assist with the preparation for the liturgical and prayer life of the Parish community.
Committee Leadership:
Chair: Patrick Davies
Secretary: Ellen Fitzpatrick
This Committee collaborates and consults with members of the Clergy in regard to the formation and training of various ministers for the Eucharist: Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers, Readers, Welcomers, Ushers and other sacraments, as well as preparing sacred environments and liturgical resources.
The mission of Worship is complex, the Committee works directly with specific liturgical ministries.
The purpose of the Liturgy Committee is to support the liturgical ministries and to assist with the preparation for the liturgical and prayer life of the Parish community.
This Committee plans, promotes, facilitates and co-ordinates activities that bring parishioners together for mutual support and celebration.
Committee Leadership:
Chair: Chi Davies
Secretary: Ellen Fitzpatrick
These events help build a sense of community among the members. Christian community life is expansive enough to include everyone. Activities include Christmas lunch, Parish feast days celebrations, bazaar, plant and produce sale, Parish BBQ, film shows, flower shows, fish fries, heritage potluck supper, coffee mornings, fund raising events, multicultural bring and share Pentecost celebration, festivals and fiestas.
The purpose of the Parish Social and Pastoral Committee is to discern the needs of people in the Parish and wider community, and identify resources to meet those needs whilst enlisting the active support and participation of Parish members.
Catholic Social Ministry focuses on:
- Direct service: Works of charity and relating to organisations that serve those in need
- Justice education: Raising awareness about social justice issues and Catholic social teaching
This Committee plans, promotes, facilitates and co-ordinates activities that bring parishioners together for mutual support and celebration.
The role of the Halls Committee is to manage the Halls, report any repair work to the Finance and Property Committee, and ensure halls are well-maintained.
Committee Leadership:
Chair: Ann Berry
Secretary: Earl Morris
The committee is responsible for letting hirers in and out, inspecting the cleanliness of the hall, and ensuring our halls are available for Parish and community use. The committee ensures our facilities meet the needs of both parishioners and the wider community.
The role of the Halls Committee is to manage the Halls, report any repair work to the Finance and Property Committee, and ensure halls are well-maintained.
Ways to Get Involved
There are many opportunities for parishioners to help out - from joining a Committee, attending Parish events, involving yourself in the Sunday liturgy as welcomers, readers, musicians, singers, helping with floral arrangements, catering after each Mass, and more. A number of parishioners support the active Children's Liturgy at the 11am Mass on Sunday.
If you wish to know more about any of these activities, please get in touch with the Parish Office on 01303 252823 or folkestone@rcaos.org.uk.
Interested in joining any of our groups or committees? Contact the Parish Office on 01303 252823 to find out more.