Our Lady of Mercy

The Church has always venerated the Scriptures as she venerates the Lord’s Body. She never ceases to present to the faithful the bread of life, taken from the one table of God’s Word and Christ’s Body.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Christ is present in his word, since it is he who speaks to his people when the scriptures are proclaimed in church. In the same way extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist share the body and blood of Christ with the 

faithful, the readers share the Word of God with their brothers and sisters. The reader allows Christ to speak to his people by offering to him their voice so that Christ’s words may be heard.

Readers proclaim the first reading, the responsorial psalm and the gospel acclamation. On Sundays and certain feasts, they also proclaim the second reading and part of the bidding prayers.

For more information on how to read at Mass in Our Lady of Mercy Parish, download our guide: How not to read at Mass.

You shall appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the covenant, and over all its equipment, and over all that belongs to it; they are to carry the tabernacle and all its equipment, and they shall tend it, and shall camp around the tabernacle.

Numbers 1:50

Altar servers assist the priest and deacon with the celebration of the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. They carry the cross, candles, incense and books and through their ministry provide dignity to and help with the smooth running of liturgies. Altar servers also help at weddings and funerals.

Anyone can be an altar server: female or male, young or old. Adults will need to have a special safeguarding check before they can serve in this ministry.

Store up treasures for yourself in heaven.

Matthew 6:19

Sacristans work behind the scenes preparing the sacred vessels and the sacred vestments for the celebration of Mass and for the other liturgical celebrations. They make sure the churches are stocked with everything needed for the celebration of Mass and also look after the altar candles and the sanctuary lamp that burns before the tabernacle. Sacristans wash and iron the altar cloths, purificators, corporals and other cloths used in the celebration of Mass and the sacraments.

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

1 Corinthians 11:26

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the priest and deacon in distributing the Body and the Blood of Christ at Mass; to the sick at home and in the hospitals; and to the housebound. Whether at Mass or in other special situations, the extraordinary ministers of holy communion enable the recipient to share the Communion of the entire Body of Christ, the Church, and share in the effects of the abiding Communion of love of the God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Lesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”

Matthew 19:14

Jesus instructed his disciples to allow the little children to approach him and not to obstruct them. The catechists at children's liturgy fulfil this directive in a unique way by preparing liturgies for our youngest members that open to them the treasures of God's Word in a manner that is appealing and comprehensible to them.

Children's liturgy is typically conducted during the Sunday Morning Mass at St. Mary's at 10.30am. Catechists must undergo a special safeguarding check before they are permitted to work with children.

The one who sings prays well!

St Augustine of Hippo

The psalms urge us to praise God with music, on instruments and with our voices. Music raises our hearts and minds to God in prayer and helps form us into a community of prayer and praise. Music enhances our liturgies by setting the tone for the celebration and inviting the participation of everyone, regardless of musical ability.

David also commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their kindred as the singers to play on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise loud sounds of joy.

1 Chronicles 15:16

The Old Testament speaks of musicians praising God with their skill and the Church has continued to use musical instruments to enhance liturgical worship throughout its history. While the organ has been used in Catholic Churches for many centuries, other instruments reflect the diversity of peoples and cultures called to form the one People of God.

Parishioners who can play instruments are encouraged to use their skills for public worship on weekends and the major feast days of the church’s calendar.

Sing to him, sing praises to him, tell of all his wonderful works.

1 Chronicles 16:9

The Book of Psalms is the Bible’s hymn book. Jesus and his disciples would have known and sung the psalms, as they did on the night of the Last Supper. Choir members use their voices not only to praise God, but to help and encourage the whole congregation to lift up their voices to the Lord.

The parish’s choirs sing at the weekend Masses and at the major celebrations.