In addition to the core ministries of parish life several prayer, action and social groups are active in the parish and city. These groups offer other concrete ways of ministering and of following in the footsteps of Christ.
The Over 60s group meet at St Mary’s Catholic Centre on Tuesday afternoon after the lunchtime Mass. They are a social and support group open to anyone to join them for some fun and good company.
Saint Cecilia’s Prayer Group
This group meets at 8pm on Monday evenings at St Cecilia’s. Everyone is welcome to join them for prayer and worship.
Couples preparing for Marriage in the Catholic Church take part in a preparation course run by Marriage Care. The course is run by a group of married people who share their experience of living Christian marriage and encourage the engaged couple to share together their vision for their marriage.
Marriage Care also provide support to married couples facing difficulties in their relationship. Go to marriagecare.org.uk for more details.
The object of the Legion of Mary is the glory of God through the holiness of its members developed by prayer and active co-operation, under ecclesiastical guidance, in Mary’s and the Church’s work of crushing the head of the serpent and advancing the reign of Christ.
Today, active and auxiliary (praying) members make up a total of over 10 million members worldwide, making it the largest apostolic organisation
of lay people in the Catholic Church. Works include door-to-door evangelisation, parishioner visitation, visitation of the sick or aged, Catholic education, visiting the newly baptised, visiting families, and meeting the other spiritual needs of the parish community. Go to http:// legionofmary.org.uk for more details.
The St Vincent de Paul Society (England & Wales) is part of an international Christian voluntary network dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms by providing practical assistance to people in need. Our 10,000 members, motivated by their faith, visit vulnerable or isolated people across England and Wales and offer them friendship and practical support. The essence of their work is person-to-person contact and spending time with people is our greatest gift.
The core befriending service is complemented by Community Support Projects which reflect the needs of our local communities and include over 40 community shops, St Vincent’s Centres, furniture provision, supported accommodation and Approved Premises for offenders leaving prison. They also run several ‘special works’ including children’s camps and holidays, which offer disadvantaged families and children a much-needed break. Go to svp.org.uk for more information.