Altar Servers

Coordinator: Maureen Janicki (St M); - to be arranged (St B)
Phone no: 0161 766 9173 (St M)

Altar servers have a key role in making sure that the prayerfulness and celebration of the parish community runs smoothly, without distraction. As well as joining in the praying of the Mass along with everyone else they attend to what is needed at particular times throughout the Mass.

Coordinators have responsibility for the recruitment and training of altar servers.

When and where? At Saturday and Sunday masses, with meetings and training as announced.

Who is eligible to join? Those who are fully initiated into the church - i.e. those baptised, confirmed and who receive the Eucharist.

Contact Fr Chris Lough and/or, for St Michael's, contact Maureen Janicki as above.

Ministers of the Environment (church cleaners)

Coordinator: Christine Hoddes (St B) Ellen Bailey (St M)

St Bernadette's: The group consists of teams of 2/3 people who aim to keep our church clean and tidy. At the moment this consists of a couple of hours (at their own convenience), every six weeks for each team. We also try to get together once a year to give a thorough clean which is usually achieved within an hour and a half.

St Michael's: Six parishioners meet every Monday at 8am to clean the church.

Who is eligible to join? Anybody's help is very welcome at both churches. Contacts as above.

Ministers of the Environment (flowers etc)

Coordinator: Irene Joynson (St B); Anne Flanagan (St M)
Phone no: 0161 796 0929

St Bernadette's: The church flower arrangers decorate the church each week on a rota basis. Their work aims to inspire prayer and worship with displays that echo the seasons or feasts. If flowers for weddings are required 2 months' notice is needed. Please inform us if you are having your own florist so that we can arrange for the church to be opened when needed.

St Michael's: There is just one flower arranger at present.

When and where? As appropriate and convenient for individuals on the rota.

Who is eligible to join? Parishioners with an interest in flowers and awareness of the service offered in this work. Help will be given, if required, to anyone who can offer his or her time to this work.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist

Coordinator: John Mallon (StB) Angela Still (StM)
Phone no: 0161 796 2128
Email: angelastill@talktalk.net

Extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist assist with the distribution of the Eucharist at weekend Masses and at weekday Masses. They also take Holy Communion to sick and housebound parishioners, including those in hospitals and nursing homes. To serve as a Eucharistic minister is to share the care, support and Spirit of our parish with our fellow parishioners.

When and where? The only regular meeting at present is at the Holy Thursday Mass when new ministers are normally commissioned and others renew their dedication. Other meetings as announced.

Who is eligible to join? Parishioners aged 16+ years. Contact Fr Chris Lough

Welcome Ministry

Coordinators:
Sat 18:00 Mike Deegan
Sun 08:45 Frances Purdue (0161 766 8337)
Sun 10:00
Sun 11:15 Tony Nuttall

Welcomers offer a smile and a greeting to all as we gather. Working in twos or threes they operate on a rota basis. In addition to being the first point of contact and giving assistance or guidance as needed, the welcomers also invite two or more people to present the Gifts of bread and wine on behalf of the community.

One important aspect of the ministry is to make visitors and new parishioners especially welcome and to note names/details to pass on to the parish priest.

Welcomers are also available to people as they leave the church to deal with inquiries, offer assistance, point out notices, introduce new comers to parishioners etc.

When and where? Welcomers are at their post at least 15 minutes before Sunday Mass and as the congregation leave. They also try to minister at funerals and other occasions. Occasional review meetings are held in the Lourdes room. Dates are published in the newsletter.

Who is eligible to join? Everyone. Ask one of the Welcomers for more information or contact the appropriate coordinator, as above.

Music Ministry at Saturday 6.00pm, St Michael's

Coordinator: Shauna Murphy

The aim of the choir and musicians is to lead the congregation in music and singing, thus enabling the active participation of all in the church's liturgy. We also prepare the music for the Easter Vigil and for the first Mass of Christmas.

When and where? Before 18:00 mass on Saturdays, with practices at other times as arranged

Who is eligible to join? All singers and musicians are very welcome.

Music Ministry at Saturday 10.00am, St Michael's

Coordinator: Mark Healey

The aim of the choir and musicians is to lead the congregation in music and singing, thus enabling the active participation of all in the church's liturgy.

When and where? After 10:00 mass on Sundays, with practices at other times as arranged

Who is eligible to join? All singers and musicians are very welcome.

Music Ministry at Sunday 11.15am, St Bernadette's

Coordinator: Ruth Rudd
Phone no: 0161 280 2545

The aim of the choir and musicians is to lead the congregation in music and singing, thus enabling the active participation of all in the church's liturgy.

When and where? Before 11:15 Mass on Sundays

Who is eligible to join? All are welcome. Please approach the choir leader or a member of the choir.

Ministers of the Word - Readers

Coordinator: John Mallon (StB) Sue McAvady (StM)
Phone no: 0160 796 9036

Through the scripture readings the congregation hear the Word of God as Jesus Christ is present among us in his words and teachings. Two readers are required at each Sunday and Feast day Mass. One reader proclaims the first reading and leads the psalm, if it is not sung. The second reader proclaims the New Testament passage and the Gospel acclamation verse (again, if not sung). The second reader also leads the Prayers of the Faithful.

When and where? Preparation (meditation and practice) for reading is undertaken in the ministers' own time. Rotas are distributed about twice a year.

Who is eligible to join? Parishioners. Contact Fr Chris Lough/John Mallon

Sacristans' Ministry

Coordinators: Betty, Janice Neary (St B) Maureen Janicki, Paul Stretton (St M)
Phone no: 0161 766 9173 (St B) 0161 766 5579 (St M)

Sacristans open the church and prepare for all Eucharistic, sacramental and other services throughout the liturgical seasons and in the life of the parish community. They keep the stocks up to date for all liturgical and other needs in the sacristy. Sacristans also assist visiting priests. There is a number of people who give support and help throughout the year and ensure that the needs of every day's communal prayer are met.

When and where? The work is shared daily.

Who is eligible to join? Parishioners. Contact Fr Chris Lough

Baptismal sacramental - preparation programme

Coordinator: Collette Pritchard
Phone no: 0161 766 5177

Aim: To provide 2 sessions which will help parents prepare for the celebration of the Rite of Baptism of Children. This will involve discussion of the undertakings they make in presenting their child for baptism, the meaning of their own baptism and Christian life and issues of concern to faith and adult Christian living.

When and where? The courses will be available 6 times a year as from November 2009 with venues alternating between St Bernadette's and St Michael's.

Who is eligible to join? Expectant parents and parents of young children. Contact Fr Chris and/or Colette Pritchard as above.

Catechesis for Children not in Catholic Schools

Coordinator: Pat Euston at St Bernadette's
Contact details: via Parish Priest

To prepare children who do not attend a catholic school for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Communion. Also included are children who have recently moved into our diocese of Salford and have, therefore, not yet had the opportunity to receive these sacraments. We meet regularly for instruction sessions and then for practical preparation for each sacrament.

When and where? Groups meet at church, usually after 11am Mass, and sessions are held in the Lourdes Room or in the presbytery. For children in non-catholic schools and others in need of catechesis please contact Fr Chris Lough with names and details.

Children's Sacramental Programme

Journey in Faith – RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

Coordinator: Catherine Davies
Phone no: 01204 385637

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults [RCIA] is the process by which we welcome those who wish to explore how we live as Catholic Christians. The whole parish has the responsibility of inviting, welcoming and witnessing to people who wish to explore our way of faith. However, a befriending group of parishioners act on the parish's behalf as an RCIA team. They 'walk with' inquirers and candidates as sponsors or catechists.

When and where? Times and places [usually the Lourdes Room] are arranged to suit inquirers. Welcome is offered to them throughout the year. During 2009 we have a group meeting after 11:15 Mass [after coffee] on Sundays and a group meeting on Wednesday at 19:30.

Who is eligible to join? All are welcome – anyone wishing to know more about our Catholic Christian faith and any parishioner willing to explore his/her own faith while befriending inquirers. Please contact Fr Chris Lough or co-ordinator as above.

Marriage Preparation

Prayer Group

Coordinator: Janice Neary

We are a charismatic prayer group which acknowledges the work of the Holy Spirit among us. We have prayers, meditation, readings from the Bible and sharing. We also pray for healing and welcome requests for prayer from the parish. There are about 12 people who attend each week.

When and where? After 7.30pm Mass each Tuesday in the Lourdes Room (20:00)

Who is eligible to join? All are welcome. Contact Janice or meet us on Tuesday

Padre Pio Prayer Group - St Michael's

Coordinator: Mary Evans
Phone no: 0161 766 8700

The group meet once a month at Mary's house to pray together.

Who is eligible to join? All are welcome.

Walsingham Association

Coordinator: Kath Gill and Betty Bowland
Phone no: 0161 766 5273 (KG) and 0161 723 3803 (BB

Our aims are to encourage devotion, pilgrimages and support to the national shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham. We belong to the Bury branch of the association which covers the Mount Carmel deanery. We organise a 3-day pilgrimage to Walsingham every May and have occasional outings, as advertised through the parish newsletter.

When and where? We meet every third Wednesday of the month and everybody is welcome.

APF (Association for the Propagation of the Faith)

Coordinators: Irene Joynson (St B) Paul Stratton (St M) Phone no: 0161 766 4821 (St B) or 0161 766 5579 (St M)

The Association for the Propagation of the Faith is the only organisation that supports the growth and development of every 'mission' diocese in the world. Many people in the parish hold red boxes and we, as team, empty these three times a year, all monies are sent to the Mill Hill Missionaries. Dates are published in the parish newsletter and boxes are then brought to the Social Centre to be emptied. Should anyone wish to have a box emptied at another time, please contact via the above telephone number.

When and where? The main work is done in the parish social centre, especially at the times for emptying red boxes. A booklet regarding this work can be found on the shelf at the back of the church (St B). Arrangements for St Michael's collection/emptying of boxes as announced.

Who is eligible to join? Parishioners who would like to help as a collector and/ or a box holder.

Catholic Family Care

Coordinator: Marjorie Dyson
Phone no: 0161 764 5571

We provide new items of clothing and household linen to needy families who are refered to us by clergy, teachers, social workers, probation officers, and SVP etc Members are asked to donate two new garments and 50p annually.

When and where? Tuesday and Friday 10:30 – 14:30 at All Souls School, Weaste, Salford.

Who is eligible to join? Anyone. Contact secretary, M. Dyson, as above.

Third World Group/Traidcraft

Coordinators: Frances Purdue: 0161 766 8337; Anne Taylor: 0161 766 4001; Eileen Heys: 0161 769 445

The aim is to make people aware of issues such as debt, HIV/Aids and poverty in developing countries and to support, through monthly collections, the work of CAFOD (Catholic Fund for Overseas Development), Fr P Clarke in Brazil and Fr Ephraim Odenyo in Africa.

When and where? Collections after Mass are arranged for the first weekend of each month. Various Tradcraft stalls throughout the year – as announced.

Who is eligible to join? Anyone interested in raising awareness of and help with 3rd World issues.

Lourdes Group

Coordinator: Jack Minihan
Contact: via Fr Chris Lough

The purpose of the Lourdes group is to send sick parishioners to Lourdes. Fund raising events have been organised to finance our pilgrims. We also provide financial assistance to younger parishioners who go to Lourdes as helpers.

When and where? Usually once a year in the presbytery

Who is eligible to join? Anyone. Contact Jack Minihan as above

Piety stall

Coordinators: Marguerite Plummer 0161 766 9986/terencept@aol.com (St B) Pat Farrond 0161 766 9363 (St M)

The piety stall is open in the church porch before and after Sunday Masses for the sale of Mass Cards, cards for all seasonal (liturgical), festive and other occasions and a range of Rosary Beads, Crucifixes and small gifts etc. At other times cards are available from a stand in St Bernadette's church porch.

Who is eligible to join? Anyone who would like to help in running the stall would be very welcome. With more help we could set up a rota. Please ask at the Piety stall or contact as above.

Society of St Vincent de Paul

St Michael's SVP meet every two weeks in St Michael's Church meeting room at 18:30
St Bernadette's SVP meet each Monday in St Bernadette's Lourdes room at 19:00
New members are welcome to both conferences.

Hospitality – Sunday Refreshments

Coordinators: Monica Quinn 0161 766 6206 (St M)
(St B) TBC

Our aim is to provide tea, coffee etc after Mass so that parishioners, having celebrated Eucharist together, continue to act as a community with an opportunity to meet and talk and to welcome visitors and people new to the parish.

Who is eligible to join? All are welcome – including those who offer to help!

Child Protection (and CRB)

Coordinator: Ellen Bailey and M Brehany 0161 766 5485 (St M)
(St B) TBC

We are nominated by the parish and appointed by the child protection co-ordinator to ensure that the parish is aware of the importance of protecting children and vulnerable adults from any who may wish to harm them. We meet at different venues around the diocese.

Who is eligible to join? Those thus nominated and appointed.

Catholic Women's League

Coordinator: Eileen Murphy

The object of the league is to promote and support charitable works at parish, diocesan and national levels.

When and where? Our meetings are held at St Bernadette's Social Centre on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 20:00.

Who is eligible to join? All women are welcome

Christian Family Weeks

Coordinator: Veronica Hall

The group was formed over 50 years ago. The aim is to provide a holiday for families who may otherwise not afford a holiday. It differs from the commercial holiday by the way in which the group comes together as one in holiday activities and hold the Mass as our central focus. It has a wonderful atmosphere of community, which extends into life within the parish. It caters for the entire family unit from baby to grandparent. Booking forms are made available annually with notices in the church porch and the bulletin.

Who is eligible to join? Anybody: single/married; alone or with a group.

Family Groups

Coordinators: Christine and Vincent Joyce

We have 6 family groups in the parish. Family Groups are mixed age groups that range from families of all types to single people of all ages. Family groups meet for fun, friendship and support. Activities are group led and are of a wide variety. Some examples of events have included social evenings, quiz afternoons, simple walks in the park and shared table meals. Complete a form that can be found in the church porch or speak to Fr Chris

When and where? The programme is determined by each group, usually monthly.

Who is eligible to join? Everyone is welcome to join.

Brownies

Coordinator: Chris Joyce
Contact: via Social Centre on Monday evenings or email christine.joyce2@btinternet.com

Brownies is for girls aged 7-10 years. The girls work in small groups and have lots of fun. Each year we go on a holiday weekend and at brownie meetings we sing songs, play games and work for interest badges. We have a long waiting lists so the earlier you add your child's name the better.

When and where? St Bernadette's Parish Centre Monday 18:45–20:00.

Who is eligible to join? Girls aged 7-10 years

Rainbows

Leader: Fiona Whelehan
Contact: via Social Centre (St B) Wednesday evenings 17:30 - 18:30

Rainbows is part of Girl Guiding life. It is a group for girls aged 5-7 years. Rainbows have fun, sing songs, play games. Activities are built around a programme designed to develop the girls. There is a long waiting list so names need to be made known early.

When and where? St Bernadette's Social Centre, Wednesday 17:30 - 18:30

Who is eligible to join? Girls aged 5-7

Fund Raising – Car Boot Sales

Coordinator: Angela Still
Phone no: 0161 796 2128, Email: angelastill@talktalk.net

The parish and primary school combine to run four Car Boot Sales per year as a main fund raiser. There is a parish Christmas Fair each November and usually Bric-a-Brac sales Spring and Autumn. Other fund raising and social events are organised on an ad-hoc basis.

When and where? There are no regular meetings. Groups are organised to prepare for specific events only.

Who is eligible to join? Everyone is welcome: people of all ages. Everyone's skills (even the ones unknown to yourself) are always welcomed to contribute to the life of the parish. There are jobs for everyone!

Church Hall/Meeting Room Bookings at St Michael's

Coordinator: Angela Still
Phone no: 0161 796 2128 Email: angelastill@talktalk.net

St Michael's Parish Hall and new Church meeting rooms are available for hire for regular or one off events. The rooms are suitable for all types of events, e.g. Children's parties, funeral teas, business meetings/training days. Groups cater for themselves or use our parish caterer. A fully licensed bar is available for parties and celebrations.

Ecumenical contacts

Coordinators: Frances and Peter Purdue
Phone no: 0161 766 8337

The Whitefield Council of Churches no longer exists but the Good Friday Walk of Witness and the Women’s Word Day of Prayer are annual ecumenical events. Information about these events are published in the parish newsletter and in the church porch. They are open to everyone.

Gift Aid

Coordinator: Jack Minihan
Contact via St Bernadette’s: 0161 766 2356

The aim is to take advantage of government legislation which allows charities to re-claim income tax from donations (Sunday collections etc) or tax paid on investment relief on monies paid to a charity.

Who is eligible to join? Any parishioner who pays income tax on wages, pensions or investments. A completed Gift Aid declaration form is needed. Further information is available from Jack Minihan or Fr Chris Lough.

Counters

Coordinator (St B): Maureen Purdue
Phone no: 0161 7966682, Email: maureen.purdue@btinternet.com
Coordinator (St M): Jean Clifford
Phone no: 0161 766 5961

The counters are organised on a rota basis for Sunday Masses and at present there are four pairs for each Mass (St M has 3 counters). Their task is to organise the collection at each Mass and to count it afterwards. The counters take note of gift aid envelopes for tax re-claim purposes and then count all the money (gift-aided and loose).

Who is eligible to join? This task takes up very little time and new volunteers are always very welcome. Contacts as above.