MINISTRIES



• Liturgy
Lectors, Special Ministers, Sacristans, musicians and 10 parish choirs.
A children’s choir has recently been formed to sing at Christmas Masses and the local nursing homes.

• RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
The process whereby those seeking Catholic baptism, or baptized Christians seeking full communion with the Church undertake a period of growth, understanding and faith experience. A group for adults meet on Thursday evenings 7pm in the school.
Candidates and catechumens were received at the Easter Vigil and a second group on the Feast of Christ the King.
RCIA in Vietnamese takes place on Sunday afternoons with Sr. Maria Yen Bui, Pastoral Associate.


• Care of the Sick
Sr Margaret Maher’s fcJ is our Pastoral Associate at Holy Eucharist and her role is to visit the house-bound, sick and elderly parishioners in their homes; take Holy Communion to those who wish to receive Holy Communion and visit parishioners, especially those who have asked for a visit or who have experienced a recent death in the family.
Twice during the year a special Mass for the anointing of the sick and elderly is arranged. This is followed by a lunch where many of the elderly parishioners enjoy meeting up with each other and sharing stories.
Holy Eucharist Parish is also responsible for pastoral care and support at Sunshine Hospital. This is provided by Mary Foley pastoral worker in the capacity of Chaplain for three afternoons a week. This contact assists the Parish Priest in his visit as Chaplain to the patients at the Hospital when he follows up information passed on to him.
A number of parishioners have been trained as volunteers to visit the Catholic patients in the Hospital and take Holy Communion when requested.

Sr Maria visits the Vietnamese housebound and elderly and takes Communion to them.


• Family Counselling and Parental support
Sr Maria provides family counselling to single parent families and support for mothers and parenting groups, grief and bereavement support.

• Refugees
Two homes are owned by the parish and are let on a short term basis to refugees pending permanent
accommodation becoming available.

NILS program (No Interest Loan Scheme) is available to refugees to a maximum of $1,000 to pay accounts, provide housing bonds and other financial difficulties.
Recipients pay their loans back through Centrepay or by Direct Debit on their bank accounts. Mathew Bul, Sudanese Worker is available on Wednesday mornings by appointment to discuss loans.

• Catechetics
Classes are held for children attending Holy Eucharist Primary School to prepare the children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.
Children outside the school are invited to attend classes at Preca Centre, 29 Rosslare Parade, St Albans. Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7pm – 8pm. Enquiries to Daniel on 0416 315 929.


• Chaplaincy at VU Campus St Albans
You are invited to be part of the Chaplaincy services at VU. At Chaplaincy is pleased to meet people from every faith or no faith. You are welcome to visit Sr. Catherine Tay fmdm to share any news, views, stories, concerns or discuss other personal issues with her. She offers spiritual and emotional support, listens with a caring heart and a compassionate spirit, irrespective of your faith/belief affiliation or background. At your request, Sr. Catherine can assist in referring you to counsellors or other specialised experts at the university. If you wish to talk, make an appointment to see Sr. Catherine.
Reflection Centre
The Chaplaincy service has a Reflection Centre where you can relax and meditate and treasure memorable experiences with others, and enjoy the peace, solitude and tranquility and relax in a safe environment. Open Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm.

• Parish Playgroups
Successful weekly playgroups have been run in conjunction with the Westside Circus. It is hoped this can be continued in 2010.


• Loaves & Fish Food Bank
A pastoral initiative enabling people on Health Care Cards to obtain fresh fruit and vegetables Wednesday – Friday each week from 2pm – 4pm in the parish grounds.

A larger Food Bank operates on the first Friday of the month from 1:30pm to 4pm in the parish grounds.
Parishioners are invited to fill up the red bags with non perishable foods and bring to Masses the weekend before. Many thanks to our volunteers who have made this support service possible.