Parish
& Community St Joseph's Skerton & St Robert's Halton
Parish
& Community
Return to St Joseph's Home Page
One of the most rewarding activities open to those of the laity who wish to participate more actively in the celebration of the Mass is the reading of the Liturgy of the Word, the responsorial Psalms and the Bidding Prayers.
Being a reader makes you study the readings and think about them, and the message of the Good News becomes clearer to you. The Reader is a vessel through which the word of God issues, and it is often a challenge and pleasure to help make clear the sometimes old fashioned language of the Bible. Microphones make the job easier and a quiet and sincere voice more appropriate to the singer of a song, especially for the Psalms, is ideal.
Return to Contents
Eucharistic Ministers assist the priest at Mass by helping to distribute Communion and also visit the housebound and sick within the parish. Usually Ministers attend a day of prayer and recollection during the year. It is a demanding vocation and constantly reminds of the presence of the Eucharist, and it's importance in our daily lives.
A vast wealth of parish history is currently held in a variety of forms. A person with computer skills and a flair for the parish history could be encouraged to spend many interesting hours compiling and maintaining the parish archives.
The purpose of the PAC is to assist the priest in his management of various parish issues. Meeting approximately 6 times per year, various issues are discussed ultimately leading to improvement to God's house, in all its forms, for the benefit of God's people.
Return to Contents
This meets regularly to discuss and monitor the parish finances. They can propose strategies to maintain the financial viability of the parish.
| Alpha This is a practical introduction to the Christian faith. Although it is aimed at non-churchgoers, it can appeal to a whole range of beliefs. The course lasts 10 weeks and consists of a shared meal, videos and discussions. It may seem intimidating to some people however, once you come along, you'll not only feel this is not the case, but you will probably enjoy the course! The course is free but a donation towards the meal is welcomed. The Alpha home page gives more details. |
 |
Return to Contents
The purpose of the faith discussions, otherwise known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is:
To help enquirers to reflect on their lives and how God plays a part.
To introduce them to prayer seen as a conversation with a living God.
To instruct on the meaning of Christianity, and in particular the rites, practices, and teachings of the Catholic Church.
To help enquirers decide whether God is calling them at this stage to continue their faith journey into full membership of the Catholic Church.
People on such journeys will include the un-baptised, those from other Christian communities, baptised Catholics who have never been brought up in the or lapsed Catholics wishing to revive the life of faith.
Return to Contents
Traidcraft goods are on display for sale in the Presbytery after most 10.30am masses. Any items that are not available at this time can be ordered and usually arrive within 10 days, please ask to see a catalogue to browse whilst having a drink of fairly traded coffee or tea.
Traidcraft is part of the Fairtrade movement working in partnership with alternative trading organisations in Europe, the UK and communities in the 'third world'. The aim is to increase the income of people who are on the bottom rung of the world's economic ladder.
Fair trade is about creating a market for the skills, products and commodities of these communities, trading for a fairer world. Traidcraft works with over 100 producer groups in Africa, Asia and Latin America. It's a business approach based on co-operation, to respect the skills, tradition and hard work of our producer partners.
Traidcraft believes in applying Christian principles of love and justice. Traidcraft is not a charity, but by fair trading, the aim stated above is being met.
Next time you get your week's shopping, look at what you've bought and consider how many of the workers involved are in conditions you would not accept, for example - No pay when crops fail. Buyers re-negotiating prices agreed months ago to criminally low levels when a producer has committed themselves to that buyer. To find our more, have a look at Traidcraft's home site |
 |
Return to Contents
St Joseph's enjoys warm links with the other denominations in the area and shared services occur on a regular basis. To herald the new Millennium and celebrate two thousand years of Christianity, a candlelit procession on New Years day this year will be a shared venture between these churches.
Skerton Youth and Community Centre
This building on St George's fields off Slyne Road is the result of hard campaigning work by local residents. The centre provides a home for 7 community groups.
Return to Contents
Lancaster North Community Forum
The Forum helps to improve the standard of life for people living north of the River Lune, especially on the council housing estates. However rented housing is now inextricably mixed up with owner-occupied and private rented housing, so the Association now holds a wider brief than was originally intended.
Its aim is to weld together all the various bodies in Skerton seeking to improve the quality of life for all, especially the young and the elderly, who sometimes seem to have contradictory interests. It works with the Churches, Local Authority, Police, Neighbourhood Watch, and Social Services to help prioritise social action within Skerton for the benefit of all.
Return to Contents
Return to St Joseph's Home Page
Copyright D Haynes
Last revised: July 20, 1999.