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Our Parish welcomes all parishioners and visitors, not only to its normal weekend masses, but to its many groups. The Parish Council would like to briefly set out below details of these groups for your information and acknowledge the important part they play in our Parish. If you require more information, please contact the Parish office on 3878 6655.

PASTORAL COUNCIL

The Pastoral Council is an advisory body to the Parish Priest. The Council shares the leadership function of the Parish with the Parish Priest, Finance Council and Parish Manager.

The Council explores issues and develops recommendations for the Parish Priest. In doing this, it undertakes consultation amongst the parishioners, and regular liaison with parish groups and ministries.

Members are elected to serve a two-year term with a maximum length of four years after which there is a compulsory retirement. It is usual that a small number of Councillors will retire each year and this allows a steady turnover of Councillors, so that there are always experienced and fresh Councillors at any given time. The Council meets on the third Monday of the month.

FINANCE COUNCIL

The Code of Canon Law makes it obligatory that there be a Finance Council to assist the Parish Priest. This Council advises the Parish Priest on financial policies for the Parish, prepares an annual budget of income and expenditure for the coming year, and presents recommendations regarding the financial management of the Parish. The Parish Finance Council shall be comprised of at least three members of the faithful of the parish, chosen by the Parish Priest. One person is nominated by the members of the Parish Council.

WELCOMING GROUP

This group officially welcomes new parishioners to our community. A welcome desk area is located at OLR and St Catherine’s, usually operated by a Pastoral Council member.

Carmel Leader 3878 5546 (OLR), Leanne Chappell 3201 2209 (St Catherine’s)

KNOW YOUR BIBLE STUDY GROUP (Ecumenical)

The aim of this group is to help us to understand and apply God’s Word in our lives. It meets every Thursday morning (excluding school holidays) from 9.45 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. in the OLR Parish meeting room.

Winnie Somasekaran Phone 3378 5294 Rae Warnick Phone 3715 6647

MEN ALIVE (Men’s Prayer Group)

This group is to gather men together, to renew their faith in God and to encourage them to become an active force in the renewal of the Church and our world.

LIBRARY

Books and tapes on aspects of faith are available for borrowing. Quiet space is provided in the library area for those who desire to read.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY

Children’s Liturgy provides an opportunity for the younger members of the community to listen to and reflect at a level that is appropriate for them. The Gospel translations used are worded in language that can be easily understood by children and the reflection materials are taken from various Children’s Liturgy resources. Preschool through to Year 7 are invited to participate. All leaders are volunteers from our parish community and new leaders are always welcome.
OLR: 9.30am Mass each Sunday of the school term.

ST CATHERINE’S On the first and third Sundays of the month during school terms, Janine Pousson (contact through the Office).

OLR LADIES FELLOWSHIP GROUP

This group offers caring friendship and support to all ladies in the Parish and Community and extends compassionate outreach to those in need. The group aims also to promote the enrichment of the personal and cultural awareness of its members. The fellowship group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays (excluding school holidays) at 1.00 p.m. at St Catherine’s, Moggill. Amy Deans Phone 3202 7614 Amy Deans Phone 3202 7614

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION

The aim is to make a place of quiet where people can come to meditate, learning from the spirituality of John Main. The group meets weekly on Wednesday at 1.30 p.m. in the OLR library. The weekly reading (common world wide) is followed by 25 minutes of meditation. Very simple, very powerful. Everyone welcome.

Margaret Kerwick Phone 3878 5348

STATE SCHOOL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

The OLR Parish runs this program together with the Kenmore & District Inter-Church Fellowship Inc which has responsibility for organizing catechists for the six state schools in the Kenmore/Brookfield area and is also the accrediting body. OLR also occasionally helps with RE teachers for the Moggill State School.
RE teaching is done ecumenically and all RE Teachers are provided with training in the RETOP course, which is usually covered in two workshops. All materials are provided and ample back-up facilities are in place to support individuals. Classes are held at the following schools: Kenmore, Moggill, Upper Brookfield, Kenmore South, Fig Tree Pocket, and Brookfield, and last for half an hour. Catechists are encouraged to take two parallel classes.
The OLR Group meets from time to time to support each other, exchange ideas and experiences and provide fellowship and support. Lorrie Maher (contact through the Office).

SOCIAL JUSTICE GROUP

The group is a network of about 60 members representing the various parishes in the Western suburbs of Brisbane who work together to provide help for refugees and Aborigines and other worthy causes and to work for social justice. Not strictly speaking a parish group, this is a group of the Brisbane West Deanery.

LITURGY AND MUSIC GROUP

In preparing ritual activities, this group takes into account the Word of God, the prescribed prayers of the season of the Liturgical Year, Sacramental Rites, the temporary decoration of the Sacred space and the music to be played and sung.

The group, with a number of helpers, has the responsibility for care and presentation of sacred vessels, altar and church furnishings, vestments and images of veneration. There is also a responsibility in assisting the Priest in preparing Readers and Ministers of the Eucharist.

OVER 50s GROUP

This is a social group for anyone over 50 and members are involved in a variety of outings. Membership offers friendship and support.

ST VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY

A society of Catholic volunteers bearing witness to their Christian faith by action rather than words and by dedication to the service of those in need. Action includes visiting the poor, assisting with financial help, and at times, clothing and furniture. Holy communion is taken throughout the Parish. Collections are organized at Mass. Assistance is given to those requiring transport to OLR. Other assistance is also provided both local and overseas throughout the year. The society meets every Wednesday at 7.00 p.m. in the Meeting Room under the Church. Jim Devereaux, 3378 7923

COMMUNION MINISTRY
For those in our parish who are no longer able to attend mass (especially the elderly or those suffering from ill-health), there is still an opportunity to receive Holy Communion. A number of dedicated volunteers fulfil a role as Eucharistic Ministers and regularly visit the local residential centres of Brookfield Village, Iona Nursing Home, Pinjarra Hills War Veterans Home ("Fairview") and the Cerebral Palsy League's Residential Facility of "Sevenoaks", as well as some private homes, by request.
It is a most rewarding ministry, Parish Office 3878 6655.

OLR SCHOOL

OLR School provides education for boys and girls from Prep to Year 7. The school aims to work collaboratively with the parish and parents of students to ensure children develop knowledge of the Catholic faith, and the opportunity to experience a faith community in action. A School Pastoral Board and Parents’ & Friends Association supports the school. Further information is available at www.olrkenmore.qld.edu.au or contact the school at pkenmore@bne.catholic.edu.au or phone 3378 2412.

Website

For more information visit the website www.rc.net/brisbane/ourladyrosary