You are here:HomeEpping & CarlingfordGroups & MinistriesLiturgical Ministries Adult and Junior Servers Adult Servers assist in the celebration of the Mass and are rostered in pairs, including preparation of the altar before, during and after Mass. Initial training is provided by the Sacristan, and new Adult Servers are commissioned within the Liturgy to minister in this role. Junior Servers also assist in the celebration of the Mass and are usually rostered in pairs. Any boy or girl in year 4 or above who have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, are welcome to assist with this important ministry. Initial training is provided by the Sacristan, and new Junior Servers are commissioned within the Liturgy to minister in this role. The parents of the new Junior Servers also participate in the commissioning rite. Please contact the Parish Office for more information. Children’s Liturgy of the Word [Kidz Word] The Children’s Liturgy of the Word is celebrated each Sunday during school terms in both our churches, except on the first Sunday of the month at Carlingford and on the third Sunday of the month at Epping when we have our Children’s Masses. Children’s Liturgy of the Word is held in the Parish Meeting Rooms during the 9:30am Mass at Carlingford and the 10:15am Mass at Epping. The children are invited to the sanctuary after the greeting at the beginning of Mass to go with the team leaders to the Meeting Room. It is for children from Kindergarten to Year 6. It is not a Sunday School but is rather a liturgical celebration of the Word parallel to that same celebration in the Church with the adult community, but presented in a way that helps the children liturgically celebrate the Liturgy of the Word (Scripture readings). At the conclusion of the Liturgy of the Word, the children return to the Church to be with their families for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. For further information about the Children’s Liturgy of the Word or, if you would like to become involved in this ministry, please contact the Parish Office who will put you in contact with one of the co-ordinators. Children’s Mass Every first Sunday of the month at Carlingford at the 9:30am Mass, and every third Sunday of the month at Epping at the 10:15am Mass, excluding school holidays, the children of our two communities are actively involved in the Mass. They look after the Procession of the Gifts, the choir and the Readings. They also have an opportunity to show their creativity and talents in their worship. It is an enjoyable and fun time for our children, without being hard or onerous. It also gives all children of the Parish communities an opportunity to meet, regardless of which school they attend. The children also take part in the Christmas Eve Vigil Mass, which is our Christmas Children’s Mass. These Masses are organised by a roster of adults, each group co-ordinating one Mass a year. If you would like more information, or how to become involved, please contact the Parish Office. Ministers of Communion at Mass These Parishioners assist in the celebration of the liturgy at Holy Communion. They may also take Holy Communion to those who are sick and elderly, or those unable to attend Mass. Music Ministry There are a variety of choir and music groups active in our two communities. These groups illuminate the Mass with their singing and musical accompaniment. New enthusiasts are always welcome. Adult Choir Group Both our communities have an Adult Choir, which provide musical leadership on a regular basis. Everyone is welcome to join in this vital liturgical ministry. Organists are rostered to supply liturgical accompaniment for all the weekend Masses and as required in both our communities on other occasions. Any person who is competent on an organ or keyboard and would enjoy playing the organ on a regular or non-regular basis would be very welcome. Music Groups provide guitar and vocal accompaniment at selected Masses on various weekends. New members always welcome. For further information regarding any of the various music and choir groups, please contact the Parish Office. Altar Society The Altar Society is a group of parishioners who help with the weekly preparation of the Church on a rostered basis. This takes a couple of hours and usually occurs on a Friday morning at Carlingford, and on a Friday afternoon or Saturday morning at Epping. Duties include arranging the flowers for the week, cleaning the sanctuary and sacristy, polishing the brass and washing the church linen. If you would like more information about the Altar Society, please contact the Parish Office. Prayer Ministry Prayer Ministry involves ministering to others in times of sickness or unhappiness by calling on the power of the Holy Spirit in prayer. Mindful that we come with our own wounds and pain when we respond to the needs of our brothers and sisters, we can participate in the work of God by praying quietly at home for others. We pray for strength and peace in illness, for healing where there are conflicts, worries and times of anguish. Prayer ministry does not involve contact by phone or home visitation. If you would like to be part of our Prayer Ministry or would like to be supported in prayer, please contact the Parish Office.