Ministries
Ministries refer to the various lay duties performed in support of the priest during the concelebration of Mass. All convey a unique importance and privilege, and need to be performed with the highest degree of care and devotion. Short training and preparation courses are necessary in some cases, before the individual is ready.
Anyone interested in undertaking one of the ministries should contact the priest or the church office.
Anyone interested in undertaking one of the ministries should contact the priest or the church office.
Altar Servers
The Altar Servers support the Priest during the Mass by carrying the processional cross and candles, holding the incense and missal, assist the Priest when he receives gifts from the people and ringing the bell at important points during the service. All servers wear the medal of the Guild of St Stephen, the international organisation which represents them.
Children's Liturgy
To ensure the full participation of children in the celebration of Mass, Children’s Liturgy sessions are provided on most Sundays at the 10.00am Mass. Children leave the assembly at the beginning of Mass to gather in the Lady Chapel. Each session is a celebration of the days' Liturgy of the Word, and is planned at a more appropriate level of understanding for the children. The children re-join the assembly for the liturgy of the Eucharist.
Choir & Musicians
We are very fortunate at St John Bosco to have talented musicians to accompany both weekend Masses. The Saturday evening Vigil Mass is accompanied by the organ and the Sunday morning Mass by the St John Bosco choir. The hymns are chosen by the musicians in accordance with the liturgical season or relevant part of the Mass, in consultation with the priest.
The choir comprises male and female singers, as well as the organ, keyboard and several other instrumentalists. The Musical Director has written two complete Mass settings for the specific use of St John Bosco. Rehearsals are at 8.00 in the church every alternate Friday.
The choir comprises male and female singers, as well as the organ, keyboard and several other instrumentalists. The Musical Director has written two complete Mass settings for the specific use of St John Bosco. Rehearsals are at 8.00 in the church every alternate Friday.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are members of the laity authorised by the Church to distribute Holy Communion at the Mass – thus supporting the Priest when administering to a large congregation. After the service, they also take Holy Communion to the sick and others unable to attend Mass. The role is a uniquely important and intimate responsibility, and special training and instruction is provided.
Readers
The Readers Group provides a very important part of the Liturgy by proclaiming the Word of God during Mass. Our current readers, who range from teenagers to octogenarians, are required for both weekend and weekday Masses.
Sacristans
Sacristans assist the Priest in preparing for Mass by arranging the books, laying out the vestments and anything else needed for the celebration such as chalices, cruets, communion bowls, linens, oils and candles. They are also responsible for changing the altar cloths for the appropriate season or feast day, washing and ironing the Priest's vestments and ensuring that the Sanctuary Lamp is kept burning and that the holy water in the stoups is kept replenished. They also advise the Priest in the purchase of church supplies such as hosts, wine, candles, incense and coals.
Welcomers
The Welcomers are those on hand to greet the congregation when it arrives for Mass. They make sure the people have their Mass card, newsletter and hymn books, and are on hand in case anyone needs some help or advice.
