Parish Ministries

ALTAR SERVERS
Any student from Year 3 and above who would like to be an altar server please contact Judy Brady at:-
St Joseph’s Primary School on 6562 5501

BAPTISM
Those wishing to have their children baptised are requested to attend a preparation night prior to Baptism on the first Wednesday of every second month, 6.30pm in the Parish Administration Office. Please contact the Parish Office during office hours for further information or to advise of your attendance.

CATHOLIC MEN’S PRAYER AND SOCIAL GROUP
An inclusive and supportive group of men who gather to encourage each other in their day to day lives and strengthen their faith. This includes morning Eucharistic prayer and breakfast and prayer gatherings. Please contact Jeff Moore via the parish office for further information.

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S SOCIAL GROUP
A very welcoming and inclusive social group open to all the women of our parish family. Monthly gatherings are held at the South West Rocks Church Hall. Please contact Joy Rees via the parish office for further information.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY
Activity sheets and pencils are available at the entrance and on the back seat of the Kempsey Church.

CHOIR & MUSIC MINISTRY
If you sing or play any instrument you are needed and most welcome. Please contact the Parish Office for more details.

CHURCH CLEANING GROUPS
Cleaning the Church is usually done with a few other people every 5-6 weeks. Help is always needed to replace those who leave a group. Contact the Parish Office.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT- PARISH HALLS
Our parish halls at Kempsey and South West Rocks are regularly utilised by various community not-for-profit groups. We are privileged to support groups such as the Neighbourhood Centre, Alcoholics Anonymous and the Creative Writers Group. Our halls are also available for hire at very reasonable rates. Contact the Parish Office for more information.

DIOCESAN INVESTMENT FUND
Individuals, families and institutions, by making an investment in the Fund, receive a very competitive rate of interest, free of any fees or charges. Investors’ funds are used by the DIF to make loans to enable parish and diocesan development projects to be completed at low costs. Also, the DIF’s surplus is used to help fund the pastoral works of the Diocese. Investors can be proud that their funds are being used to support Catholic education, health, aged care and other pastoral works of the Church. Deposits are guaranteed by the Trustees of the Diocese. Our local agent is Paul Stubbs, 6562 1234 or contact the Diocesan Investment Fund directly at www.dif.org.au.

FAMILY GROUPS
Groups of families consisting of couples, grandparents, sole parents, singles, widows, widowers, non-Catholic spouses, children, and new families join together regularly to meet, support, get-to-know and experience living Christian family life. The parish currently has two groups and more information is available by contacting our parish office.

HOSPITALITY MINISTRY
As you come to our weekend Masses you will be warmly welcomed by our volunteers who greet parishioners and visitors, and distribute the parish newsletter. Contact the Parish Office if you would like to be part of this uplifting and community building ministry.

JOURNEYING IN FAITH RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
Thinking of becoming a Catholic? We are a welcoming parish community who seeks to journey with each person in their journey of life. The Parish runs a program to introduce and explain the Catholic Faith. Please contact the Parish Office for more information.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION
Our parish family is privileged to support couples in their journey to their wedding day! Please contact the Parish Office for details about how we can help you prepare for this most beautiful occasion in your life. Weddings can be celebrated at each of our Mass centres and may also be celebrated at other places other than a church with the support of the bishop. The preparation is tailored to suit the individual needs of each couple.

MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the priest in giving Communion to the congregation. They may also take Communion to the sick and elderly at home, aged care facilities or in hospitals. This important ministry is a particular expression of the full and active participation of all people in the parish’s Eucharistic celebrations, as we live out our baptismal call to serve. Please contact the Parish Office.

OFFERTORY PROCESSION
Parishioners are welcome to be involved in the ministry of presenting the offertory gifts at the weekend Masses. Feel free to let a sacristan or priest know your interest.

OUTREACH
Our parish family provides incredible support to those in need within our local and global community. This includes the St Vincent de Paul Society, Caritas and Catholic Mission. We also partner with and support a number of local charities including through their use of our halls and facilities.

Weekly outreach initiatives supported by the parish includes Friends for Brunch (Soup Kitchen 8.30am Tuesdays at Kempsey Anglican Church Hall) Connections and Cooking (Organised by the Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre Thursdays 10am Kempsey Catholic Church Hall), and the West Kempsey Community Neighbourhood Centre Soup Kitchen.

PARISH FINANCIAL COUNCIL
A dedicated group of volunteers with particular finance and/or business experience who support the parish priest in the governance and management of the parish. This group is formed and acts in accordance with Canon Law and the various Norms and Guidelines of the Diocese of Lismore. The Council also has its own Statutes approved by the Bishop of Lismore. If you wish to bring any matters before the Council, please contact the Parish Office.

The current members are Megan Barber, Mick Eller (Deputy Chairperson),Fr James Foster (Parish Priest), Naomi Keast, Peter Needs, Peter Scott, Paul Stubbs (Chairperson), Shaun Van Kal.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
This dedicated group of volunteers are mostly elected by parishioners to lead and strengthen the pastoral life of the parish. They assist the Parish Priest in enabling all to share in the life and mission of the Church, for the sake of building up God’s Kingdom. Members serve for three years, which can be renewed. The Council also has its own Statutes approved by the Bishop of Lismore. If you wish to bring any matters before the Council, please contact the Parish Office.

The current members are Anne Adams, Judy Brady (Secretary), Monique Brown, Guy Campbell, Karen Daley, Paul Dickinson, Fr James Foster (Parish Priest), Kevin Lewthwaite (Chairperson), Geoff Melville, Ron Walker (Deputy Chairperson).

PILGRIM MOTHER ICON
This beautiful devotion invites parishioners to house the Icon for a week, praying for each other and all our parish family. Those interested in being added to this roster please contact the Parish Office.

PLANNED GIVING
A system of weekly financial contributions designed to support Parish ministries and outreach and to enable future parish planning and development. New givers are always welcome. Please contact the Parish Office.

PRAYER GROUPS
Please contact the Parish Priest regarding various prayer groups in our parish. These include the Rosary Cenacle Group, Pilgrim Mother Icon, Family Rosary group, ecumenical bible study group and Eucharistic prayer/adoration.

PRAYER LIST
Needing prayer for self or a friend or someone in special need? We include a prayer list in the weekly parish newsletter, and you can ring anytime to request a private prayer for special intentions or have someone pray with you. Contact the Parish Office.

PRISON MINISTRY
The Diocese of Lismore employs a Catholic Chaplain and our Parish Priest is also engaged in chaplaincy at the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre Kempsey. The Chaplain supports inmates, staff and their families. The Parish community support various initiatives of the Chaplain throughout the year. To contact the Chaplain please call or email our Parish Office.

REMEMBRANCE BOOK
This precious book is located near Our Lady’s Statue in the Kempsey Church. Parishioners who wish to have deceased relatives and friends recorded in the Remembrance Book are asked to please contact the Parish Office.

READERS
Ministry for proclaiming the Word. Readers are rostered for each weekend, Easter and Christmas Liturgies. This important ministry is a particular expression of the full and active participation of all people in the parish’s Eucharistic celebrations, as we live out our baptismal call to serve. Volunteers are always welcome. Please contact the Parish Office.

SCHOOLS
Our two Parish Schools are always in need of volunteers for reading, library and canteen.
St Joseph’s Primary – 6562 5501 and St Paul’s College – 6562 7200

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
A Parish Program for both parents and children. For those enrolled at St Joseph’s Primary, preparation and information will be provided through the school. For those enrolled at a State school, please contact the parish office.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is open to those in Year 3 and above.

The Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are open to those in Year 4 and above.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL
This is an organisation of Catholic lay people who live out their faith and put Christ’s call to care for the poor and marginalised by helping those in need on a person to person basis. Conference and shop volunteers needed. You may telephone the shop on 6562 2018 or the conference on 6562 5933.

VINCENT COURT AGED HOSTEL
A residential aged care home with weekly Mass which puts residents first. Party nights held regularly. “Entertainers”, helpers and visitors are welcome. Contact Vincent Court on 6562 6062.

VISITATION TO THE SICK OR HOUSEBOUND
Our priest and lay volunteers regularly visit the sick or housebound. It is a wonderful privilege to journey with all people in our community. If you know someone who would like a visit please let us know. New volunteers are always welcome to join this important ministry. Please contact the Parish Office for more details.