St Teresa’s Catholic Church
Newbury Park. Ilford. Essex. IG2 7JA
Registered Charity No 234092
In recent years, lay members of the Catholic Church have increasingly become involved in lay ministries. At St Teresa’s we have many people actively involved in these ministries.
Catechists
Catechists lead the programmes of preparation for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, First Holy Communion, Reconciliation, and Marriage. Please speak to Fr Matthew if you would like to become involved in this ministry.
Lay Ministries in the Parish
Altar Servers
Altar Servers have the important task of assisting the Priest, Ministers, Readers and congregation during Mass. There is an open invitation for new Altar Servers (children from the end of school year 4 onwards who have made their First Holy Communion) to join the training sessions which are run at regular intervals during the year.The initial training lasts for about 3-4 weeks or until you feel confident about the roles. After 1 year you take your vows as a member of the Guild of St Stephen and receive your Bronze medal. If you are interested in becoming an Altar Server then please speak to Fr Matthew.
Ministers of the Eucharist
Lay Ministers of the Eucharist assist the Priest with the distribution of Holy Communion during the Mass. They may also take Holy Communion to members of the parish who are unable to attend Mass because of ill-health or incapacity. Very occasionally, experienced Ministers may preside at "Eucharistic Services" of the Word and Holy Communion, which take the place of Mass when no Priest is available. Because of the sensitive nature of these ministries, new Ministers are usually commissioned at the invitation of the Parish Priest. Members of the parish are, however, always free to propose names of potential Ministers to Fr Matthew in confidence.
Readers
Readers proclaim the Word of God in scripture and the intercessory prayers during the weekday & weekend Masses. Please speak to Fr Matthew if you would like to join the Readers Rota.