Groups

Guild of St. Stephen

Altar servers are encouraged to follow the example of St. Stephen, the first martyr, in service to the Lord. Training and formation is on-going in order to promote a high standard of service when assisting the priest at the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass. Servers are enrolled as members of the Altar Servers' Guild after serving a probationary period and passing a written exam. Senior altar servers gradually take on more responsibility in the sanctuary and the first lesson they learn is that it is an honour and a privilege to serve at Holy Mass.

Children's Liturgy

The children's liturgy takes place during the first part of the Mass, to cover the readings and prayers specifically for children, who rejoin the congregation at the offertory. It is conducted by a rota of volunteers, with a core of 6-8 parents who work in teams. It is now in its 4th year, having started at Advent 2003. Average attendance each Sunday is about 16-18 children, with about 30-40 children involved overall, from many island schools. There are often 2 groups, those below 5 years, and those above.

Readings and activities are tailored for the different age groups. Children from the liturgy group are encouraged to go on to be altar servers. The children's liturgy follows a set pattern each week following the church's year, but in a format suitable for children as provided for in diocesan materials. Children read the gospel, and are encouraged to draw, discuss and act out gospel and biblical stories. They also become familiar with the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Sign of the Cross, the liturgical year, and the simple truths of the faith. We usually do a nativity play at Christmas, Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, and also special celebrations for Palm Sunday, and for May as Mary's month. There is a quarterly Confession for children who have made their First Communion.

St. Mary's Choirs

Both Saturday and Sunday choirs continue to thrive. The choir is an important vehicle for integrating new members into the parish community. A variety of new repertoire has been learnt and used in worship. A number of social events have been held. The music over the past year has progressed well and we are sure that the community will join in commending the contribution of the musicians to the liturgy.

Faith Study Group

This is the largest prayer / discussion group in the parish. They meet at various times (see newsletter) with the aim of becoming better informed Catholics by studying the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church; thus deepening our faith. We may see a video, read a papal encyclical, discuss its content or study a particular part of the liturgical year. There will be a warm welcome for anyone who wishes to join us.

This group met in the Countess of Clare’s chapel on the Feast of St. Anthony Zaccharia. The discussion on this occasion was “What happens when we die”? The group shared their apprehensions about death. They were comforted by the words of St. John in the Book of Revelations. It was appropriated that the group met in the Countess’ chapel as the stained glass window depicting the person passing from life to death and the painting of St. Francis holding the crucifix above the skull, complemented our discussion and meditation on death. The necessity of praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory and the frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance was stressed. The group prayed the rosary, remembering those members who had recently died, - Beth Foley, Beryl Joyce, May Clarke and Lydia Jackson. The next meeting was arranged for Friday, 3rd September, immediately after the First Friday Holy Hour.

Ecumenical Groups

Parishioners joined in The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in January at Ryde, Seaview and Bembridge. The Churches Together in the Ryde Area (C.T.R.A.) meet quarterly. Evening worship is arranged every 4th Sunday at a different Ryde church at 6:30pm. These are listed in the porch.

Faith Sharing Group (Bembridge)

This group, which has approximately 12 members, meets fortnightly on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays (2:00 to 3:30pm) in the home of one of the participants. They read, reflect and share the Sunday Liturgy Readings and pray for local and world needs as well as sharing concerns and events. We enjoy friendship, support, fellowship as well as refreshments. The group is open to anyone who wishes to join.

R.C.I.A.

This group meets on Mondays in the Convent. They study the Faith and reflect on the Sunday Mass readings and prepare candidates to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church.

Our Lady Star of the Sea

The group meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month for the Rosary and Prayer. The hour is varied; listening to music (or hymns) or a speaker on tape which stimulates our thoughts and prayers. Each person leads a decade of the rosary and offers prayers for particular needs.

Rosary Group

This group (approximately 7 / 8 people), which is now over 20 years old, meet on Tuesdays at 3:00pm at the home of Peter & Beth Foley. They recite the Divine Mercy Prayer, a short novena, prayers for personal intentions, the holy rosary and a prayer taught by an angel to the children at Fatima. This is followed by the prayer to St. Michael, the Litany to Our Lady, the prayer of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and then to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. You are welcome to join us.

Justice and Peace Group

This was started with Fr. John Catlin's blessing in 2006 following a visit from the Diocesan J&P Adviser. Each member of the Group works on various J&P issues as an individual using their strengths, time and talents while as a Group, we are and have been involved with several church, secular, local, national and international causes such as Pax Christi, CAFOD, the Island prisons and The Salvation Army. We meet every two months in a member's home in order to pray and to encourage each other in our efforts. Please contact the parish by email or telephone (01983 812127) if you would like more information.

St Mary's Justice and Peace Group meets every two months and is currently involved in the latest CAFOD appeal 'Act on Poverty' which is to send cards to Downing Street to ask the PM to remember the poor in this country and worldwide during the present cuts in spending. We share a board at the back of church with the SVP as our work overlaps theirs and two of our members belong to the parish SVP. We hope to become involved as volunteers with Fellowship House, the new Salvation Army Hostel opening in August for Island homeless men. Between meetings, we, as individuals work for a variety of causes including the Gaza problem, Trident and disability issues in the parish plus serving as readers at Mass, composers of Bidding Prayers and Eucharistic Ministers.

Junior Youth Group

The Youth Group welcomes children after they have received their First Communion until they register for Confirmation (approximately 8-13 year olds). This is a self-funded group supported by fund raising activities throughout the year. The group meets fortnightly and outings are usually twice a month with a varied programme of ice skating, cinema trips, bowling and an annual summer outing. The work of the team leaders is voluntary and help from parents is appreciated for larger events.

Mother Teresa Group

This group meets on the 3rd Monday of each month in the church hall.

Church Cleaning Group

At St. Mary's the group now numbers eight people. Six of these meet on Thursdays at 2:00pm for an hour (Church Services permitting). In addition to general cleaning of the church, the numerous brass items are cleaned. If you could spare an hour, if only fortnightly, you would be very welcome.

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