Activities

CAFOD

The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) is a Catholic charity in England and Wales that raises funds and implements development programmes that lift people out of poverty and improve living standards overseas. In emergencies it provides immediate, life-saving relief and stays on to help people rebuild their lives. Our parish has a large active group meeting up several times a year to plan fundraising and campaign activities. New members are always welcome.

Coordinator: Amalia

Fairtrade Group

Fairtrade is an international product labeling movement aiming to create better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms for producers in the developing world. Working in conjunction with the parish CAFOD group, the parish Fairtrade team promotes Fairtrade through general awareness-raising and the provision of a Fairtrade stall, tea and coffee service after the 11.00am Mass several times a month.

Coordinator: Debbie McDonnell, – 020 7226 6359

Flower Arrangers

The church flowers are bought and arranged by a group of volunteers coordinated by Sister Patricia. Anyone who would like to join us on a regular or occasional basis is very welcome.

Coordinator: Sister Patricia Mockler

Parents and Toddlers Group

The Parents and Toddlers group is a ‘drop-in’ session run by parish volunteers that is open to the entire Highbury community. They meet in the Parish Community Centre on Kelross Road from 10am to 12 noon every Tuesday morning during school term. Parents/carers are welcome to spend the morning with their children aged 0 – 4 exploring different play stations, including a soft play baby area, bikes and a climbing frame for toddlers, a home corner, puzzle table, crafts and more.

Coordinator: Rex Batey – 07957 326 289

Pilgrimages and Recollection

Groups from the parish have made an annual pilgrimage to Lourdes for many years in late spring or around the appropriate month of May. The normal format is a long weekend, from Friday to Monday. We use a family-run 3 star hotel which offers full board in en suite accommodation. Pilgrims carry out a full Lourdes programme and also have time for shopping and leisure.

Organiser: Paul Smith, Contact via the presbytery or tel 020 7226 8043

Days of Recollection in the peace and quiet of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre of All Saints, London Colney, are also organised from time to time. Details are published well in advance in the newsletter.

Prayer Groups

More than just prayer groups – communities within the community! The parish has a flourishing number of vibrant small faith sharing communities. Joining one of these groups is an excellent way to explore your faith and meet together with other members of the parish to discuss church teaching and themes. The groups can be fun, often with lively debate. Recently, the groups have met once a week, for a period of six weeks, twice yearly and have been following a diocesan programme. Currently, there are groups on Monday afternoon and Thursday evening. Look out for notices in the parish newsletter.

Coordinator: Marian Robertson

RCIA – becoming a Catholic

Interested in becoming a Catholic? The parish runs an RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) course from October to Easter every second year. The next course runs from this autumn with reception of new members at the Easter Vigil 2014. The group meets once a week with breaks for holidays in between. Candidates range in age and background, and Christians and those who have not been baptised follow the same course – all are welcome. Plenty of advance notice is given for a new course in the parish newsletter.

Contact: Father Gerard.

Senior Citizens

The senior citizens group meets on Tuesdays from 1.15pm to 3pm
in the Community Centre, Kelross Road. All senior citizens from the area are welcome to take part in any of the activities including Keep Fit and Bingo, and have a chat over a cup of tea or coffee. Each year an outing is organised for the group.

Coordinator: George Rego

St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP)

The SVP is an international Christian charity, which befriends those in need and provides them with practical assistance. Our members visit people in the local area who are suffering from loneliness, anxiety and poverty. We raise money to help with food items, clothing, furniture and holiday camps for children who would not otherwise have a holiday. We are local volunteers and meet twice a month in the presbytery. Anyone who wishes to become involved, make a donation or knows someone who needs assistance should contact us via the presbytery.

Youth Club

The Youth Club is a drop off session that takes place every Friday from 7.00pm to 9.00pm in the Community Centre during the school term. Children in Year 6 to the age of 16 from the entire community are welcome. Due to its popularity, the club operates on a membership basis of up to 60 children supported by an adult to child ratio of 1 to 10. The purpose of the youth club is for children to come together and have fun in a safe and supervised environment. Activities include outdoor football, basketball and netball, indoor table tennis, pool, table football, play station, badminton and board games. Each year the club aims to organise a special summer outing as well as seasonal activities including a Christmas panto and a summer BBQ. The group also organises a lunch party for the parish senior citizens each year.

To put your child on the waiting list, please speak to any Youth Leader or to Father Gerard.

Coordinator: Brian Bolger – 07973 146 739

Welcome Ministers

Greeters welcome parishioners, newcomers and visitors as they arrive at the Sunday vigil and Sunday morning Masses, handing out missals and hymn books. More volunteers are always welcome – please contact Father Gerard.