Justice & Peace

A concern for Peace and Justice is an essential part of our Christian faith. As a group we try to raise the level of awareness in our parish of injustice, suffering and violence at home and across the world by exploring the causes and working towards solutions.  We believe we have a part to play, however small or insignificant it may appear.  We consider the needs of families, refugees, prisoners, the very poor and needy in our parish and abroad.  We send clothing and financial help to the Philippines in an area where we have a representative of the parish, as well as giving support to CAFOD, CHAS and other charities.  We have a notice board in the Church foyer to raise the level of awareness by keeping people informed.

The Justice and Peace Group is small at present but hopes to grow.  We meet about every six weeks in the evening from 7:45pm and aim to finish by 9pm.  We were formed as a result of a general concern during our last Parish Mission that we should look more closely at what we could do, as a parish, for justice and peace issues locally, nationally and worldwide.

Please see the Parish Newsletter for the date of the of the next meeting.  New members always welcome.

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Ministry of Welcome

This ministry is an enabling one.  It helps to generate a warm and friendly atmosphere for all of us by helping us to participate joyfully in the liturgy.  IS is particularly important for new arrivals in our parish.  First impressions may be crucial; 'Am I welcome in this parish?', 'Will my children be welcome?', 'Will I be welcome with my wheelchair?'.  A friendly face, someone to ask questions of, who will find me a place to sit when the church is crowded, who will find a hymn book, a Mass sheet or a newsletter, can make all the difference.

This ministry is open to all, young and not so young.  Parents can share it with their children.  All it require is a little of your time, a few minutes before Mass and a few afterwards to tidy up.  Volunteers are placed on a monthly rota for the Mass they usually attend.

If you are interested please contact one of the Parish Team.

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Reaching Out Group

The purpose of this group is to focus on Catholics who no longer practice the faith in a public way, who may not be evangelised or who appear indifferent to religion.

Our presuppositions are that each and every person is unique and of infinite value.  Because we are all children of God our lives are worth celebrating and what better way is there to affirm this than through a lively and dignified liturgy?  We respect each individual's personal story and aim to help them become aware of God's hand in their life and learn new ways of responding to this reality.

There is an inevitable tension between the individual's search for good and the good of the community which causes many to opt out of religion.  But this tension is a dynamic one.  We look for ways to help people understand, through experience, that it is in a faith community that we flourish and grow best as individuals.

We are a forum for discussion and action as we seek ways to encourage people back into the community of the faithful.  We meet once a month and as a group we are still in a process of discernment and formation.  New members will be warmly welcomed.

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A Helpline for the Bereaved

Support in bereavement must be one of the most valuable aids which a Christian community can offer and our parish has set up a special group to extend this support to anyone who might need it or like to take advantage of it.

So often, those who have suffered the grievous loss of a relative or friend - and especially a dear member of the family - find it impossible to unburden themselves to those who are closest to them, if only because they are striving to put on a brave face in order to comfort the other members of the family.  While the accompanying formalities may be a buffer and distraction for a while, the time is sure to come, in trying to take up the reins of life once more, when the loss suffered really comes home and with it the need for help and support.

A sympathetic stranger can sometimes be the answer - someone just to listen, understand, encourage, and offer spiritual comfort if appropriate - someone with the backing and reassurance of a concerned and caring community.

If you would like to talk with a bereavement visitor please telephone or write to 'Bereavement Support' at the rectory.  (See the contact page for address and telephone details).

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Send mail to  StJohnsWood@rcdow.org.uk
Copyright © 2002 Church of Our Lady
Last modified: June 27, 2002