WELCOME FROM OUR PARISH PRIEST

Dear brothers and sisters,

We welcome to you to our Parish family. We are a Parish building a faith community centred on the loving relationship of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, expressed in our personal lives and communal Parish activities.

We live by the Gospel of Jesus as pilgrims on our journey of faith. We welcome diversity, creativty and the use of the professional skills of our parishioners, in the service of other and in creating a community where all feel loved and belong.

We hope that in our Parish, you feel welcomed, loved and supported and, in turn, you dedicate the use of your time, gifts and talents in the service of God and all God's people.

Please feel free to contact me, or any other member of our community, if we can be of service to you. We welcome new suggestions to improve in our Parish ministry.

God Bless,


Fr Vinh-Quang Tran
Parish Priest

• PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
The Pastoral Council consists of the Priest together with a group of parishioners chosen by the parish community. The Pastoral Council’s role is to promote the Church’s mission to live and communicate the love and values of Christ in our world. The Pastoral Council shares in the responsibility for the ongoing life and development of the faith community, working together with parishioners to provide support for their efforts to live as followers of Christ.
The Parish Pastoral Council oversees all the Parish pastoral care in our community. It meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7.00pm.
CONTACT
Paul Kennelly (Chair - 0402 85 2825)


• PARISH FINANCE AND PROPERTY COUNCIL
The Parish Finance Council instigates and maintains a financial management system for the Parish including a budget. The Council works within parameters of current assets, projected income and expenditure and material Parish needs. It monitors and reviews income and expenditure on a regular basis. It makes recommendations to safeguard and maintain parish assets, both real and fixed, and also ensures appropriate health and safety standards are met on Parish property. The Council is a consultative body and as such strives to operate in a supportive and collaborative role with the Parish Priest in the interests of the Parish and within guidelines laid down by the Archdiocese. This in keeping with the co-responsibility of the laity in the mission and ministry of the Church.
Members of the Parish Finance Council are appointed by the Parish Priest. They should be able persons with a good sense of stewardship who have a keen sense of Parish interests. If you are such a person, and feel you are able to assist with this ministry of stewardship, do not hesitate to talk to Fr Vinh-Quang Tran.
PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL CONTACTS
Mrs Helen Taylor (Chair - 0448 473 310)
Mr Merv Mallett (Treasurer - parish_treasure@bigpond.com)


• "ENCOUNTER" TEAM
("Encounter" is the weekly bulletin for our Parish)
Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Notices to be in the Office no later than 10.30am on Wednesday.
BULLETIN TEAM CONTACTS
Fran Hannah and Elaine O'Shaughnessy (8552 1084; catholicvhg@bigpond.com)


• BAPTISM TEAM
Baptism of infants and children is offered at both Mass Centres. In order to fully understand this sacrament, the roles and responsibiliities of all involved, Baptism preparation is undertaken prior to the ceremony.
BAPTISM TEAM CONTACTS
Fr Vinh (8552 1084)


• SUNDAY HOMILY PREPARATION
As part of the Parish Renewal: "Good preaching emerges from profound listening to the Word ... and listening to the community" Fr Vinh initiated this group to assist him to listen to the community. Membership is by invitation.


• SACRAMENTAL PREPARATIONS - Reconciliation, Confirmation, First Holy Communion
Celebrating these Sacraments is an important step in our faith journey. The Parish provides Sacramental preparation for each Sacrament.
Fr Vinh is looking for volunteers to be involved in this important ministry. Please contact him (8552 1084) if you are interested.


• RITE OF CHISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
We welcome those who were baptised in other Christian Churches or are unbaptised and wish to become a Catholic. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is available on request throughout the year at both Mass Centres. Contact Fr Vinh (8552 1084)


• PARISH LITURGY COMMITTEE
The Liturgy Committee facilitates the day-to-day liturgical celebrations of the Parish. It is open to parishioners from each of the Parish Mass Centres.
All welcome.
CONTACT
Mrs Mary Ferguson (8552 5747)


• CENACLE PRAYER GROUP
Meets every Wednesday at St Joan's Church, Victor Harbor, starting with praying the Rosary at 10.00am, followed by shared discussion in the Church.
All welcome.
CONTACT
Mrs Gemma Woodhead (8552 4737)

• CONTEMPLATIVE LIVING COMMUNITY
The group meets weekly at a private home for Lectio Divina and meditation on Monday from 7.15pm until about 8.30pm. Once a fortnight the group also discusses a section of a reflective book.
CONTACT
Mrs Anne Weygood (0429 653 844)


• LECTIO DIVINA ON SUNDAY GOSPEL
This group uses Lectio Divina as a form of prayer that helps us find deeper meaning in each Sunday Gospel and therefore brings us closer to God and makes an appropriated action in our daily life, We meet each Sunday from 6.00pm - 7.00pm in St Joan's annex. All welcome.
CONTACT
Mrs Carol Sutherland (0418 856 799)


• CHRISTIAN LIFE COMMUNITY
We meet monthly (1st and 3rd Thursdays) in small groups, constantly being formed in Ignatius spirituality. We pray, share and listen to how God has been communicating to us and is working in our daily lives. We support each other in our commitment to serve Christ through service to others.
CONTACT
Mrs Jocelyne Randabel-Williamson (8552 5502 or 0402 341 071)


• LITURGICAL MUSIC AND CHOIRS
At St John the Apostle, music is under the direction of Mrs Claire Williams (0429 008 199). Singing practice is at 3.00pm each Tuesday.
At St Joan of Arc, music is under the direction of Mr Peter Carpenter (8552 1509). Singing practice is at 10.30am each Friday.
All welcome.


• SACRISTAN COMMITTEES
Members are responsible for setting up before and after liturgical celebrations.
CONTACTS
Mrs Marilyn Freeborn, Goolwa (0438 881 763)
Mrs Mary Ferguson, Victor Harbor (8552 5747)


• ALTAR SOCIETY
The volunteer members of the Altar Society are responsible for the weekly cleaning of the Church. They clean the Holy Vessels and look after the presentation of flowers and candles in the Sanctuary. The main cleaning of the Church is done by a paid cleaner. All welcome.
CONTACT
Mrs Mary Ferguson, Victor Harbor (8552 5747)

• MINISTRY TO THE INFIRM
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist distribute Holy Communion at Mass, bring Holy Communion to the sick and aged in their homes, hospitals or nursing homes.
CONTACTS
Mrs Maureen Farmer, Victor Harbor (8552 9429)
Mrs Lynne Healey, Goolwa (8555 2207)


• MINISTRY AT MASS
We welcome any parishioners willing to assist with any of the ministries associated with Parish liturgies, including the 'meet and greet' before each Mass. Please contact Fr Vinh (8552 1084).


• PARISH PASTORAL CARE
These volunteers visit sick parishioners at home, connect with new Catholics and those who wish to come back to the Catholic Church.
CONTACTS
Mrs Anne Turner, Goolwa (0459 648 004)
Mrs Maureen Farmer, Victor Harbor (8552 9429)


• OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY OFFICER
 When safety issues arise, please contact Mrs Cathy May (0401 584 237).

 
•MAINTENANCE & GARDEN
These groups of volunteers, based in each Mass center, work continually to maintain and improve the safety and overall Parish environment for the benefit of the Parish. Anyone wishing to join in this most vital work is most welcome to contact one of those below. In Victor, there is a working bee on the second Wednesday of each month.
CONTACTS
Mr John McMahon, Goolwa (8555 0254)
Mr Mike McBride, Victor Harbor (0419 817 909)

 
• MEMORIAL GARDEN CARETAKERS
This group prepares the graves and maintains the sites. If you wish to order a plaque, please contact the Parish Manager, Ray Klecko.
CONTACTS
Mr Michael McBride, Victor Harbor (8552 5212)
Mr Peter Sullivan, Goolwa ( 0408 553 778)
Mr Tony Siciliano, Goolwa (8555 3653)

 
• ST JOAN’S SOCIAL CLUB
Social interaction is a vital part of our Catholic Church today. It keeps our parishioners connected with each other. The Social Clubs arrange and cater for social functions and special events.
St Joan’s Club meets in the Annex at Victor Harbor on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 1.30pm.
St John’s Social Club meet at St John the Apostle Church on the 1st Tuesday every 2nd month at 2.00pm. All welcome.
CONTACTS
Mrs Elaine O’Shaughnessy, Victor Harbor (8552 9889)
Mrs Anne Turner, Goolwa (0459 648 004)

 
• CATERING AFTER FUNERALS
Our Parish is more than happy to cater for refreshments after a funeral celebration of your loved one. We basically cover the cost of what we buy.
CONTACTS
Mrs Anita Willis, Victor Harbor (8552 8751)
Mrs Anne Turner, Goolwa ( 0459 648 004)
Mrs Pat Clingan (0410 593 617)

 
• ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
Meetings fortnightly, alternately at Victor and Goolwa. New members welcome. Our society fosters the belief that God is in the person we serve. All welcome.
CONTACTS
Mr Kevin Philips (Chair). 8552 1084
Assistance number 1300 729 202

 
• KNIGHTS OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS
The Knights of the Southern Cross is an association of Christ’s laymen that is recognised by the Australian Catholic Bishops. Members are Catholic men who pursue tasks, guided by their Catholic faith, their spiritual formation and growth of individual members. All welcome.
CONTACT
Mr Paul Kennelly (0402 852 825)