0040Good liturgy is the life-blood of any parish. At St Bernadette’s we endeavour to prepare prayerful and meaning liturgies which enhance our celebrations of the Eucharist. The word “liturgy” is derived from the Greek words, “laos” (people) and “ergon” (work, activity). Liturgy is the “work of the people”; it is the people of the Church participating actively in worship.

Because liturgy is the work of the people, here at St Bernadette’s Parish, we try to involve as many people as possible in various ministries.

Active liturgical ministries in this parish are:

Acolytes

Acolytes assist the priest during mass and liturgical celebrations. Together with communion ministers, the acolytes take holy communion to the sick.

Altar Servers

Young people from Year 5 upwards help the celebrant and other ministers at masses on Sundays and other special celebrations.

Altar Society

Members of this Society are responsible for cleaning the sacristies, altar vessels, altar linen, priests vestments, etc.

Children’s Liturgy

The Children’s Liturgy of the Word takes place in the hall during the 9.00am mass during school terms. The children, aged between 4 and 10 years, can thus understand the Liturgy of the Word at their level.

Choir and Musiciansmusic

We have a number of enthusiastic singers and talented musicians who sing and play music to enhance our parish liturgies.

Church Bookshop

A Parish Bookshop is located in the church foyer and open each Saturday evening and on Sunday mornings before and after masses.

Communion Ministers

Are a group of parishioners who assist the priest in distributing holy communion at mass.

Communion Ministers to the Sick

A group of parishioners who take holy communion to the sick and aged on Sundays and weekdays.

Flower Arrangements

A team of parishioners provide flower arrangements for Sunday Masses and other special liturgical ceremonies.

Lectors

Parishioners are rostered to proclaim the Word of God as lectors and commentators at weekend masses.

Ushers

Ushers welcome parishioners and visitors to weekend Masses, organise the collections and distribute our mass bulletins.

Other Annual Worship and Special Ceremonies include:

  • Australia Day Mass (January 26) – we pray for our country.
  • Blessing of Teachers and Students (1st Sunday in February) – at the start of the new school year.
  • Anzac Day Mass (April 25) – we pray for those who have died in war.
  • Mothers Day Blessing (2nd Sunday in May) – we pray for our parish mothers and grandmothers.
  • Fathers Day Blessing (1st Sunday of September) – we pray for our parish fathers and grandfathers.
  • School-leavers Mass (6pm, 2nd Sunday of November) – we pray for those parishioners leaving school this year.
  • All Souls’ Day (7.30pm, 2nd November) – we invite all those who have suffered a loss of a loved one to join us in prayerful sympathy and consolation.
  • Hamper Mass (1st Sunday in December) – where our hampers of food for the needy are blessed and then distributed.
  • Christmas Eve (December 24) – we have four special Masses:
    • 5pm for toddlers and parents;
    • 7pm for families with primary age children preceded by carol singing;
    • 10pm for youth, young adults and those young at heart; and
    • Midnight – traditional choral Mass preceded by carol singing.