PARISH GROUPS
of INTEREST to YOU
(We
respect PRIVACY LEGISLATION. We do not list phone numbers of parish
representatives. Please phone the Parish Office. We will arrange for you to get
in touch!)
JUBILARIANS The are parishioners, mostly over age 50, who meet regularly to play cards, celebrate birthdays, and to enjoy outings. Most activities are very economical. This is a group with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. They are warm and friendly. They make newcomers welcome. Meet usually on Wednesday at Stella Maris church.
AFTER MASS HOSPITALITY GROUPS These are groups of people who regularly attend weekend Masses at Stella Maris church. They provide tea, coffee and savouries to make parishioners and visitors welcome. Joining one of these groups is a great way to get some parish involvement without a high level of commitment. Each week after Mass (except 5th week end of month)
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP This team of people meet monthly with Sr Maree. They keep in touch with families who have recently experienced bereavement. Members are frequently drawn from parishioners who have themselves had deaths in the family.
PARISH MUSICIANS There are musicians involved at each of the three parish churches. The parish is always on the 'lookout' for new musicians and singers. There are frequent 'in service' occasions to get together. Parish musicians are assured of an ongoing liturgical formation. All week end Masses in the parish are served by the parish musicians.
GOLF CLUB Plays monthly on Sunday afternoons at Horton Park. You don't have to be a good golfer. This group have been meeting regularly to play golf for more than 20 years. Visitors and people on holidays are always especially welcome.
CRAFT GROUPS These are talented parishioners who meet on a quasi-regular basis at the Stella Maris (Maroochydore) and St Peter's (Coolum) churches. They make 'nice things' to sell at the parish fete. Gloria and June are always there to welcome new folk.
PARISH COUNCIL There is a parish council that meets 10 times a year. Its purpose is to 'keep in touch' with the parish and to ensure that the parish stays connected with the Deanery and the archdiocese as a whole. The Parish Council has been especially strengthened in recent years by new parishioners with Parish Council experience from other parishes.
PARISH PRAYER GROUPS These are numerous. They vary in texture.
There is the Charismatic Prayer group that meets on Monday evenings usually at Maroochydore, but sometimes at Coolum.
There is the Divine Mercy prayer group that meets most days to pray in the Stella Maris church.
There is a number of rosary groups in different places in the parish.
BIBLE STUDY GROUP Maria leads this groups. It follows the "Little ROck" bible study programme. They like to welcome new members with fresh ideas.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN QUEENSLAND STATE SCHOOLS The parish would like each and every parishioner to do this catechetical work at some time during their lifetime. There are 8 state primary schools within the parish. We like to have representative religion teachers on the staff of each of these schools. Juanita is our co-ordinator. Talk to her. She will easily persuade you that this is something you ought to try.
PARISH LIBRARIES Each of the three parish churches has a library. People can borrow books after Mass. If you are on the librarians' roster you have a unique opportunity to meet other parishioners.
CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD This is of particular interest for families with young children. It begins to catechize small children from the age of 3. Sr Maree takes charge of this activity. If you are not familiar with this project (it is Montessori based) you ought to inquire about it.
PARISH PLAY GROUPS At Stella Maris (Maroochydore) and St Peter's (Coolum). The parish provides this facility so that young families (especially newcomers) have a chance to get together and to put their young children in the environment of the local parish church. The Stella Maris group is large, enjoyable and well established. The Coolum group has recently been re-established. The Sippy Downs group meet Wednesday mornings at St Catherine's Church from 9.30am.
FRIENDS AT COURT While this is not specifically a parish groups it draws much of its membership from our parishioners. The centre of its activity is the Maroochy Courthouse. Many volunteers are retired newcomers with previous experience in legal matters. It has a great spirit about it.
JUNIOR MINISTRY PROGRAMME This is for primary and early secondary parish students. It involves serving on the altar at week end Masses (all churches). Meetings are on Friday afternoon / evening. There are about 10 of these meetings scheduled per year. Well supervised and staffed by older (now retired) Junior Ministers. The parish office staff can provide you with more specific details.
PARISH LITURGY TEAMS These meet at the three churches regularly. There is an ongoing formation programme. There is a TEAM LEADER for each of the week end Masses. Involvement includes training as lectors, holy communion ministers, and welcomers. This extends to pastoral care of the sick and taking them the Eucharist after the week end Masses.
YOUNG PEOPLES' DINNER GROUP They meet frequently after Sunday 6pm Mass to go out together for dinner. The parish office team can put you in touch!