Groups
Parish Pastoral Council
This is a group of 14 members of the Parish elected by the community to advise the Parish Priest on the Pastoral Care of the Parishioners. They meet four times per year (or more often if required) and provide advice and support on Parish Policy. One member of this Council (Mr. Ross Chalmers) is elected to represent the Parish at the Diocesan Pastoral Council which advises the Bishop on Pastoral Priorities within the Diocese.
Justice and Peace
The Parish Justice and Peace groups seeks to promote justice globally by acting locally and is involved in a variety of projects. Recently they sent delegates to lobby the G7 to reduce third world debt - with great success. They prepared and hosted a Liturgy with Bishopton Parish Church during One World Week on the themes of sustainable development and members of the group have a Traidcraft stall monthly at the Parish and work one day a week at the "Rainbow Turtle" Fairtrade Shop in Paisley. Fairtrade goods are ones which are traded and sold to the benefit of the producers - not multinationals and advertisers. In one year these projects have realised a turnover of £100,000 - many a mickle maks a muckle!
Saint Vincent de Paul
This Parish group exist for the alleviation of poverty and the support of those in our community in particular need. They meet weekly, are dependant on alms given them by other Parishioners at the end of Mass each week and visit the sick, the elderly and the needful providing company, support and alms as required. The Parish Group (called a Conference) is part of a worldwide charitable organisation and always seeks new members.
Ministers of the Word
The reading of the scriptures at Mass in the responsibility of the members of the parish and a rota of trained readers exists to ensure that the Word of God is proclaimed on both weekdays and Sundays. New recruits are welcome.
Ministers of the Eucharist
To assist with the distribution of Holy Communion on Sundays and weekdays, so that we may have Communion under both kinds each day, and to ensure that the housebound and sick may have Holy Communion as often as they wish. A number of Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist have been commissioned within the Parish. They work together with the Parish Priest to ensure that all who are in full communion with the church and wish to do so, may have communion frequently.
Sewing Group
A group of members of the Parish work together with the talents of sewing and embroidery to provide banners and vestments for use in the Church. They meet weekly and enjoy a lively session together as well as a variety of social and educative events.
RCIA
To welcome new adult members to our Parish Community the Parish uses the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. This is a process of faith sharing which asks those interested in becoming Catholics to gather to listen to the Word of God and pray with members of the community. This group meets normally every Monday evening from Advent until Pentecost with the sacraments of Initiation being celebrated at the Easter Vigil. Children who are becoming full members of the Church follow a different time frame and normally celebrate Baptism as infants and receive the other sacraments of Initiation (confirmation and First Holy Communion) at Pentecost. This is normally done in conjunction with the local Catholic Primary School, St. John Bosco's in Erskine . All enquiries and for those interested in becoming a Catholic please Email RCIA
Bereavement Support
To assist in the support of those who are bereaved the Parish has a group of people trained in listening and support they will gladly visit and form a support group for the bereaved and their families.
Music Ministry
To support the singing at Mass and Liturgical Services we have a music ministry which provides and trains a variety of musicians and singers. If this is your talent and if you wish to know more please
Altar Servers
To assist with the various celebrations in the Church we have a group of altar servers. Their task is to prepare the Church, to assist at Liturgy and to clear up afterwards. There are always vacancies in this ministry and this task is open to any boys or girls in the Parish who have been confirmed and are willing to undertake this service.
Church Cleaning
We have a group of women and men who help keep the church clean and tidy. They have a rota and their task involves spending a few hours about twice a year polishing and vacuuming. Would you like to help them?