St Alban Deanery: Northampton Diocese: Westminster Province: Reg Charity No 234091: Tel 01582 723099: email parish.sacredheartofjesus@northamptondiocese.org: © 2023

Mass Related Activities

Readers

Readers have a vital role in the celebration of the Mass. We are pleased to hear about those who would like to read at Mass. Readers are commissioned on the Second Sunday of Advent each year for the service of the Parish. Contact Deacon Jim if you would like to participate.

Altar Servers

We are always pleased to welcome new girls and boys as altar servers. We belong to the Archconfraternity of St Stephen and new servers when they have passed their simple test can be enrolled as a member and receive the Medal. Each year the Diocese hold a Mass at the Cathedral with the Bishop, which our servers attend. Contact the Parish Office for further information.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Parishioners are invited to serve the Parish Community as extraordinary ministers of holy communion. Ministers help distribute Holy Communion at Sunday and weekday Masses. They may also be asked to visit the sick and housebound in their area with the Blessed Sacrament. Please let the Clergy know if you would like to become a minister.

Bereavement Group

Plans visits to the recently bereaved. Also provides tea after the reception of the body into church or after the funeral (by arrangement). An annual service held to remember those who have died, followed by refreshments in the hall. The group also host a parish coffee morning after Mass on the 2nd Thursday of the month.

Adoration

This “Filipino inspired” devotion is held in church on the second Friday of the month from 9.00am to 11.15pm. All are welcome to come and spend time before the Blessed Sacrament.

Prayer Group

Catholics and non-Catholics meet in the Sacristy on Friday mornings at 10.15am for shared prayer. Refreshments served afterwards.

Monthly Coffee Morning

On the second Thursday of each month in the Social Centre after the morning Mass (courtesy of the Bereavement Group). All are welcome.

Rosary Group

Meet to pray the rosary twenty minutes before weekday Mass and also in peoples homes. See list in the porch for information.

CHCF (Children’s Handicapped Fellowship)

The Children’s Handicapped Fellowship meet once a month in various parishes in the town for an afternoon Mass and get-together.

Sunday Morning Coffee

After the 11.00am service on Sundays, coffee/tea is served in the hall. It is an ideal opportunity to meet fellow parishioners and welcome visitors to the Parish. Do pop in.

Musicians

Music is provided at the 9.00 am and 11.00am Sunday Masses and at Easter and Christmas. All musicians are very welcome, especially youngsters to join either Mass to enhance the Parish music liturgy.

Other Activities

Parish Pastoral Council

The Parish Council consists of representatives drawn from various Catholic organisations and groups in the Parish. They meet to advise the Parish Priest and provide a forum for matters to be discussed. Meetings are held, as announced, twice a year.

Parish Finance Committee

The Parish Finance Committee meets at least twice a year to review the Parish finances, prepare the annual financial report, discuss related matters such as the gift aid scheme, insurances, buildings, repairs, capital expenditure, utilities and any other related activities.

Flower Arranging

Church Flowers are arranged for weekly Masses, Christmas and Easter and also for weddings and other special occasions on request.

Cleaners

We welcome families or individuals to join with others and take an occasional turn. Cleaning is usually on Wednesday after morning Mass, but other times can be accommodated. We could do with your help to keep the House of God clean.

Parish Library

A book and video lending library is located in the church, in the Walker Room. You are welcome to use or borrow the books. Please return them in reasonable time.

Parish Centre

Our Parish Social Centre comprises a Hall and a Lounge with bar, kitchen and toilet facilities. It is used by Parish organisations and a select number of outside groups. The facilities are available for hire to registered parishioners for a specific event. Contact the Parish Office for more information.

Legion of Mary

You are welcome to join the Presidium which meets in the Sacristy on Monday nights, at 8.00pm. Refreshments afterwards.

Knights of St Columba

The Luton Council of the KSC meet in the Parish Centre on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm. New members are welcome to come along.

Ramblers

The Parish has a group that meets each month (4th Sunday) for a walk in the area nearby. They meet in the church car park at 2.00pm (except holiday time). The walk is usually 5/6 miles, 2 to 3 hours. See the poster on the Church porch noticeboard.

Services

Sunday Masses: 6.30pm on Saturday (First Mass of Sunday) and 9.00am and 11.00am on Sunday

Holydays of Obligation: 9.30am and 7.30pm

Confessions: 11.00am on Saturday

Weekday Masses: 9.30am on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday and Friday (check the weekly Newsletter)

Stations of the Cross: 7.00pm on Friday during Lent

Penitential Services: As announced before Christmas and Easter