MISSION - CENTERED COMMUNITY

Bethany - Parish Grief Support Group

This group offers as its primary aim, support to those experiencing grief. This is expressed by visiting bereaved families who are offered practical support and are assured of the prayers and sympathy of the parish. An annual Mass in November recalls and remembers those who have died. When called upon, members of the group relieve carers in need of some time for themselves.

Care and Concern

The aim of this group is to serve the local community by responding to the needs of people in a Christian, neighbourly, practical way. Assistance with transport, emergency home help or companionship is provided.
Phone the parish office for assistance.

Knights of the Southern Cross

The Knights have an extensive program of Christian activities. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month in the Fr Kevin Aspinall Centre at 7.30 pm.
For information contact Neil Rooney on 3349 0495.

St Vincent de Paul Society

This energetic group continues its efforts in caring for the poor and needy. You can support the Society by putting money in the Poor Boxes, and by donating your unwanted clothing and furniture to them. For membership enquiries contact the parish office or religious goods stalls.

'Beside Restful Waters' - Charismatic Prayer Group

This group has been meeting in St Bernard's Church each Wednesday after the 7.00 pm Mass, since 1989. Restful Waters (Psalm 23:2) is one of 44 prayer groups in the Archdiocese affiliated with "Joshua Prayer Communities and Ministries" which comes under the patronage of the Archbishop. We commence with prayer and praise followed by scripture sharing, teachings or meditation. Please feel free to request prayers for special needs.
Contact Maureen 3345 9686.

Caravan Group

The group organises four or five outings a year for parishioners who own a caravan or camping gear. Persons desiring to use cabins are also welcome.
Contact Paul 3341 1799.

Family Group Movement

The motto is "A Family for All". Groups of families gather once a month for social occasions and friendship. The family groups have involved many parishioners in a supportive environment of friendship and Christian community. If you wish to know more about this great movement contact the parish office.

Italian Community Friendship Group

This group gathers socially on the last Monday of the month either in the Fr Kevin Aspinall Centre at 10.00 am or alternatively for a day long bus trip.
Contact Mrs Olga Iocco 3349 6019.

Meditation Groups

This group commenced in July 2002. It follows in the footsteps of the teachings of Dom John Main OSB, who opened the first Christian Meditation Centre at his monastery in London. Meditation groups continue to form around the world.
Our parish Meditation Groups meet weekly:
7.30 pm, St Martin's on Tuesday. Contact Carol Fuhrmeister 3341 5028.
9.30 am, St Martin's on Wednesday. Contact John & Clare Collins 3219 0303.

menALIVE

The St Bernard's Men of the Parish Group has been meeting since March 2001.
Contact is Raul Risitano 3343 4443.

Play Group

A warm welcome to all Mums/Dads/Carers and their children aged newborn to five years to come along and experience a little playgroup fun. A relaxed, social environment encourages the children to share in the various books, toys and musical equipment provided. Also a chance for the adults to get together over morning tea each Thursday from 9.15 am - 11.00 am, during the school term.
Contact are Kathleen 0409 768 140 and Melissa 3420 0615.

Senior Social Club

The club provides social mornings, hoy and morning tea and day trips for parishioners and their friends. The club meets fortnightly on Thursdays. Contacts are Doreen Clarke 3349 6746, Fay Dunphy 3349 2512.

'Share Our World' - SOW - Group

The Share our World Group or SOW Group offers an opportunity for both new and old Australians from diverse cultural backgrounds to come together to share their cultures, their values and their gifts, or simply for a chat. Activities promoting better understanding of different cultures are organized regularly; such as the Multicultural Mass, and the International Food Night.
Interested? Please contact Arthur Rego 3343 8804, or John Harrison on 3265 7716.

Welcome Group

The aim of the Welcome Group is to encourage persons new to the area, to become members of the parish community. The group will act as an initial contact via the new parishioners registers at St Bernard's and St Martin's, arrange distribution of information and organise welcome gatherings and functions.
Phone Trish McGregor 3349 4153.

Craft Group

All crafters and ‘would be crafters’ are welcome to join in on Tuesdays between 10 am and 2 pm in the St Bernard’s Parish Community Centre.
Bring along a craft project, lunch and a cup.
Tea, coffee and good company will be provided. Contact Margaret 3422 2443.

Youth Ministry

Please refer to the Youth Section for more information.