LITURGICAL COMMITTEES

Liturgy Committee: Peter Haynes
Ministers of the Word: Thabiso Mokwena
Extra Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Bev van der Hoven
Altar Servers: Help needed!
Sacristans: Help needed!
Choir: Pat Rhodes
Guitar Group: Christine Marot
Flower Group: Meg Harburn
Ministers of Hospitality & Ushers: John Purcell

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Small Faith Sharing Groups (Follow Me)

We currently have several cell groups which meet on a weekly basis. At present the groups use the "Follow Me" programme which is structured for adult formation in small Christian groups. The programme strives to help each of us answer probing questions like, 'What is my purpose in life?', and, 'What is the meaning of Christian discipleship in our modern world?' Faith sharing in small groups provides fellowship between parishioners and strengthens our sense of community. They also encourage us to look outward to the needs around us.

The Catholic Women's League

Membership to the CWL is open to all Catholic women. Some of our objectives are: to unite Catholic women in their service for God, the Church, the family and the country; to assist with parish work; to consolidate Catholic action among Catholic women in defence of Catholic principles; to promote fellowship among its women; to engage in social welfare activities. The CWL is an international organisation which is very strong in South Africa. We meet every 1st Tuesday in the church hall and we have a cake sale on the 1st Sunday of every month. Come and see what we are about!

Care Group / Visitors Group

The aims of the visitors group are to visit on a regular, fortnightly basis, people of our parish who are either sick, housebound, lonely or handicapped, who are in hospital, or who are unable to fend for themselves. Also important is the keeping contact with the recently bereaved.

Secular Franciscan Order (SFO)

This order is made up of lay people who wish to develop their spirituality by following the Franciscan way of living and prayer. The Poverello Chapter (Amanzimtoti) was originally initiated by Fr Isidore Maher OFM and Fr Hugh Daly OFM in the early 1970's. We are endeavouring to encourage more interest in the fraternity and anyone who would like to know more about us can contact Ian Charlton or Mary Rodrigues via the parish secretary. We meet on the last Sunday of the Month.

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FAITH FORMATION AND GROWTH

Good Shepherd Catechesis

Youth Group

The Youth Group for children who are in Grade 7 and up. They meet every 2nd Friday evening from 18:30 to 21:30. Some of the activities include outings to `Splash', movies, and skating. We are looking for younger people, (17 to 35 year-olds) to volunteer time to help run the Youth Group.

Plugged-in Youth Cafe

Plugged-in-Youth Cafe‚ was purchased by the parish in July 2007. This exciting programme which runs for 7 weeks, looks at the foundation of the Catholic Faith in a lively, fun way. Youth Cafe was produced in England and is distributed by Metanoia Media in Cape Town. The programme makes use of video clips, ice breakers, group discussions, music and prayer response ideas to involve teenagers in a dynamic interactive experience. The Grades 10, 11 and 12 have been experiencing this in the hall every Wednesday evening.

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OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

ACCAI

The Amanzimtoti Christian Aids Initiative (ACCAI) is a local interfaith initiative that offers both spiritual and material support to volunteers and caregivers working with families infected and affected with HIV and AIDS.

St Vincent De Paul Society (SVdP)

This society cares for the less privileged members of our parish, our community and the community at large. Some of our main services are:

• Providing an on-going food supply depot for the poor and indigent around Amanzimtoti.
• Rendering help in diverse ways including the collection and supply of used clothes for their needs.
• Needy families are helped in times of crisis and each winter we supply blankets and warm clothing.

We have become more involved with the HIV/AIDS pandemic and we support ACCAI and Mother of Peace. Meetings are held in the Committee Room at 15:30 on the 3rd Thursday of the month. A close spiritual fellowship is enjoyed.

CADACC

Sinosizo is a project of the Catholic Archdiocese of Durban AIDS Care Commission (CADACC). From its base in Amanzimtoti it offers home based and palliative care for people with HIV/AIDS in a number of communities in the archdioceses as well as counselling and training. It also supports orphans and vulnerable children. Parishioners play leading roles in both Sinosizo and CADACC

Little Star Edu-Care Centre

Little Star is a non-profit initiative established to offer pre-school opportunities to those who might not have access to it. Parents who cannot afford to pay the fees are cross-subsidised by those who can.

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OTHER

Card Group

Calling all parishioners who like to help with the making of birthday cards, Christmas cards and cards for all occasions. We meet Mondays 09:00 to 12:00.

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