Thanksgiving Offertory

St Matthew's offers a number of opportunities for our members to be involved in various ministries. Whether you would like to be involved in our liturgies as a server, as a Eucharistic Minister, or a member of our choir, there is a place for you. For further information on the various opportunities for involvement, see below.

Reader

Readers or Lectors, are those who proclaim the Word of God during the liturgy through the reading of the sacred scriptures. The Commentator welcomes the congregation, introduces each reading, recites the Prayers of the Faithful and invites the congregation to sing the hymns.

Acolytes

Acolytes were once a part of the minor orders on the path to Priesthood. However, the ministry of the Instituted Acolyte was revised and is now a permanent ministry entrusted to lay people.

It is the duty of the Acolyte to assist the Priest and Deacon with the celebration of the Liturgy. They light the candles, lead the procession, prepare the altar, purify the sacred vessels and act as Extraordinary Ministers of Communion.

Communion of the Sick

There are times when people are unable to join our community at Mass to receive communion. They may be elderly, unwell, or in hospital. It is so important that all community members of St Matthew's, despite their circumstances, are able to share in our community's Eucharistic meal.

We always need more people willing to give their time to be present with those who cannot join us for our liturgies.

To join one of the above ministries, you are required to attend and Formation Course which is offered twice a year be the Office of Worship. For details, please contact the Parish Office.

Choir and Music

St Matthew's is incredibly blessed to have our own pipe organ. The organ was originally commissioned by Alfred Hunter in England, after being commissioned by Henry McQuade for his private residence, Fairfield, in Windsor.

The organ arrived in 1880, but McQuade decided that it would have a better home in St Matthew's and so it was installed and first played in the church on New Years Day in 1882. The organ has thirteen decorated pipes and prior to the organ's restoration nu the South Island Organ Company in 1998, the organ had to be manually pumped with air to be played.

St Matthew's also has an excellent choir who sing the hymns and various parts of the Mass at our 9 am Masses. At various other Masses throughout the year, other instruments are included in our services.

If you play a musical instrument or sing and would like to be involved in our musical ministry, please make contact the Parish Office.

Catechists/SRE (Special Religious Educator)

The role of Catechists is to Catechise (teach) the Catholic faith to others.

There are many Catholic students who are enrolled in state primary and secondary schools in the Hawkesbury area. These students have opportunities to learn about their faith, but we need Catholics who are willing to give up some of their time to help these young men and women understand and practice their faith.

For details on how to be a part of the Ministry, please contact the Parish Office.