PARISH GROUPS

Ministers of the Eucharist

Eucharistic Ministers are parishioners who assist the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. They also take the Eucharist to those who are ill or housebound in the parish.

Ministers of the Word

Ministers of the Word are parishioners who contribute to the Liturgy by proclaiming the Word of God at Mass and other ceremonies. Their role is important as they help bring the Word of God to His people.

SPRED  (Special Religious Education)

Sister Annette leads a group of young parishioners with developmental difficulties in a community of faith to help them grow in the love and knowledge of God.

Child Protection Committee

In tandem with the Diocesan Policy we have now set up a committee for the protection of children and vulnerable adults in the Parish.  The committee consists of  Very Rev Sean Gilmore, Paul Mc Crory, Margaret Mc Guigan, Roisin Quinn and Gerardine Burns.  This committee will oversee the implementation and management of the policy. A copy of the policy and procedures can be obtained at the Parish Office.

Non-Stop Draw

The Parish Draw is a club of members who contribute £1 per week fa continuing period of time.. Each week four prizes of £100 are drawn. Special “ Jackpots” are drawn once a month. The draw concludes with a final “ Special” of £3000 on the final night. Winners’ names are published in the weekly bulletin. The draw then recommences the following week. The Non-stop Draw raises much needed funds for the Parish.

Flower Arrangers

The Flower Arrangers consists of a group of ladies who co-ordinate beautiful displays of flowers for the altar. Any donations towards flowers are welcome. There is a collection box underneath the notice board at the rear of the church.  Please Note: No flowers are to be placed on the altar during Lent.

Altar Servers

The Altar Servers are boys and girls from Primary 5 to Primary 7 who attend St Matthew’s Primary School.

Altar Society

The Altar Society is a group of Parishioners who work on a rota basis cleaning the church and looking after the sacred vessels and linens. The rota for 2008 is as follows; January - Quinn Group:  February - McGrattan Group: March - O'Hara Group:  April - Dines Group:  May - Rooney Group:  June - Quinn Group:  July - McGrattan Group: 

August - O'Hara Group:  September - Dines Group: October - Rooney Group:  November - Quinn Group:  December

- O'Hara Group.  We are always seeking volunteers.. If you are interested in joining any of the above groups or setting up a team, please contact the Parish Office.

Choir

St Matthew’s Choir help celebrate the liturgy by leading the congregation in song. Organist – Mark Laverty. 

The choir are currently recruiting new members so please contact Mark, or any member of the choir if you are interested in joining, you will be warmly welcomed.

Bowlers

St Matthew's Bowlers meet every Tuesday at 8pm in the Parish Centre.

St. Vincent de Paul

Members are available in the parish to help those experiencing difficulties. If you need assistance you must first contact the main office at 196 – 200 Antrim Road, Belfast or by phoning them on 028 9035 1561 or fax 028 9074 0522.

Special Needs

Saint Matthews Special Needs Group is a self help group, run by the families of the Special Needs children in our area. The group exists to improve the quality of life of our Special Needs children and their brothers and sisters, and also to provide a support group for the parents of special needs children. More Info>>>

Ushers

Ushers fulfil a practical role in the Church showing people to their seats, taking up the collections and organising the Offertory Processions.

Guides/Brigini

The parish currently have an active Brigini/Guide unit.  They meet each Wednesday evening in the Parish Community Hall between 6pm and 8pm.

N.B.  Due to the restoration of the Church, the Parish Hall is now solely being used as a temporary Church for up to a year therefore some of the above groups are located temporarily in other locations in the parish.