st elizabeth's

Parish Groups

Discover the goals and objectives of our Parish, along with all the other groups available for our congregation.

Our Parish Council: Vision and Objectives

The Parish Council at Minsteracres is committed to guiding our community with a spirit of collaboration and spiritual depth. Our primary goal is to help the parish discern and determine its vision through thoughtful discussion, reflection, and pastoral planning. We strive to enhance the relationship between clergy and laity, fostering a partnership that works towards the common good of the parish in light of the Gospel.

We are dedicated to identifying and addressing the pastoral and spiritual needs of all parishioners, encouraging lay members to actively participate in the effective management and organization of parish activities. The council also supports all groups and organizations within the parish, guiding them towards a common goal and understanding in alignment with the guidelines set by both the Parish Council and the Minsteracres Retreat Centre.

Further, we aim to raise awareness within the parish of wider social challenges, fostering and encouraging appropriate responses. The council supports ecumenical activities within the parish and surrounding district, including full and active participation in the Heavenfield Partnership. By creating appropriate sub-groups, we ensure the needs of the parish are met, working tirelessly towards the delivery of our shared vision.

In our commitment to fostering a vibrant community, we particularly emphasize the active and ongoing participation and formation of all parishioners, paying special attention to the needs of children, young people, and families. Through these efforts, we ensure that our parish remains a beacon of faith, hope, and service.

Contact: Lucilla Solly

Vision and Objectives

The Parish Council at Minsteracres is dedicated to guiding our community with a spirit of collaboration and spiritual insight. Our goals are to:

Shape Our Vision: Engage in thoughtful discussion, reflection, and pastoral planning to discern and articulate the parish’s vision.
Enhance Collaboration: Foster a strong partnership between clergy and laity to advance the parish’s mission in the light of the Gospel.
Meet Community Needs: Identify and address the pastoral and spiritual needs of all parishioners.
Empower the Laity: Encourage lay participation in managing and organizing parish activities effectively.
Support Parish Groups: Guide all parish organizations towards a unified objective, aligning with the guidelines set by the Parish Council and Minsteracres Retreat Centre.
Address Social Challenges: Increase awareness of broader social issues within the parish and encourage meaningful responses.
Promote Ecumenism: Support ecumenical activities within the parish and surrounding areas, including active involvement in the Heavenfield Partnership.
Create Effective Teams: Establish specialized sub-groups focused on implementing our shared vision effectively.
Encourage Broad Participation: Foster active engagement and formation among all parishioners, with special attention to the needs of children, young people, and families.

Our Parish Groups

Music

Our Parish Music Ministry greatly enhances our celebration of the liturgy. If you play an instrument and/or wish to take an active part in this vital aspect of parish life please contact Fr Emmanuel or Camille.

Church Flowers

The flower team at St Elizabeth’s decorate the church with attractive displays according to the liturgical season and time of year. We also are able to provide floral displays for weddings. Anyone interested in arranging flowers is welcome to contact us.

Justice and Peace

The Justice and Peace Group is open to any parishioner who wishes to take part. The Group supports the aims of the National Justice and Peace Network which works on global issues like the cancellation of Third World debt, groups and commissions around the country, and national and local issues such as poverty, inequality, credit unions, housing/ homelessness, supporting refugees/asylum seekers, and environmental issues. The main work of the Group centres on support for the refugee/asylum work in the west of Newcastle. An ongoing series of coffee mornings aims to highlight charitable causes and issues.

Social Committee

The Social Committee aims to to foster a vibrant community life in the Parish. It promotes trust and friendship and assists with Parish public relations. The committee organises activities that bring parishioners and families together to help form family bonds and fellowship.
Examples of activities include: supporting the celebration of religious milestones and major life events, Parish dinners, coffee mornings, and occasional charity fund raising.

Parishioners are kept up to date with regular email newsletters. A weekly newsletter is distributed at Sunday masses, and emailed to parishioners (please get in contact if you wish to be added to the email distribution list).

Faith Development

Every year a faith development programme is presented which enables parishioners to refresh and deepen their life of faith. Details of current and upcoming initiatives/sessions are carried in our weekly newsletter.