Parish groups
Children’s Liturgy
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) at Our Ladye Star of the Sea runs along with the school terms. For new parents and children coming to the parish, here’s what we do.
At the start of Mass, the priest calls the children to the front, then sends us off to the parish rooms next door to have our own Liturgy of the Word. It is really important that we all gather at the front first rather than going direct to the parish rooms – we want to show that CLOW is part of the Mass and that our children are an integral part of the congregation.
In the parish rooms, we have a mini altar, with lectern and candle and the children sit around on cushions and rugs. We say prayers, sing songs, and listen to a special children’s version of the readings and the Gospel. We return for the Offertory.
CLOW isn’t about keeping the children from disturbing adults in the main church. It is a living act of worship, so the children listen and respond to the Word of God, answering open-ended questions aimed at getting them thinking and reflecting.
ALL children are welcome, from tots to primary school age, with their parent/carer.
Music
The 9am choir was established over 10 years ago to provide sacred music that would complement prayer during Sunday Masses and Holy Days. The aim has always been to lead, rather than replace, the congregational singing, and to provide the odd contemplative moment, too.
The team is made up of volunteers, with the good fortune of having some professional singers, who will join in when they can. Numbers can fluctuate week to week as people have various commitments outside of the church. However, we strive to provide consistency throughout the year.
We can have many visitors at each service so it is important that they can find familiarity within the Mass and prayerful moments within the music. Saint Augustine said: “To sing is to pray twice”, and we consider all the religious music to be a prayer; whether that is joyful, sad, or contemplative. We usually sit with the congregation by the piano and welcome other instruments, too.
The music at the 11am Mass, on alternate Sundays, is led by the ‘Minstrels in the Gallery‘. We are a small group who are seeking new members to enhance the Liturgy. If you enjoy singing and can commit to attending every alternate Sunday, prepared to come a half-hour before Mass for a brief rehearsal, please consider joining the group.
Music is chosen in advance so that you can practise at home. The singing is accompanied on the church's two manual and full pedal board ‘Eminent’ organ with 31 speaking stops. Our organist is also available for funerals for a fee.
Please feel free to pop up to the gallery and introduce yourself after a Mass on the Sundays when we sing. Or speak to any member of the 9am choir.
Alternate weeks, we have a guitar and vocal duo who provide the music at the 11am Mass. On the other week, they accompany the children's percussion and singing in the parish rooms for Children‘s Liturgy.
Over 60s Group
The Over 60s Group meets at the Dominican Convent, around the corner from the church at Hyde Vale, on some Thursdays at 2pm (check the newsletter for the next date). Don‘t be shy, come and have a cup of tea and a chat with a friendly bunch, led by the nuns. There is sometimes a healing Mass conducted by the priest during the afternoon.
