Practical and financial groups and activities
Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it. Some people God has designated in the church to be, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues - 1 Cor 12:27-28
A parish, like any other organisation, needs people to deal with practicalities – which is why Saint Paul includes 'administration' in his list of gifts with which God blesses His Church.
In this section, we introduce some of the groups of people who deal with a myriad of important practical and financial matters here at Holy Innocents'. You would be very welcome if you would like to help.
In this section, we introduce some of the groups of people who deal with a myriad of important practical and financial matters here at Holy Innocents'. You would be very welcome if you would like to help.
Cleaners
One set of volunteers comes in on Saturday morning to keep the interior of our church, halls and porch area clean, maintain the holy water and votive candles, and set out extra chairs for Sunday Masses. A second group regularly cleans the sanctuary area; and a separate rota of volunteers keep our beautiful altar linen clean and ironed.
There is a rota for the Saturday morning cleaners. Each volunteer is attached to a group, which is asked to clean about once a month.
Contact Louise Munro via the Parish Office for the sanctuary cleaners
The Parish Office for the Saturday cleaners
There is a rota for the Saturday morning cleaners. Each volunteer is attached to a group, which is asked to clean about once a month.
Contact Louise Munro via the Parish Office for the sanctuary cleaners
The Parish Office for the Saturday cleaners
Collection counters
We are fortunate to have a generous parish, which means a lot of notes and coins to be counted and prepared for banking after every weekend Mass. Our collection counters meet each week to do the counting, record amounts included in Gift Aid envelopes (which support the reclaim of income tax already paid) and arrange for the banking of the cash that has been collected.
Contact Sister Joan via the Parish Office
Contact Sister Joan via the Parish Office
Finance Committee
Every parish is required by canon law to have a finance committee.
Our parish Finance Committee works with Father Victor to manage the parish’s money, property and resources; to set and manage the parish budget; and to report our annual accounts to the Diocese. The committee meets around six times a year.
The Finance Committee constructs a budget, monitors in-year expenditure, ensures that accounts are complete and accurate, makes sure that the annual returns to the Diocese are complete and audited, and exercises appropriate internal controls over the parish accounts.
Contact Ken Richardson (07758 002081 or via the Parish Office)
Our parish Finance Committee works with Father Victor to manage the parish’s money, property and resources; to set and manage the parish budget; and to report our annual accounts to the Diocese. The committee meets around six times a year.
The Finance Committee constructs a budget, monitors in-year expenditure, ensures that accounts are complete and accurate, makes sure that the annual returns to the Diocese are complete and audited, and exercises appropriate internal controls over the parish accounts.
Contact Ken Richardson (07758 002081 or via the Parish Office)
Fire wardens
It is important that we consider fire and other safety issues on a continuing basis, particularly before each major celebration, and that we have people on hand who know what to do in an emergency.
Contact Alan Ruel via the Parish Office
Contact Alan Ruel via the Parish Office
Folders Group
Our Folders Group meets over coffee every Saturday morning to prepare the Newsletter for Saturday and Sunday Masses – and to have fun while doing so.
Contact Ruth Wheelwright via the Parish Office
Contact Ruth Wheelwright via the Parish Office
Gardeners
A group of volunteers meet every Wednesday morning at 8.45 am, weather permitting, to spend a couple of hours keeping the grounds of our church tidy and attractive. This involves trimming the hedges, mowing the lawns, weeding and keeping the paths and car park clear of leaves.
No green fingers are required, just a willingness to help keep our parish grounds beautiful. A good way to keep fit, meet other gardeners and enjoy the great outdoors.
Contact Mick Low via the Parish Office
No green fingers are required, just a willingness to help keep our parish grounds beautiful. A good way to keep fit, meet other gardeners and enjoy the great outdoors.
Contact Mick Low via the Parish Office
Gift Aid coordinator
As with every charitable organisation, an important element of our income as a parish is provided through the government's Gift Aid scheme. This allows the church to reclaim 25p on every £1 donated by a UK taxpayer who has signed the relevant form.
Contact Ken Richardson (07758 002081 or via the Parish Office)
Download the Gift Aid form (Excel)
Contact Ken Richardson (07758 002081 or via the Parish Office)
Download the Gift Aid form (Excel)
Pamphlets and periodicals
Catholic Truth Society (CTS) pamphlets are available in the racks near the front door of the church, along with a wide range of Christian information.
Catholic periodicals and newspapers are usually on sale; slots for payment are in the wall in the inner porch area.
Contact Jo Holbourn via the Parish Office for pamphlets
The Parish Office for periodicals
Catholic periodicals and newspapers are usually on sale; slots for payment are in the wall in the inner porch area.
Contact Jo Holbourn via the Parish Office for pamphlets
The Parish Office for periodicals
Parish premises and Parish Complex
Over the years, the state of our church buildings has been a matter of constant concern. For a number of years now, building a new Parish Complex to replace the ageing Parish Centre attached to the main church building has had to be deferred, with priority being given to major, and costly, roof and other repairs. We hope that this time of waiting is about to end, with planning permission for a new Parish Complex having been obtained and work likely to commence some time in early 2018.
A group of parishioners bring their professional and other skills to bear in dealing with continuing maintenance issues and taking forward the idea of the new Parish Complex.
Contact Alan Ruel via the Parish Office for maintenance
David Nooney via the Parish Office for the Parish Complex
A group of parishioners bring their professional and other skills to bear in dealing with continuing maintenance issues and taking forward the idea of the new Parish Complex.
Contact Alan Ruel via the Parish Office for maintenance
David Nooney via the Parish Office for the Parish Complex
Safeguarding Team
We take safeguarding of our children and vulnerable adults very seriously. Clear diocesan guidelines are available to those who may be affected, and we enforce these as necessary.
Anyone who takes on a ministry at Holy Innocents’, or on behalf of the parish, with children or vulnerable adults needs to be cleared through the Disclosure and Barring Service (previously known as a CRB check). Our Safeguarding Team works with Father Victor on these matters.
Read the Concerns document if:
We also have Guidelines on working with children and young people within the parish which we require those who work in relevant areas to adhere to.
If groups or individuals wish to take children or young people from the parish on an outing, they must first consult with Father Victor. After approval is granted, use our adaptable Model Consent Form.
Contact Andrew Sorrell or Bernie Wyse via the Parish Office
Anyone who takes on a ministry at Holy Innocents’, or on behalf of the parish, with children or vulnerable adults needs to be cleared through the Disclosure and Barring Service (previously known as a CRB check). Our Safeguarding Team works with Father Victor on these matters.
Read the Concerns document if:
- you have concerns about the way a child or vulnerable adult is being treated, or
- you are a child who needs someone to talk to, or
- you need advice on child or vulnerable adult safeguarding issues.
We also have Guidelines on working with children and young people within the parish which we require those who work in relevant areas to adhere to.
If groups or individuals wish to take children or young people from the parish on an outing, they must first consult with Father Victor. After approval is granted, use our adaptable Model Consent Form.
Contact Andrew Sorrell or Bernie Wyse via the Parish Office
Website and Communications Team
The Communications Team manages the content and development of the newsletter, website and Facebook page. Our website is one of our main means of communication with visitors, potential new members and existing parishioners.
Contact Tony Luis, Chair of the Communications Team
Contact Tony Luis, Chair of the Communications Team