Liturgy overview
Liturgy is central to our faith. The most important liturgical act is the Mass, a celebration of the Eucharist, instated by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. The word Liturgy literally means "the work of the people". This means that everyone has an active role, everyone is a participant and not just an “attendant”.
Every week, 3 Sunday Masses and 6 weekday Masses are celebrated at St. Robert’s. Throughout the year, the Parish will also celebrate special liturgies, particularly during Advent and Christmas and Lent and Easter, and sacramental celebrations like Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation and weddings.
All this would not be possible without the dedication of many volunteers in a variety of tasks — altar servers, readers, Eucharistic ministers, sacristans….. and some “behind-the scenes” roles, ensuring that everything runs smoothly...
[Altar servers|Bidding prayers|Eucharistic Ministers|Readers|Sacristans|Piety stall]
The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. At St. Robert's, a group of boys and girls regularly serve during Mass, but more would be welcome. Interested? Any boy or girl who has made their first Holy Communion is eligible to become an altar server.
Contact: Fr. Michael Hickey
A pool 15 volunteers regularly write the Bidding Prayers and a larger number read them. Each week’s author and readers are organised by Mrs. Mary Woodman. We would very much welcome new writers and they will be given advice and a helpful leaflet. New voices are also very welcome, particularly for the vigil and 8.30 am Masses.
Contact: Mary Woodman
There are several Eucharistic Ministers in the parish, helping with Holy Communion in Church and taking Communion to the sick and housebound. If you know of any parishioner is unable to get to Mass through sickness or advanced age and wishes to receive Holy Communion at home, please contact Sr. Anne McCarthy or Fr. Michael to make the necessary arrangements.
Contact: Sr. Anne McCarthy
Reading at weekend Masses is one of the most important ways in which the laity can participate in the liturgy of the Church and it is a most rewarding experience for all concerned. There are currently 37 readers but new Ministers of the Word are always welcome. If you are interested in helping in this important work, please do not hesitate—your contribution would be most welcome.
Contact: Ben Rudden
The work of the Sacristans entails cleaning of the chalices, candlesticks, bells and other articles used on the altar; laundering the cloths; changing the candles and generally keeping the Sacristy clean and tidy. It also includes checking on the candle stocks and collecting the money from votive candles.
Contact: Val Adams or Betty French
Repository / Piety Stall
The Piety stall is situated at the entrance to the Narthex. It is open every day after Holy Mass or on request. Various items are on sale including, rosaries, statues, crucifixes etc, plus a variety of cards for most occasions. Seasonal objects are also on sale, at Easter and at Christmas. All items are sold at modest prices and any profits go to the Church.
Contact: Lillian Keegan
Church address: Cedar Road, Fenham NE4 9PH Phone: (0191) 273 3903
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