JOINING OUR PARISH
Many people attend church without considering the formalities involved. You don’t need to be a registered parish member to join our services or group activities. We welcome Christians from all denominations, as well as non-Christians who want to learn more about Christ’s teachings.
If you’re new to the area, feel free to introduce yourself and become part of our Parish community. Parishioners are registered members under the guidance of the Parish Priest. You’re always welcome at church, with no obligation—should you wish, you can complete a form to become a registered parishioner.
Though each parish has official boundaries indicating where you belong, you aren’t required to attend a specific church. We keep a parish list to estimate our population and to contact members when needed, such as for sacraments or pastoral care. Every year, we share our “pastoral statistics” with the diocese. The information collected on the registration form is stored securely in our database, used only for the reasons mentioned, and never sold or used otherwise.
Thinking of joining? Please introduce yourself to Fr. Barry or reach out to the Parish Office for more information.
PARISH TEAM
With Fr. Barry, a volunteer group meets monthly to discuss parish topics such as liturgy, our partnership with Sacred Heart in Whaley Bridge, events, repairs, and projects supporting the parish. For more information or to join, please speak with Fr. Barry.
FRIENDSHIP & BEREAVEMENT GROUP
Providing care for those experiencing bereavement is both a compassionate service and a reflection of empathy within our community. Individuals who have recently lost a loved one and require practical or pastoral support, or wish to speak confidentially with someone, are encouraged to contact Fr. Barry.
To further assist clergy and those affected by loss, a dedicated group of St Paul’s parishioners convenes regularly to ensure that all bereaved individuals are reached and offered appropriate practical and pastoral assistance. This includes assuring them of the ongoing prayers and support of the entire parish.
The Friendship and Bereavement Group operates under the guidance of an experienced coordinator and a team of volunteers, delivering essential services to the parish community.
Alongside this support, the group organises events throughout the year such as communal meals, guest speaker sessions featuring notable local figures, day excursions, and the annual November Souls Mass in remembrance of those who have passed away during the year.
Should you wish to volunteer with the group or participate in its activities, please contact the parish office for further information, or speak directly with Fr. Barry.
PIETY
Providing care for those experiencing bereavement is both a compassionate service and a reflection of empathy within our community. Individuals who have recently lost a loved one and require practical or pastoral support, or wish to speak confidentially with someone, are encouraged to contact Fr. Barry.
To further assist clergy and those affected by loss, a dedicated group of St Paul’s parishioners convenes regularly to ensure that all bereaved individuals are reached and offered appropriate practical and pastoral assistance. This includes assuring them of the ongoing prayers and support of the entire parish.
The Friendship and Bereavement Group operates under the guidance of an experienced coordinator and a team of volunteers, delivering essential services to the parish community.
Alongside this support, the group organises events throughout the year such as communal meals, guest speaker sessions featuring notable local figures, day excursions, and the annual November Souls Mass in remembrance of those who have passed away during the year.
Should you wish to volunteer with the group or participate in its activities, please contact the parish office for further information, or speak directly with Fr. Barry.
ALTAR SERVERS
Historically, our parish maintained a dedicated group of Altar Servers who assisted the Priest by serving on a rota at each Saturday Vigil and Sunday Mass. At present, due to a shortage of volunteers, we are unable to offer this important service regularly.
We welcome expressions of interest from individuals who wish to serve at the altar, especially adults and older children. We are particularly seeking adult volunteers who may be available to support our weekday Masses.
Training will be provided, and any child wishing to volunteer must have received their First Holy Communion. If you are interested, please contact the Parish Office for further information.
MUSIC TEAM & CHOIR
The phrase “He who sings prays twice,” often attributed to St Augustine, encapsulates a sentiment well appreciated by the clergy at St Paul’s. While national culture tends towards restraint and self-consciousness, singing remains a meaningful expression of happiness and serves as an important form of liturgical participation within our parish community. As such, music holds significant value at St Paul’s.
Our parish benefits from a dedicated group of musicians, both professional and amateur, who collaborate with the clergy to enrich our Sunday Masses. A structured rota is maintained to ensure flexibility and to accommodate individual commitments without becoming burdensome.
While we respect those who prefer quieter services—typically held during weekday Masses, word and communion services, and at the Saturday Vigil Mass—Sunday Masses generally incorporate hymns, inviting congregational participation. Musical accompaniment features a blend of traditional and contemporary instruments, providing a diverse auditory experience.
We welcome new members who wish to contribute to our music ministry. Individuals interested in joining our choir, which offers valued musical support and regularly rehearses, will find the group seated near the Lady Altar during Sunday services.
If you are able to assist with vocal or instrumental talent, please contact the Parish Office for further information.
POWERPOINT TEAM
During our Saturday Vigil and Sunday Mass, a team of volunteers oversees the administration of a PowerPoint presentation displayed via the overhead projector in the church. This presentation allows members of the congregation to follow the mass, including references to readings, prayers, and the overall liturgy, with volunteers advancing the slides at the appropriate moments.
Team members update the presentation prior to each weekly mass; therefore, familiarity with Microsoft PowerPoint is advantageous. However, training will be provided for those interested in contributing to this important service for our congregation.
If you would like to share whatever Powerpoint skills you have or prepared to press a few buttons, we’d love to welcome you to the team
TEA & COFFEE TEAM
Following the Morning Mass held once a month, parishioners are invited to enjoy beverages including tea, coffee, squash, and a selection of biscuits and cake. This provides an opportunity for attendees to reconnect with friends and welcome new members to our community.
Our parish volunteers are dedicated to creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere, and they are pleased to greet both long-standing members and newcomers, as well as interested volunteers, in the Presbytery for refreshments and conversation.
Teas and coffees are served alongside high-quality refreshments after the Family Mass, which takes place on the second Sunday of each month. We invite compassionate individuals to join our volunteer rota, which offers flexible scheduling. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact the parish office; a coordinator will respond with further details.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS & READERS
Ministry of Reading
When a Reader shares the Word of God during Mass, it is understood that God is truly communicating with us—unveiling the mysteries of redemption, offering spiritual nourishment, and demonstrating His unwavering love. In this act, Christ is present among us through the spoken Word. The person reading serves as an instrument for God to reach out and speak to the congregation.
Ministers of Communion
Ministers of Communion assist with distributing Holy Communion during Mass, and some who have received the appropriate authorisation also bring Communion to those who are sick or housebound. We welcome additional ministers at all our Masses.
If you’re interested in taking on one or both of these roles, or if you have experience serving as a minister in another parish and want to continue here, please reach out to the parish office. Training and support will be provided, and we would also greatly appreciate more volunteers for both rotas.
Newcomers are always welcome. If you’re new to charismatic prayer it is suggested you come three times before deciding whether to join or leave. For more information about the Prayer Meeting and about Catholic Charismatic Renewal, please contact Eddie Drozdziak on 07947 168096 or via email at eddiedrozdziak@gmail.com
THE PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Parish Finance Committee’s purpose is to support and advise the Parish Priest in managing the parish’s finances and property. Meeting two or three times each year, the committee releases an annual financial report to parishioners. It includes the Parish Priest and a dedicated group of volunteers.
If you are interested in offertory envelopes, setting up a standing order, or participating in our Gift Aid Schemes—whether you’re new to the parish or not—please get in touch with the office for more details.
The Gift Aid Scheme
Gift Aid allows parishes to reclaim tax on donations you’re already making, including those given at the Offertory, for special purposes, or as Retiring Collections. This scheme is extremely beneficial: for every £10 you donate, the Church receives about £12.50 once the tax you’ve paid is refunded. If you pay tax, we encourage you to take advantage of Gift Aid.
To participate, simply make a declaration stating you’d like your donations to qualify for a tax refund through the Gift Aid Scheme. You can do this by filling out a written Gift Aid Declaration Form (available from your parish or the Diocesan office), or by contacting the Diocesan Office via phone, fax, or email. You’ll need to provide your name, address, confirm you pay enough income tax, and state your wish to join the scheme.
Gift Aid does not require you to donate a set amount or make a long-term commitment. You are free to leave the scheme whenever you choose.
PARISH SCHOOL
Our Parish is blessed to have its own primary school St Paul’s Catholic Primary, which forms part of a Multi Academy Trust (MAT).
Formally Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic Academy, Our Lady Help of Christians Trust is a multi-academy trust in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury. It has a shared vision, united in love, service and faith with Jesus Christ at the centre of all that they do, inspiring a pursuit of excellence.
It was in the context of family life in Nazareth that Jesus learnt from Mary and Joseph about values and virtues, his community and his faith. The ‘family of schools’ and the ‘schools as families’ provide a context where the MAT’s children and young people can learn about
- Life sustaining values, virtues and aspirations
- Building a community of welcome
- A faith that helps us live with honourable purpose.
The MAT provides an education for the whole person where children and young people are nurtured in character, wisdom and values, so that they can aspire not to have more but to be more and so make a positive difference in their communities and in God’s world.
St Paul’s Catholic Primary School
Marley Road
Poynton
Stockport
SK12 1LY
Phone: 01625 877688
Headteacher: Mrs V Danton
Email: head@stpauls.cheshire.sch.uk
Chair of Governors: Mr P Cassidy
CHURCH CLEANING
We take great pride in our church and sincerely thank our cleaning volunteers, who usually work together at times that suit them. The church receives a weekly cleaning, most often on Wednesday or Thursday after morning Mass. Before major celebrations like Christmas and Easter, a thorough cleaning is carried out. We always welcome new volunteers; with more people helping, each person’s turn comes around less often. If you are able to lend your support, your help would be greatly valued.
FLOWER ARRANGING
We are privileged to have a team of skilled and committed parishioners who create elegant arrangements that enhance our church and enrich our worship year-round. If you are interested in joining this team, please contact the parish office; a coordinator will follow up with you directly.
WELCOMERS AT MASS
Welcomers are usually the first people we meet or see at Church. Those involved in this ministry play an important role by serving the entire parish community, especially visitors and new members. Our hope is that everyone who joins us in worship feels both welcomed and appreciated. If you’re interested in helping out, we would be very thankful. You can talk to someone already doing this job at the Mass you attend, and if you’d like to join them, please get in touch with our office.
GARDENERS
A dedicated group of volunteers takes care of the church and presbytery grounds, including the plant pots placed on either side of our entrance. Seasonal flowers and plants create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone coming to church, thanks to their gardening skills. If you’re interested in joining this effort, please contact the parish office, and we’ll connect you with the team.
SUMMARY
St Paul’s Parish is a vibrant and welcoming community, offering many ways for you to contribute—whether it’s caring for our services, maintaining our buildings and grounds, or supporting fellow parishioners. Each of us has a role in keeping our parish thriving, but we rarely pause to consider whether we’re being called to do more within our church.
Have you ever sensed a persistent inner voice urging you toward a deeper, more formal ministry? If this resonates with you, know there are several paths available. Don’t overthink—take the leap and explore these opportunities!