News and Events
Eucharistic Gathering
There are many ways in which the people of God gather in order to celebrate the Eucharist. At St Catherine's there is much gathering at the Church door and important conversations take place there. We have a gathering hymn which is intended to enable people to get in the mood to prepare to celebrate the Eucharist together.
The ministry team has given some consideration as to how our gathering could be done in a different way and perhaps even better. For an experimental period, from the beginning of 2008, we are going to invite people to gather in the extension (for those who so wish) from 10.00 am each Sunday. There will be a glass of sherry (for those who so wish) or some fruit juice. People can share their experiences and issues of the week past and talk with the clergy about any matters of concern. It is also intended that the person leading the prayers at the ensuing Eucharist will also be available to receive particular requests for prayer. This is not a compulsory part of our shared liturgy but rather an opportunity to meet and identify those things which we would wish to share and be a part of the Eucharistic offering. The gathering will conclude when the choir (and others) join in the singing of the gathering hymn before the entrance of the Book of the Gospels, the icon of Christ, with the ministers into the Church. This extension of our Eucharist in the extension in no ways supplants the shared coffee after the Eucharist but could be an important prelude to it. Let's see.
David
