Parish Pastoral Council
“In every parish of the diocese, a Pastoral Council shall be established, if the diocesan Bishop, after consulting with the Council of Presbyters, so decides. The pastor presides over the Pastoral Council. The Pastoral Council is composed of members of the congregation together with those of the parish staff who have pastoral care by reason of their office. The Pastoral Council assists in promoting pastoral action in the parish.” “The pastoral council has only a consultative vote, and it is regulated by the norms laid down by the diocesan bishop.” (Canon 536 of the Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church).
At St Margaret's our Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) is primarily tasked with assisting our Parish Priest in the development of a parochial mission. It attempts to place at the heart of the parish a consciousness of a zeal for the mission of Jesus Christ. When there is a clear awareness of this larger vision proposed by the gospels and taught by the Church, a parish finds itself energized by a sense of purpose and directed to matters that foster the mission of the parish which is grounded in the teachings of Christ.
Parish Finance Committee
In Canon Law, the primary responsibility to administer all parish goods rests with the Parish Priest, and cannot be delegated. To support him in this, the priest must ensure that an effective Parish Finance Committee (PFC) is formed and that all relevant information is made available to its members. All members of the PFC are appointed by the Parish Priest, and he may freely replace any member at any time.
The PFC should comprise the parish clergy together with a minimum of three lay people drawn from the members of the faithful. The Gift Aid organiser and Health & Safety Representative should be included on the committee along with an accountant or someone with bookkeeping ability and one person with relevant property expertise. The Chair of the Parish Finance Committee must not be the Parish Priest, and should not usually be a member of the parish clergy.
The term of office for members is usually three years, with a possible further appointment for three years. When the Parish Priest replaces committee members a rolling programme of succession is advised, so that multiple members do not exit the committee at the same time.
Sacristans
The celebration of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is our Lord Jesus' sacrificial action and of His Church, namely, of God's People and guided by the Bishop. Therefore, all God's People, whether ordained ministers or lay Christian faithful, are called to fulfill and carry out solely but totally, functions or duties that pertain them.
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Some People of God are instituted to act as acolyte and readers for service at the altar and to assist the ordained ministers. In their absence, some members of the laity are commissioned to serve at the altar and assist the priest and deacon. Thus, lay people could be commissioned as readers, extraordinary ministers of the Holy Eucharist, psalmists, and cantors.
The laity could also be deputed to act as sacristans. The sacristan is employed to care for the sacristy and all the sacred articles, vestments, and books stored in it. He is also responsible for setting for celebration of the mass and other sacraments in the parish.
If you would like to become a sacristan, please contact the parish office.
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St Margaret's
180 Club - St Margaret's
The 180 Club – St Margaret’s is to raise funds by lottery for specific projects that arise from time to time at St Margaret of Scotland Catholic Parish, Carshalton Beeches (St Margaret’s).
The yearly membership for the 180 Club - St Margaret's will run from
1 June 2025 to 31 May 2026. Please join now in order to qualify for all draws which will take place in the club year.
The annual subscription for an individual number is £18 and you may apply for as many available numbers as you wish. Joining The 180 Club – St Margaret’s means that you are a candidate for the numerous draws which take place throughout the year.
Details of the draws are as follows:
• Prizes of £50.00, £25.00 and £10.00 in respect of each of the monthly draws
• Prizes of £200.00, £100.00 and £50.00 in respect of each of the two Jackpot draws made in the months of May and November.
• In addition, there are £50.00 Prizes in respect of the quarterly draws which take place to coincide with social events, where possible.
On receipt of the completed application I will write to you with details of your membership number.
Thank you for supporting The 180 Club – St Margaret’s.
Racial and
Cultural Inclusion Group
It is important to recognise that we are all children of God, regardless of our race or background. The Church says this year’s theme seeks to promote reflection, discussion and action on this issue and to encourage us to carry this through in the weeks and months after Racial Justice Sunday.
Let us celebrate the diversity of those who have led holy and exemplary lives. Our Catholic saints walked in this world, as we do now, and were men and women of heroic virtue and who will now, from heaven, intercede for us to bring our prayers to the Lord.
St Margaret’s Carshalton Beeches - a model of inclusion
St Margaret’s has been making a concerted effort to stamp out racism and ensure every one who enters their doors is treated like a brother and sister in Christ, in a very practical way.
To summarize what they have been doing... Displaying multicultural images in the church, especially of Mary who always appears as a local lady in whichever country she makes her apparition.
Striving to sell a range of items in the repository which reflect images of people from other races and communities, for example on the front of First Holy Communion cards. Increasing the ethnic diversity of its lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Featuring a ‘Saint of the Month’ in the newsletter from a range of different countries Organising multi-cultural Pentecost Sunday celebrations
Volunteering at St. Margaret's
Discover the warmth of our parish family at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church in Carshalton.
Embrace the spirit of togetherness as we worship, serve, and grow in faith together. Whether you're a longtime parishioner or a newcomer, there's a place for you to share your gifts and be part of our vibrant community.
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