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Be the Church of Christ, serve the Church.

February/March 2023

«There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them; there are different kinds of service, but the same Lord; there are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good» (1Cor 12:4-7; cf. Ef 4:11-13).

Being more than just a building, the Church is the Mystical Body of Christ to which all of us, who are baptised in the faith, are a part. The building of our parish is done with the help of parishioners, each one according to their mission. It is also the parishioners who, with the leadership of the pastors, take care of the various places (such as individual churches and the parish centre), the liturgy, Christian teaching and other pastoral activities. To this end, starting this Lent 2023, we are looking into the availability of parishioners so that we can reorganise service teams. You are invited to make yourselves available for more than one service, after which different services will be allocated, as required. In the meantime, we propose a first meeting so that volunteers can get to know each other and decide on the next steps to be taken.

Help with the Sunday liturgical celebrations

The liturgical prayer of the Church is, by definition, an action of the whole Church gathered together. Each one, according to their charism and ministry, participates actively for the good of the whole community that prays to God and proclaims his mysteries. The parish of Cascais has five masses on Sundays and days of obligation: one in the afternoon at 7:15 pm and four on the day at 10:00 am, 11:15 am, 12:30 pm and 7:15 pm. All masses are held in Portuguese, except the 12:30 Mass at the Igreja da Misericórdia, which is in English. To help improve these celebrations, and in so doing participate in the sanctifying action that the Lord Jesus Christ entrusted to his disciples, it would be great if we could guarantee the following:

  • Coordinator (for the celebration of Mass), to ensure that all services and liturgical objects are well prepared. Example: verify the presence of readers, ministers of communion and choir; take care and prepare the vestments, implements and liturgical books, etc…
  • Readers(To proclaim the Word of God and give voice to the Universal Prayer with due preparation, training and competence). This is one of the most important ways to serve in the Mass, which is organised into two main parts: the Word and the Eucharist.
  • Singer/Musician/Choir Master (Offer your gifts to the service of all. Liturgical music can, and should, grow from the harmonious service of all.)
  • Alter Server/acolyte (To serve at the alter by assisting the priest)
  • Minister of Communion (To help, whenever necessary, in the distribution of Holy Communion at the community Mass and take the Eucharist to all those who are unable to participate in the community celebration in person).
  • Flowers and decoration (To take care of the flower arrangements, proper and appropriate decoration for each celebration, according to the norms and liturgical calendar)

Help with the Sunday liturgical celebrations

The liturgical prayer of the Church is, by definition, an action of the whole Church gathered together. Each one, according to their charism and ministry, participates actively for the good of the whole community that prays to God and proclaims his mysteries. The parish of Cascais has five masses on Sundays and days of obligation: one in the afternoon at 7:15 pm and four on the day at 10:00 am, 11:15 am, 12:30 pm and 7:15 pm. All masses are held in Portuguese, except the 12:30 Mass at the Igreja da Misericórdia, which is in English. To help improve these celebrations, and in so doing participate in the sanctifying action that the Lord Jesus Christ entrusted to his disciples, it would be great if we could guarantee the following:

  • Coordinator (for the celebration of Mass), to ensure that all services and liturgical objects are well prepared. Example: verify the presence of readers, ministers of communion and choir; take care and prepare the vestments, implements and liturgical books, etc…
  • Readers(To proclaim the Word of God and give voice to the Universal Prayer with due preparation, training and competence). This is one of the most important ways to serve in the Mass, which is organised into two main parts: the Word and the Eucharist.
  • Singer/Musician/Choir Master (Offer your gifts to the service of all. Liturgical music can, and should, grow from the harmonious service of all.)
  • Alter Server/acolyte (To serve at the alter by assisting the priest)
  • Minister of Communion (To help, whenever necessary, in the distribution of Holy Communion at the community Mass and take the Eucharist to all those who are unable to participate in the community celebration in person).
  • Flowers and decoration (To take care of the flower arrangements, proper and appropriate decoration for each celebration, according to the norms and liturgical calendar)

Reception and security in the Parish Church

One of the primary functions of the Church is to be an instrument of God who reveals himself, welcomes and wants to save everyone. A small, but important, gesture is to keep the doors of our temples open. Another sign is that the space be a place of prayer that enhances the personal encounter with the Merciful Father. So that this mission can be carried out to its full potential, it would be good to ensure:

  • Key custodian(To open and close the Church, to keep it clean and tidy)
  • Welcoming/Reception (So as to maintain a prayerful atmosphere and be the welcoming face of the Church)

Reception and security at the Pastoral Centre

At the Pastoral Center, we have been developing a variety of rich and rewarding activities. We believe that we can do even more, and better yet. To this end, we are creating these services:

  • Coordinator (To manage and enhance the increasingly effective and comprehensive use of the Pastoral Centre)
  • Welcome/Reception at the Centre (To maintain a welcoming environment and collaborate in pastoral activities at the Centre)

Reception and security at the Pastoral Centre

At the Pastoral Center, we have been developing a variety of rich and rewarding activities. We believe that we can do even more, and better yet. To this end, we are creating these services:

  • Coordinator (To manage and enhance the increasingly effective and comprehensive use of the Pastoral Centre)
  • Welcome/Reception at the Centre (To maintain a welcoming environment and collaborate in pastoral activities at the Centre)

Communication and Media

The Cascais Parish has a digital presence through its Website, Newsletter and other Social Networks (Facebook and Instagram) and the production of audio and video content, such as the Parish Podcast and the Podcast Vamos. The communication team produces the different news, designs the posters and handles the audio and video processing of the different content. We rely on those who are media literate.

  • Social Network (the running, and updating, of our Facebook page and Instagram account)
  • Website (content production, updating and, sometimes, translation of information)
  • Design (printed and digital posters in different formats)
  • Video and Sound (file handling for videos and podcasts)

Cleaning and Maintenance

The different spaces belonging to the Parish require care and upkeep. In addition to regular cleaning and maintenance, more specific jobs, requiring a larger team, are needed from time to time. Some sporadic works, as well as specific projects and repairs, can be requested from this team.

  • Cleaning(To assist, when necessary, with regular cleaning of Church spaces)
  • Maintenance (To carry out occasional repairs and assist with small jobs)

Cleaning and Maintenance

The different spaces belonging to the Parish require care and upkeep. In addition to regular cleaning and maintenance, more specific jobs, requiring a larger team, are needed from time to time. Some sporadic works, as well as specific projects and repairs, can be requested from this team.

  • Cleaning(To assist, when necessary, with regular cleaning of Church spaces)
  • Maintenance (To carry out occasional repairs and assist with small jobs)

Catechesis and Teaching

A fundamental part of the parish’s mission is the introduction to the Christian faith and spiritual development of parishioners. Support with Catechesis and teaching as a catechist, requires training in order to provide the best possible service.

  • Catechist: Our catechists are looking for new members who are available to teach and then accompany children and teenagers on their path of faith.