CAFOD
We work to raise awareness in the parish of the work of the Catholic Fund for Overseas Development and also to raise funds for their various projects. In this way, the parish is directly helping those of our brothers and sisters around the world who are in need. We meet monthly.
Contact: Jennifer Smith by email on jennifersmith84@btinternet.com or on 020 8467 6505.
Society of St Vincent de Paul
The largest lay organisation in the world, The Society of St Vincent de Paul is concerned with all human problems – from mental and physical sickness and disability, social and economic family problems, and loneliness, to alcoholism, drug addiction and homelessness. Members visit people in their own homes or in hospitals, institutions and nursing homes. We meet once a month to discuss how we can do more to help.
Contact: Martin Poupard.
Welcoming
SS Joseph’s and Swithun is a friendly and welcoming parish. We believe that first impressions are very important and our welcomers are there to reinforce that by greeting all those who come to our church for weekend Masses. Our welcomers also hand out the weekly parish newsletter as people arrive and are a source of information about the parish to new parishioners and visitors. Welcomers aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass begins and stay for 10 to 15 minutes afterwards to tidy up Mass books, etc, and help deal with any issues or questions that anyone wishes to raise as they leave the church. We always need new welcomers to lighten the load generally for everyone. However, our greatest need is for more volunteers for the 6pm Saturday and 5pm Sunday Masses where the shortage of Welcomers currently means that we are unable to provide full coverage for these Masses.
Contact: Jennifer Franks on jennifercfranks@talktalk.net or 07779 726653.