We meet in the Old Church Hall on the second Tuesday of every
month at 2.00 p.m. and finish about 4.00 p.m. for the period February
through to November; sometimes we are entertained by Professionals,
by Guest Speakers and no-cost Bingo.
We have an outing on the last Thursday of every month; sometimes on
a coach, sometimes a lunch at a local hotel. Departure times and costs
vary.
We conclude our year with a Special Event - a Christmas Lunc
The Founding Members were Seniors who sought the
friendship of others at regular intervals. It was not seen as
an open Spirituality Group because they wanted to attract
non Catholic friends. We have a Memorial Mass in
November for deceased members of our group.
The founding members developed a specific prayer which is
said at the monthly meeting of the Executive Committee
which describes the group's purpose - quote:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the power of your Holy
Spirit guiding us to form St Michael's Friendship Group.
We pray that many valued friendships will develop
throughout the Parish; among new Parishioners; and among
non-Catholic friends.
We pray that those who are lonely will find companionship;
those who are housebound will welcome the opportunity to
enjoy more of your picturesque countryside; that your Light
will shine through all people involved; that the warmth of
your Love will touch all and that all hearts and minds will be
filled with your everlasting Peace.
We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Members elect an Executive Committee at the Annual General
Meeting held on the second Tuesday in April, where the Annual
Audited Financial Statement is presented to members.
The elected members of the Executive Committee elect the individual
office bearers.
We complete a yearly Financial Statement to satisfy the legal
requirements of the Consumer Affairs Corporate Office as well as our
members.
The number of members elected to the Executive Committee is at the
discretion of the members.
A statement of our financial position is given by the Treasurer to the
members at every monthly meeting of the group.
We consider ourselves to be a parish based self sustainable service
group - financially independent of the Parish but appreciate the
Parish facilities made available to us. We have a small rame every
year of a Christmas Hamper and associated prizes, the proceeds of
which are used to provide prizes and to subsidize our Christmas
Lunch. As a group we have a social conscience and recognise there are
others in need, i.e. St Vincent de Paul.
We regard ourselves as part of St. Michael's Parish and are thankful
for the support that is extended to us for the use of the old church hall
and being able to communicate to our members in the weekly "Good
News". We are also grateful to the school for the use of their facilities.
