St Gregory
Walter Scott Avenue
The Inch
Edinburgh
Parish Administrator Fr Michael Fallon
40 Fernieside Gardens
Edinburgh
EH17 7HN
Tel. No. 0131 658 1793
Web address: info@SouthEdinburghRC.org.uk
Parish Co-ordinator Mrs Maureen Wallbanks Tel 0131 258 1802
Parish Profile
September 2004
Mission Statement
St Gregory's is a family community of God working together in the Inch to bring a feeling of Catholic Christian witness. We try to use all the gifts of the Holy Spirit to reach out and support all parishioners and the world. Just like a tardus we may look small from the outside but we are big inside and have a large influence outside!
What do Parishioners Value about Life in St Gregory's?
- Community spirit
- Friendship
- Made welcome
- Sense of belonging
- All groups working together as a team
- Support
- Accepting diversity
- Catholic schools
- Availability of Mass
- Ability to contact Parish Priest
- Visitation of the housebound.
History of the Parish
The Inch was originally part of St John Vianney's and St Columba's Parishes and after years of celebrating Sunday Mass in the Liberton annexe school in Walter Scott Avenue we purchased the former Scout Hall and became our own parish in 1972.
The church hall was added on in the 1980's.
There have been four Parish Priests - Fr Stephen Judge (1972 -1985),
Canon James Nicholson (1985-1998) and Fr Kenneth Owens (1998-2000). Fr Owens was assisted by Fr William McGeady. Fr Jock Muchall is the current Parish Priest, having been appointed by Archbishop Keith Patrick O'Brien in January 2000. Fr Jock was also appointed Parish Priest of St John Vianney Parish Gilmerton in September 2003.
In September 2003 the Parish entered into a clustering arrangement with St John Vianney's Gilmerton and St Catherine's Gracemount. The Parishes seek to do what they can together and to share the two Priests, Fr Gordon and Fr Michael Fallon (the Parish Priest of St Catherine's 0131 664 1596). Fr Jock Dalrymlpe join the cluster in september 2006 to replace Fr Gordon.
Church Services
Saturday vigil celebration of the Eucharist 6PM
Monday - Saturday
Mass or Communion Service 9.30 am
Station of the Cross and Novenas at the appropriate season 7.00 pm
Sacrament of the Sick available during Saturday morning mass at 9.30 am
Individual reconciliation after 9.30 am Mass on Saturday and on request
Parish reconciliation services are held twice yearly in Advent and Lent (jointly with St John Vianney's Parish)
Holydays of Obligation
During school term 9.30 am in St John Vianney's Primary School and 6.00 pm in St Gregory's church. Outside school term 9.30 am in St Gregory's church and 6.00 pm
Mass at Mount Vernon Cemetery Chapel every Edinburgh Monday public holiday. 11.00 am
Parish Policies
Baptism
Parents in first instance meet with Fr Jock and undertake a course of preparation which is arranged on a cluster wide basis.
Baptisms are celebrated during the Sunday Mass or by arrangement.
RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults OFF group
Ongoing Faith Formation
A clusterwide systematic catechesis begins in September through to May.
A team of parishioners meet weekly in St Catherine's, 2 Captains Row,
on Monday at 7.00 pm to help share their faith and thoughts. This group
is attending by those who may wish to become part of the Catholic family
or who wish to know more about the faith. Contact Fr Jock 0131 658 1793.
RCIC - Rite of Christian Initiation of Children
The parish support the local Catholic Primary School, St John Vianney's, in delivering the Catechetical programme for Confirmation, First Eucharist and Reconciliation. At present this is a two year programme beginning with an Enrolment ceremony for children in P3 and Reconciliation, in P3 and then Confirmation and First Eurcharist in P4.
Marriage
Six months notice is required as well as a preparation course. A couple normally register with Fr Jock, attend course run by Scottish Marriage Care, return to discuss that experience, complete pre-nuptial inquiry material and plan their wedding service. A rehearsal takes place a few days before the wedding.
Housebound
Initial contact should be made with Fr Jock. Neighbours, concerned relatives etc. may ask for a housebound person to be visited. He visits and a Eucharistic Minister is assigned to bring the Eucharist on a regular basis. Fr Jock will also visit giving the opportunity for the sacrament of Reconciliation and Anointing before Christmas and Easter each year.
Death and Bereavement Ministry
Families should contact Fr Jock before they contact the Undertaker. Having met with the family he can then discern the best way to celebrate the Rites of Christian Funerals. If he is unavailable families should contact St Catherine's (664 1596).
PARISH ORGANISATIONS
Altar Servers
After having completed their sacramental initiation both boys and girls are invited to join as servers for the Community on Sundays.
Contact Maureen Wallbanks (258 1802).
Altar Clothes
Fresh supplies of altar linen are in constant demand.
Contact Maureen Wallbanks (258 1802).
Bereavement Group
A cluster group to assist families after a bereavement. They organise an annual Mass in November for all the deceased of the parish. Contact Peter Monkhouse (258 3673).
Car Pool
SVDP organises parishioners to bring the infirm and elderly to join in the Sunday Eucharist. Anyone who would like to help or knows of anyone needing a list. Contact Liz Milne (664 1608).
Children's Liturgy
3 teams of helpers prepare and conduct the Liturgy of the Word for the children of primary school age on Sundays (except during school holidays). Contact Jill Waugh (664 8782) or Anne Spence (258 3403).
Child and Vulnerable Adults Protection
We support the Archdiocesan Policy on protection. Any issues should be referred to co-ordinators who have access to professional backup and social workers.
Contact Anne Spence (258 3403) Jacinta Flockhart (664 5581).
Church Cleaners
There are teams who work on a rota basis. Some on Sundays after 9.30 am Mass and others during the week day/evening.
Contact Hazel O’Donnell (258 6813).
Church Hall
The hall is used on a regular basis for Parish groups and for SOAPA, line dancing and sequence dancing. It is also used for voting during elections, Inch Community Association and Knights of St Columba.
Tea and coffee are served after Sunday Morning Mass to which all are welcome.
Anyone or any group wishing the use of the hall should contact the
Hall Convenor, Peter Monkhouse (258 3673).
Drama
To enliven and invigorate our liturgy. Contact Pauline McLaughlin (258 0613).
Eucharistic Ministers
Help to distribute the Eucharist at Mass and minister to the housebound.
Contact Maureen Wallbanks (258 1802).
Finance
Each week the collection money is counted and banked. The Finance Committee meets every three months, with Fr Jock being Chairperson, to monitor and plan Parish financial matters.
Flowers and Garden
To enhance the Church and grounds and the liturgical environment we
use flowers and plants to beautify the church and garden. Contact Tommy
Spence (258 3403). A Memorial Rose garden has been planted.
Fresh Start
To assist the homeless when they get a house with start up packs. Contributions to Marie Jones (664 0960).
Gift Aid
Those who wish to contribute to the upkeep of the Parish through the Gift Aid Scheme that enables the Parish to reclaim tax on donations should contact Annette Hannan (664 3900).
Holyrood Deanery Pastoral Council
The Parish is part of Holyrood Deanery. The Pastoral Council for the Deanery meets three times a year offering the opportunity to meet with other local parishes and share and support each other in pastoral strategies. Contact Maureen Wallbanks (258 1802) or Anne Henry (664 7185) or Lorelei Welsh (629 1716).
Hospitals
Fr Jock helps with the R.C. Chaplain to the Royal Infirmary, Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, Simpson Reproductive Centre and Liberton Hospital. Parishioners help with Eucharistic Ministry at the Royal Infirmary and Liberton Hospital each week. (Sundays and Wednesdays respectively)
Knights of St Columba
Catholic gentlemen charitable organisation with many of the office bearers of Edinburgh and diocese here in the parish. Organise youngsters for a Christmas trip on the barge. Charlie McAuley (664 3377)
Ladies Guild
Meets each Tuesday at 7.30 pm (holidays excepted). They undertake a variety of activities and support the work of the Parish. Contact Jeanette Mulgrew (664 7272).
Marriage Encounter
Hold weekends to enable married couples to deepen their relationship.
Contact Mary or Charlie MacAuley (664 3377).
Music Ministry
Provide music for our liturgies. Contact Clare Roller (664 2278).
Newsletter
A weekly Parish newsletter - distributed to Sunday Mass attendees and the housebound (by their Eucharistic Minister). The typing is done on a Thursday afternoon. Anyone wishing an article in the newsletter can do so by contacting Fr Jock before Thursday prior to weekend.
Overseas Aid
Continual support for Fr Harry Stock in SE Asia, Fr Tim McConville and SCIAF.
Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Pastoral Assembly
There is an 8 person Parish Pastoral Council which meets every
month. There is a general Parish Assembly which all parishioners are invited to, looking at the areas of pastoral and spiritual care, finance, fabric and social activities (annual dances, social evenings and fund raising) every three months.
Chairperson Anne Henry (664 7185). Secretary Lorelei Welsh (620 1716).
Passkeepers
At Sunday celebration and major events they provide welcome, support and practical advice at the back of the church. Contact Danny Boyle, Joe Callaghan or Charlie MacDonald.
Pilgrimages
Arrange pilgimages in October every second year. Previous years visits to Knock and in 2002 and 2004 to Lourdes. Charlie McAuley (664 3377).
The Parish financially supports pilgrims with the Archdiocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage each July. In 2003 three nurses and a Youth for Lourdes were assisted.
Readers
Proclaim the scriptures at our liturgies. Sunday rota contact Maureen Wallbanks (258 1802).
Sacristans
There are a team of three who offer access to the church, set up for Mass or Communion service each day, help with baptisms, weddings and funerals. Contact Maureen Wallbanks (258 1802), Peter Monkhouse (258 3673) or Celia Neilson (664 0595).
Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVDP)
Meets every two weeks on a Monday to continue their work of prayer, support for the vulnerable and charitable works. Arrange car pool, caravan holiday, trips for housebound and infirm, baby and childrens clothes. They assist financially with apprenticeships in India. They also liaise with Edinburgh Furniture Initiative for collections of unneeded furniture. Organise Mass with anointing of sick and housebound (spring and autumn) Contact any SVDP member or see members holding alms boxes at the back after Sunday Mass. President Liz Milne (664 1608) and Secretary Margaret Ellison (664 1070).
South East Edinburgh Churches Acting Together (SEECAT)
Is the local ecumenical grouping to meet members from other churches and participate in joint worship and projects together. Contact Ver onica Moffat (664 5641) and Claire Roller (664 2278). Claire Roller is also one of the two chaplains to the Ecumenical Chaplaincy Initiative at Cameron Toll Shopping Centre.
SPRED
A Diocesan group to help with the catechesis of special needs parishioners meets on Tuesday evenings. Contact Mary McAuley (664 3377) or David Thom (669 4872).
Stall Holder
The stall is situated next to the church hall and opens before and after Mass on Sundays. Contact Ina Boyle (621 1024).
Vocations Promotion
To offer awareness for vocations and help which may be required.
Contact Marie Jones (664 0960).
Youth for Lourdes
For young adults to help with the Archdiocesan pilgrimage in July of each year. Contact Sarah MacAuley (664 3377).
PARISH SUPPORT SYSTEMS
Training and Support
Parishioners are informed through the newsletter of training courses and opportunity for spiritual growth. Four of our parishioners attended
Growth in Prayer course in 2000 - 2001 and seven of our parishioners attended the Integration of Faith and Life course in 2001 - 2002. Financial help to cover the cost is available from the parish.
Child protection training evenings are arranged as necessary.
Adult Faith Formation Opportunities
Parents are encouraged to take full part in the initiation of their children.
Personal Accompaniment
Fr Jock is available to see individual parishioners who wish to deepen their faith or expe their spiritual growth. He also arranges for individual assistance to trained counsels, directors etc.
Schools
Primary - St John Vianney’s - Head Teacher, Ian Mooney (664 1742).
Secondary - Holyrood High - Head Teacher, Lesley Carroll (661 5871).
When the priest is absent
Pastoral emergencies to Fr Mike Fallon in St Catherine’s (664 1596)
Other pastoral inquiries to Maureen Wallbanks (258 1802)
Key holders Church Maureen Wallbanks (258 1802)
Peter Monkhouse (258 3673)
Celia Neilson (664 0595)
Hall Peter Monkhouse (258 3673)
Jeanette Mulgrew (664 7272)
Ina Boyle (621 1024)
House Maureen Wallbanks (258 1802)
Ina Boyle (621 1024)
Isabel Davidson (664 1456)