ST AIDAN’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
In 2015, we celebrated the centenary of St Aidan’s, founded by the Brigidine Sisters. St Aidan’s is the original name of our parish. St Aidan’s Primary School is in the grounds of the Parish. It is a co-educational school catering for students from Kindergarten to Year 6 and is part of the Sydney Archdiocese Catholic school system.
BRIGIDINE SISTERS
The Brigidine Sisters have been present in the parish since 1915. They founded our school in the present hall, with 60 pupils. The hall was also the church until the present church was blessed in 1940. The school grew to include the Intermediate in 1936 and Brigidine High School. At one stage (before 1954), the total enrolment was about 840, some 310 being in the secondary school. Several of our sisters are ex-students of St Aidan’s. The Brigidines have been very active in pastoral and liturgical ministries. Kildare Court at 216 Maroubra Road is the former site of the Brigidine Convent. Some of our retired Sisters live there and continue their involvement in the life of the parish.
VOLUNTEERS
Our parish is blessed with many volunteers in different ministries. They are an army of quiet achievers who have either been volunteering for countless years, or are always there when called upon, or go about their tasks unseen. There are never enough volunteers to get the small things done. We need volunteers to monitor the hall kitchen; revive a cuppa after Sunday Masses; run an occasional sausage sizzle; join a working bee or fix handyman-type things. We need organists, singers, catechists for Maroubra Junction Public School and the Parish Sacramental Program, acolytes and children’s liturgy leaders to boost the rosters and reduce the load on present volunteers. We have no altar servers and would welcome youth from Year 4 and older to train and serve.
Wish to volunteer? click here
SENIORS GROUP
Sr Clare leads this group of young-at-heart seniors fortnightly on Friday mornings during the school term in the Parish Centre. It is a lovely meeting with shared stories, a few fun games or quizes, a singalong, a lot of laughs and morning tea, of course! You would be made most welcome if you would like to come along – please bring something to share for morning tea!
COUPLES FOR CHRIST Couples for Christ.docx
Margaret and Patrick lead this group, meeting fortnightly on Sundays at 2pm for scripture, reflection, prayer and fellowship, either in the Parish Hall or their house. “We share our experiences – our joys and struggles, and support each other as we try to live according to Christ’s example.”
This group undertakes a major fundraising event each year. In 2016 ANNUAL CHARITY BENEFIT GALA DINNER partnered with Guy Sebastian – The Sebastian Foundation – to support refuge and shelters for families affected by domestic violence. Funds raised also contribute towards an orphanage in Uganda.
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION GROUP
Sr Maureen provides an hour of meditation each Monday during the school term in the Parish Centre from 1 to 2pm.
ROSARY GROUP
After 9.10am morning masses, this group stays and prays the Rosary, for their own intentions or the intentions of the parish or the wider community.
PLAYGROUP
The Family Faith Educator from St Aidan’s runs a playgroup for parents and carers of pre-school children in the Parish Hall each Wednesday morning from 9am – 10.30am during the school term. For more information please email your interest to [email protected] and leave your details.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL – MAROUBRA CONFERENCE
The parish has an active St Vincent de Paul Conference, which performs the following activities:
- Conducts a Winter Appeal
- Conducts a Christmas Appeal
- Issues Christmas Hampers
- Conducts home visitations
Please see the information sheet SVdP’s 2021 for more information about the works performed by our Conference. On behalf of those that we assist, we thank you for your generosity and prayers.
SOCIAL JUSTICE GROUP
A small group of parishioners meet and work to raise awareness or funds for a cause in need. Recently the group met with a community leader in the area of domestic violence and are currently considering how they will support the need in this area. More to come.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Mark Schembri shares his passion for music and faith in this annual event. It features an orchestra and guest artists, who lead the community in a rarely beautiful and prayerful celebration of Christmas. Some parishioners participate in the orchestra and Dick Doran from our 9.30am Mass is always a soloist. The inaugural Annual Christmas Carols was in 2004, which was a fundraiser for the World Youth Day Group from Maroubra to attend Cologne 2005 World Youth Day. This event is usually celebrated on the 2nd Sunday in December after the 6pm Mass. Guests include the Archbishop, the Governor of New South Wales, our federal and state parliamentary members and our past parish priest, Fr Bill Challenor.