Our priests are always prepared to provide Holy Communion to parishioners and neighbours who for a variety of reasons find church attendance to be difficult.  We most often visit fortnightly or of course on an ‘as needs basis. Just call the Parish Administrator to organise a time for you,  your family member or a friend to be visited.

Many of our parishioners have a deep thirst for learning more about the Christian life, the sacraments and the Liturgical Seasons.  Some are qualified in theology and so keep the priests on their toes. This desire to learn contributes to some lively discussions and thought-provoking insights.  Every Lent and Advent we offer a series of studies around a particular theme.  These Studies are often over a four to five week period and each is of an hour’s duration with refreshments provided.  The gatherings take place in parishioners’ homes or in the church.

For over 20 years now our Strugglers’ Group has met on the second Tuesday of the month at a home of a parishioner to share a meal, a glass of wine and a discussion on a theological or other faith-related topic.  The topic is always suggested by a member of the group.  Discussion is wide-ranging and often not on topic.  Our mantra is ‘searching safely’ so it doesn’t matter where you are on your spiritual journey, you will be welcomed. Our discussions are always respectful but they can be robust.  So an open mind is essential. Start time is 6.30pm and we generally finish around 8.30pm.

On the third Wednesday of the month, we meet in the church hall to work individually on a craft activity or together on an outreach project such as knitting beanies for Mission to Seafarers, preparing hampers for people in need or labelling and packing preserves ready for the church fete. Start time is 10am and we finish up at around noon.

On the second Monday of the month parishioners meet at Easts Leagues Club for refreshments.  This is an informal get-together with no set agenda, so it is an opportunity to connect and enjoy each other’s company.  However, this group often ends up discussing a whole range of social, political and church-related issues so the more people who attend the higher the likelihood of getting closer to solving those problems (or not).

Movies, we have found over time, cover many aspects of life and within a number of movies there are a variety of issues of relevance to Christians. This group meets at the home of one of the priests approximately four times a year to view and discuss reactions to a relatively recent movie and to draw out the implications for Christian living.  Refreshments are provided. Start time is 6.30pm.

We are a church that has a real family feel to it and we enjoy meeting up for a meal.  On the last Thursday of every month we gather at a local hotel or restaurant to catch up on what’s been going on in our lives and enjoy each other’s company.  There are a lot of hotels offering good quality, affordable meals around East Brisbane so they are most frequently our preferred choice. We generally know where will be meeting at least one month in advance.  Gathering time is 6.30pm.

Our church has a strong contemplative heritage.  The mediation group meets in the church regularly to learn more about meditation, to share each other’s experiences and practices, and to meditate together.  We meet in the church at 6.30pm for roughly three quarter’s of an hour.  We are located on a busy road so meditating during the evening peak hour can be a challenge for some, but the traffic does help develop skills to overcome distractions while meditating.

We are a partner church with ChaplainWatch, a Brisbane based, Christian organisation, that provides several chaplaincy services in the entertainment precincts of Brisbane at night.  Chaplains are first responders and offer first aid, respite and support for young people who find themselves in difficult situations when out ‘on the town’ with friends. Our support is both practical and financial.

Several of our parishioners, along with students from St Aidan’s Anglican School for Girls, prepare and serve breakfast at Milpera SHS at Chelmer on a Friday morning.  Milpera is a special purpose state high school which teaches English language across curriculum areas. It also provides settlement services to newly arrived immigrant and refugee background young people to prepare them for living and studying in Australia. The school is always looking for volunteers across a range of services.