Parish Groups
SVP
The Society of St Vincent de Paul meets regularly; members are involved in a variety of active pastoral work in the parish, including home visits, hospital visiting, and work with the poor and marginalised.
Legion of Mary
Active members meet on Monday evenings at 7.30pm in the Guild Room for prayer, and undertake some pastoral work, such as hospital visiting, during the week. Others do not have active involvement, but support the Legion by their prayer as auxiliary members.
Wednesday Morning Group
The Wednesday Morning Group is for older people aged over 60. It meets for most of the year on Wednesdays after the 10am Mass for coffee and conversation, as well as hearing occasional talks by visiting speakers. There are also day trips to sites of Catholic interest from time to time.
Brothers of the Oratory
St Philip Neri's first association was of lay people - the clerical Congregation came later. We continue this tradition in Oxford with secular Oratory groups such as Wednesday Night Oratory, Young Oratory, and Brothers. Our Brothers' group is open to men aged 18 and above, and meets for prayer, to listen to a spiritual talk, and for recreation afterwards. Tuesday evenings at 8pm for most of the year.
Women's Oratory
The Women's Oratory is a group run along similar lines to the Brothers, but for women. Prayer, recreation, opportunities for discussion and learning. First and last Monday of each month at 8pm.
Children's Liturgy
For children who have not made their First Holy Communion, and for their parents, there is a Children's Liturgy at the 9.30am Mass on Sunday.
The Children's Liturgy is structured as an act of worship, and includes prayers, a hymn and the reading of the Gospel for the day. A few minutes are spent explaining and talking about the Gospel: the older children are encouraged to take part in the discussion by answering simple questions. Pictures and colouring pencils are provided as well.
A few times a year, special events are organised, such as processions and Benediction, to tie in with important stages of the Church's liturgical year.
Children's Liturgy takes place in the Guild Room, to the right of the main entrance to the church, and lasts from the start of Mass until the Offertory. Pews are reserved at the front of church for those who have attended the Children's Liturgy.
Facilities for babies, children, and their parents in church
At all Masses, the Lodge area is available for children and their parents - a loudspeaker link from the church allows parents to continue to listen to Mass. A baby changing unit is provided in the disabled cloakroom.
Young Oratory
Young Oratory is for young people aged about 11-18. We learn about our Faith, pray and have fun together. Meetings are on Tuesdays from 5pm to 6pm, after which we try to stay for the evening Mass. Also occasional excursions and social events.
Little Oratory
Little Oratory is for children of Key Stage 2 age, from 8-11. We meet on Thursdays at 4pm. The format is similar to that of Young Oratory.
Catechism Classes
Catechism classes for children are offered at the Oratory each academic year, for a range of ages from pre-First Communion through to Confirmation and beyond. Classes begin in October and continue to June. Except for the Confirmation class which is for all, these are particularly aimed at children at non-Catholic schools, who need instruction in their faith.