St. Luke

Introduction

Saint Luke's in Moffat, within the Diocese of Galloway, was built in 1865 as an Episcopalian Church.

History

The building was deconsecrated in 1872 and became a Mechanics' Hall. It was re-consecrated as a Roman Catholic Church in 1896. In 1990 the Church was refurbished and restored.

Parish life

The church maintains a choir that members can join to serve the community through music. This church and community are part of the Parish of Holy Trinity, Lockerbie. Both churches are served from St Teresa's, Dumfries, where the parish priest resides.

The parish serves the catholic community in Lockerbie, Moffat and surrounding area. The community is served by St Columba's Catholic Primary school in Annan. The Catholic Secondary school is St Joseph's College, Dumfries.

Moffat is a busy tourist place and the church welcomes many visitors, especially in summer. Eucharistic Ministers take Holy Communion to the sick, housebound, or residential care homes.

The Catholic Chaplain is responsible for pastoral care of patients and staff at DGRI. One of the Hospital Chaplains to DGRI is a deacon. The Dean of the St Andrew's Deanery and Vicar General of the Diocese is a priest.

Altar serving is a practice where young people assist the priest during Mass. A person processing with the offertory at Mass carries the gifts of bread and wine to the altar. Sycamore is an informal course about the Christian faith with film and discussion. Lectio Divina is a program of reading, meditating, praying, and contemplating on the Bible.

The parish team seeks volunteers to drive its minibus to provide opportunities to the community. The Parish Finance Committee manages the financial affairs of the church. The parish grounds team maintains the church grounds, including mowing the lawn and trimming hedges. At Holy Trinity, a shop offers religious items and supports the parish financially.

The Ababa Project is the parish mission team that welcomes new members. The church social media team manages the online presence of the parish. The Youth Ministry Team organises events and programs for young people to explore faith.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The clergy are available to offer the sacraments of healing (anointing), Reconciliation, and Holy Communion to those who are sick or housebound. A group of dedicated visitors will visit people in nursing homes and bring Holy Communion. If scheduled for hospital admission, parishioners can let the clergy know to arrange the Sacrament of the Sick before admission.

The community plans and delivers opportunities for seniors to stay active, engaged, and connected. The parish pastoral council advises and assists the priest in the pastoral care of the parish community.