Lay Groups

There are many ways for the laity to be involved in our Oratory community here at Annerley-Ekibin parish. Through faith and prayer formation, and by ensuring the opportunity to participate in good works, we hope to contribute to the sanctification of the laity. Please contact us for more information on any of these groups.

Men’s and Women’s Secular Oratory

Inspired by St Philip Neri, Men’s and Women’s Secular Oratory are evening sessions of prayer for adults based on the classic model of mental prayer. The sessions include a meditation, that is, a brief reading from a spiritual work or scripture and a short talk on the reading, followed by time for silent prayer. Then, to help us apply to our lives from what we have gathered from the reading and prayer, this is followed by a discussion to aid us in forming concrete resolutions that we can apply to our lives. Men’s and Women’s Secular Oratory are on different days to allow mums and dads to attend while their spouse looks after the children. Men’s and Women’s Secular Oratory starts at 7:30pm and finishes at 8:30pm, and are on alternating months at Mary Immaculate Church. Dates can be seen on our events calendar. We encourage you to come along and be a part of something that will help you to grow in Christian perfection and empower you to live out the mission of the laity.

Frassati Fraternity for Young Men

The Frassati Fraternity is an association of young Catholic men who assist one another to authentically live the Catholic faith, and discern and respond to their God-given vocation. Inspired by Bl Pier Giorgio Frassati and under the spiritual leadership of the Brisbane Oratory, the young men live in houses together and meet regularly for dinner and formation.

Verso L’Alto – Young Adult Evenings – a Frassati Apostolate

Verso L’Alto are evenings of formation for young men and women under the direction of the Brisbane Oratory and the Frassati Fraternity. The evenings begin with Mass and are followed by a talk given by one of the young men or women, one of the fathers or brothers of the Oratory, or another guest speaker. Verso L’Alto evenings are on every Monday and begin with Mass at 7:00pm, are followed by a social coffee and tea at 7:45pm, with the talk beginning at 8:00pm. There is also the second Monday of the month steak night in place of the coffee and talk which always makes for an enjoyable social evening! Then once a month instead of a talk, Mass is followed by a short period of exposition and benediction, then a social gathering with tea and coffee. For the latest updates and to see what is happening join the Frassati Verso L’Alto Facebook Group.

Flores Teresianes for Young Women

‘Flores’ is a group for young single and married women, eighteen and older, who want to help each other grow in virtue and grow closer to God by living the fullness of the Catholic Faith and by embracing the gift of spiritual motherhood. Flores Teresianes Young Women meet every month for a dinner and a short talk and also come together for retreat days and other occasional activities. 

Catholic Enquiry Group

This group is for adults who wish to enquire and/or prepare to be received into the Church and become Catholic. But those Catholics who wish to reconnect with their faith after some time away from the Church are also welcome. A formation team has been brought together to lead this group. This is our equivalent of RCIA. If you are discerning a call to become a Catholic and would like more information, please contact the Parish Office on 07 38481107, or see here for more information.

The Oratory Book Club

The gift of faith cultivates the life of the mind, and so produces various fruits in the arts and sciences. On the first friday of the month the Oratory Book Club explores one of the great pieces of Catholic (and related) literature of past and present. From the Confessions of Augustine to Kristin Lavransdatter of Sigrid Undset to Memento Mori of Muriel Spark, or even the Inimitable Jeeves of PG Wodehouse, authentically great writing is discussed and appreciated in a convivial setting. Book Club is announced in the newsletter if you would like to come along or you can join the Oratory Book Club Facebook Group for up to date information on meetings and books.

Brisbane Oratory Music

“The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 112). S Philip Neri, through the oratorio concerts he arranged, encouraged the appreciation of sacred music and of its power to lift the mind and heart to God. The Brisbane Oratory Choir and Schola, as well as invited guests on special occasions, strive to provide well executed sacred chant and polyphony principally for the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy, but also for the oratorio concerts which are performed from time to time. If you would like to audition for the choir and/or schola, contact the Director of Music, Mr Warwick Adeney, through the parish office.

Oratory Altar Servers

St Philip’s devotion to the Holy Mass inspires the Brisbane Oratory’s drive for excellence and dedicated service in the liturgy. Christ is the centre of the Mass and ought to be the centre of every young man or boy’s life. By serving at the altar, the young men and boys of the Brisbane Oratory ensure that the Mass and other liturgies are carried out diligently and prayerfully. Each server learns the ins and outs of serving both forms of the Roman rite under the guidance of the Oratory Fathers and Brothers. Contact Br Conor at Oratory House.

St Vincent de Paul Society

The St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic organisation that aspires to live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy, and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society. Annerley Ekibin Parish, under the care of the Fathers of the Brisbane Oratory in Formation, has two very active St Vincent de Paul Conferences: Mary Immaculate and St Elizabeth’s. Both meet regularly and welcome new members. Contact the parish office for more information.

Parish Auxiliary

Engaging in good works are an important part of the Christian life, and one good work we can do is offering our time and service to our parish community. This ensures our churches are a real space of prayer, that Mass runs smoothly, and that community life in our parish flourishes. These generous people include church cleaners, flower arrangers, collectors, cuppa organisers and many others. If you can help in any way with this important duty please contact us.