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Serve the Community

Volunteer & Ministries

The life of this parish is built by the hands of its members. Whatever your gifts — however much or little time you have — we need you.

Why Volunteer?

Your Gifts Are Needed

Volunteering in a ministry is not simply giving something to the parish — it is a profound act of faith and a means of growing closer to God. When we offer our time and talents in service of the community, we participate in the life of the Church in the deepest possible way.

There are roles for every person, every stage of life, and every availability. Whether you can commit to a regular weekly role or prefer something more occasional, we will find the right fit for you. All new volunteers receive full training and ongoing support.

Our Ministries

Ten Ways to Serve

Click any ministry to read a full description and find out how to join.

Lectors

Commitment: Approximately once every 4–6 weeks on a Sunday, plus training

Express Interest

Lectors proclaim the First and Second Readings at Sunday and weekday Masses. This is one of the most visible ministries in the parish — a ministry of the Word that demands both courage and reverence. Lectors receive training in proclamation skills and are given reading schedules so they can prepare carefully at home.

Requirements

Clear speaking voice, confidence reading aloud, willingness to train. Adults and older teenagers welcome.

Eucharistic Ministers

Commitment: Approximately once every 4–6 weeks at Mass, plus occasional sick visits

DBS check required

Express Interest

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the priest and deacon in distributing the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass, and — very importantly — in taking Holy Communion to those who are sick or housebound. This ministry carries enormous responsibility and dignity, and all ministers receive thorough training.

Requirements

Must be a practising Catholic in good standing with the Church. Adults only. DBS check required for those visiting the housebound.

Altar Servers

Commitment: Once or twice per month, usually Sundays

DBS check required

Express Interest

Altar servers assist the priest at the altar during Mass — carrying the processional cross, holding the missal, managing the incense, preparing the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It is one of the oldest and most beloved ministries in the Church. We welcome both young servers (from age 9) and adult servers.

Requirements

Open to ages 9 upwards. Young people must have parental consent. All servers receive full training.

Choir

Commitment: Thursday practice (7:00–8:30 pm) + Sunday 11:00 am Mass

Express Interest

The Madonna Ministry Parish Choir sings at the 11:00 am Sunday Mass and on major feast days. Our repertoire ranges from traditional sacred polyphony to contemporary liturgical music. Under the direction of our Music Director, we are a lively group of singers who take our ministry seriously and greatly enjoy it.

Requirements

Ability to sing in tune. Experience of choral singing is helpful. All voice parts welcome, particularly tenors and basses.

Welcomers

Commitment: Once per month on a Sunday morning

Express Interest

Welcomers are the first face that any parishioner or visitor sees when they arrive at church. Their role is simple but vital: to greet, to make people feel seen, to hand out Mass books, and to assist with any practical needs. This ministry shapes the first impression of our community and directly affects whether someone returns.

Requirements

Warm, friendly, and reliable. No previous experience needed — a smile is the main qualification.

Catechists

Commitment: Varies by programme — typically 2–3 hours per week during term time

DBS check required

Express Interest

Our catechists prepare children and adults for the sacraments and support ongoing faith formation in the parish. This includes Children's Liturgy on Sundays, First Holy Communion and Confirmation preparation, and the RCIA programme for adult converts. Catechists receive diocesan training and work in teams with the support of Father.

Requirements

Commitment to the Catholic faith. DBS check and diocesan catechist training required (funded by the parish).

Flower Team

Commitment: Approximately once per month, Friday mornings

Express Interest

The Flower Team arranges the flowers that adorn the church for Sundays and for special liturgical celebrations — Christmas, Easter, feast days, and weddings. Their work adds beauty and reverence to our worship space. The team meets as needed, usually on Friday mornings, and are a warm and creative group.

Requirements

Interest in flower arranging. Experience helpful but not essential — we will teach you.

Bereavement Support

Commitment: As needed — bereavement is not predictable, but typically 2–4 engagements per month

DBS check required

Express Interest

Our bereavement support team offers pastoral accompaniment to families who have experienced the death of a loved one. This includes assisting with funeral preparation, attending the reception of the body and the funeral Mass, sending cards and making follow-up visits in the weeks after a death. This is a ministry of extraordinary tenderness and importance.

Requirements

Compassion, discretion, and maturity. Training and ongoing supervision provided. DBS check required.

Maintenance Team

Commitment: Flexible — a few hours per month, usually weekday mornings

Express Interest

Our church building, hall, and grounds require regular care and maintenance. The Maintenance Team assists with everything from basic repairs and painting to gardening and cleaning. No task is too small — and every member of this team is a genuine steward of our shared sacred space.

Requirements

Practical skills (plumbing, electrical, carpentry, decorating, or general) or willingness to help with general tasks. Health and safety awareness essential.

Outreach & Social Action

Commitment: Varies — typically 2–4 hours per week

DBS check required

Express Interest

Our Outreach team serves the wider community through the parish food bank, regular visits to elderly residents in care homes, a befriending service for isolated individuals, and partnerships with local charities. This ministry puts Catholic social teaching into direct action and is one of the most rewarding roles in the parish.

Requirements

Compassion and reliability. DBS check required for those visiting vulnerable adults or children.

Get in Touch

Volunteer Enquiry

Not sure which ministry is right for you? Send us a message and we will help you find the right fit.

Not Ready to Volunteer Yet?

There are many ways to support the parish — from donating to submitting a prayer request. Explore all the ways to get involved.