Eucharistic Adoration

Description of Role

Engaging the power of prayer by watching the Blessed Sacrament for a period each week.

Time Required

One hour each week

Gifts & Talents

Commitment to prayer, and to supporting the parish in this way.

Ability to be on your own for the period of adoration

Support Provided

No special training is needed and you will be supported by others during your periods of adoration.

Each person starting Adoration receives a copy of the rota and a list of standby Adorers, and a set of guidelines (how to repose the Blessed Sacrament if not relieved etc.) 

Church Cleaning

Description of Role

Preparing the church for liturgies by cleaning the building and fittings.

Time Required

Come along with a partner every 6/8 weeks during a weekday for typically for one hour to clean the church.

Gifts & Talents

Ability to use cleaning materials and equipment (e.g. vacuum cleaner)

Enthusiasm to prepare the church to enhance liturgy.

Support Provided

You will work with a partner during the cleaning sessions and support from cleaning co-ordinator is always available if needed e.g. for help if usual partner away or to be a link for any other issues arising whilst cleaning. 

Parish will pay for any materials used

Flower Arranging

Description of Role

Make the church look beautiful and welcoming in order to enhance the liturgies.

Obtain and arrange flowers for Masses and decorate for special occasions such as funerals, baptisms, Easter and Christmas

Time Required

2-3 hours a month working on a rota.  For big occasions this may take longer.

Gifts & Talents

Artistic flair and experience would be an advantage but are not necessary

Willingness to learn about flower arranging

Must be reliable in turning up when needed.

Ability to work alone most of the time but as part of a team at Christmas Easter and for special celebrations

Support Provided

Learning by working with other experienced flower arrangers

Parish will pay for flowers used.

Event Helper

Description of Role

Support social and other events organised by the church.

Includes setting up for Summer Fair, Christmas Bazaar, 2 jumble sales and 4 car boot sales
 
Includes manning stands at events, selling raffle tickets, ordering and distributing grand draw tickets

Includes selling tickets, draw tickets etc. for such events at Masses.

Time Required

At Masses 15 minutes after Mass

At event, entirely dependent on job and event

Gifts & Talents

Ability to organise and work as part of a team

Support Provided

There are around 50 regular helpers who share this ministry

Bible Study Group

Description of Role

Be prepared to read and listen to the Word of God and associated material.

Time Required

1.5 hours, twice per month. 

No meetings during the summer months.

Gifts & Talents

Ability to listen.

Ability to read is advantageous, but not essential.

Ability to reflect and ask questions is desirable.

Support Provided

Aids such as Books, CDs, DVDs and web-based articles have been used in the past.

Justice & Peace Group

Description of Role

To inform parishioners of issues affecting justice and peace in the world.

To galvanise action when required to lobby on issues.

To promote the values and policies of the Catholic church to the broader community

Time Required

Attend monthly meetings, typically 60 – 90 minutes.

Help with occasional activities organised by the group.

Gifts & Talents

Compassion, enthusiasm and preparedness to pray.

Preparedness to engage with issues of injustice and conflict in the world

Support Provided

Training for public speaking can be arranged if required.

Rosary Group

Description of Role

Praying the Rosary is a tradition that has stood the test of time for a reason.  Devotion to Mary remains one of the most beautiful and meaningful of our prayers.

Gather together as a group once a month, say the Rosary and pray for the community and have a social gathering.

Time Required

Meeting once a month in the afternoon of a weekday for approx 90 minutes

Gifts & Talents

Desire to pray as a group and learn more about the Rosary

Support Provided

Venues and timing of meetings is planned in advance

Visiting Group

Description of Role

To visit sick, housebound, lonely and elderly people in the parish to make them feel included as part of the church community, giving them friendship and social contact.

Time Required

Typically ½ hour on a weekly basis for each person visited

Gifts & Talents

Patience and the ability to be a good listener.

Caring towards these parishioners

Support Provided

Occasional Diocesan training courses are available if needed

Completion of a Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check is necessary in line with the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy