Assisting with the Liturgy
Altar Servers
A priest's assistant during Mass and occasionally at other liturgies is an altar server. Although a young person would typically begin after receiving their First Holy Communion, it is a role that is open to both young and old. Servers will assist with setting up the Sanctuary before Mass, performing tasks during Mass, and then helping to clean up afterward.
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The Altar Servers group is run by Kimberley. They are always seeking new members and would make you most welcome if you wished to join them.
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Please contact the Parish office for more information or register as a volunteer here.
Choir and Music
St Mary's places a high value on music, and being a part of a choir or singing ensemble can both meaningfully express one's faith and bring honour to God. Instrumentalists such as pianists or guitarists can be a great blessing to parishes since they support the congregation and function as a part of the broader music team.
Musicians may be required to attend rehearsals and are frequently asked to devote a little time to composing music for Mass.
The Choir is run by Irene and sings at the 10am Mass on Sunday and also other special Mass events. They are always seeking new members and would make you most welcome if you wished to join them.
Please contact the Parish office for more information or register as a volunteer here.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
By assisting with the distribution of the Eucharist, also known as the Sacred Host or the Precious Blood, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion serve the parish community. This will frequently happen at Mass, but it may also involve bringing Holy Communion to parishioners who are confined to their homes due to illness, advanced age, or disabilities.
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When there aren't enough "ordinary" ministers, such as when there aren't enough bishops, priests, or deacons, the word "extraordinary" is used to distinguish them.
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In addition to being prepared with readings and prayers for visits, ministers should be prepared to be at Mass on time. They ought to be prepared to delegate tasks as a group and bring up any issues with the parish priest, including those involving the anointing of the sick.
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​Please contact the Parish office for more information or register as a volunteer here.
Readers
Typically, St Mary's will have a rotating roster of readers for weekend Masses. If you have a clear voice and don't mind investing some time in reading preparation, you should think about volunteering for this position. We can offer you some guidance on how to read in church, since it is a large resonant space.
The Reading group is run by Robin. They are always seeking new members and would make you most welcome if you wished to join them.
Please contact the Parish office for more information or register as a volunteer here.
Sacristan
Volunteers who work as sacristans offer a crucial, though frequently unnoticed, service to the neighbourhood. They assist with setting up for Mass and cleaning up afterward; in doing so, they collaborate closely with or direct the Altar Servers. They will also be responsible for maintaining the proper levels of liturgical stock , such as altar breads, wine, and candles, etc. They occasionally assist in locking and unlocking the church.
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Please contact the Parish office for more information or register as a volunteer here.
Welcomers / Ushers / Stewards
As a member of the parish welcoming team, you will be expected to show up prior to the start of the Sunday Mass to welcome visitors and possibly distribute the weekly newsletter, hymnals, and other items as needed. You might also be asked to count the number of attendees at the Mass and to gather any hymnals or other objects that are returned at the conclusion of the ceremony.
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In this capacity, you might be required to direct any latecomers to the available pews and to see to it that the Offertory Procession is prepared for the proper time in the Mass. Finally, you may be requested to handle any issues that the congregation brings up during the Mass.
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A warm smile and effective interpersonal skills are the primary requirements for this position. This function had to be modified during the pandemic, but it was crucial in ensuring the Church took the necessary precautions and complied with the restrictions.
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Please contact the Parish office for more information or register as a volunteer here.
Flower Arrangers
We all love a beautiful church, and flowers may improve many occasions, particularly at significant occasions like a marriage, first communion, or a baptism. Please get in touch if you are skilled in floral arrangement or would like more information about the possibility of learning this ability from someone else in the parish.
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Please contact the Parish office for more information or register as a volunteer here.