Time and Talents

Welcomer - Welcomes people to Mass with a smile. Keeps a particular eye out for new people or those who have not been for some time and tries to learn some names. Welcomers will also help coordinate the offertory procession and keep an eye out for the health, safety and well-being of the congregation.

Choir - The parish forms a small friendly choir for the major feasts of the year.

Music - Our parish has a few instrumentalists who currently play from time to time. It would be great to get a small and regular band together.

Altar Serving – Though often associated with children, adult servers also make a real contribution to the smooth running of the liturgy.

Reader - Readers proclaim the scriptures and announce the intentions of the bidding prayers at Mass. They should have good clear voices. Some training is usually provided.

Children’s Liturgy - provides an opportunity for children in year 3 and below to engage with the Word of God at Mass in a more child-friendly manner. It usually takes place at the 8.45am Mass in term time. Childrens' liturgy is an important part of Mass for families with young children and the support of grand-parents and those who don't or no longer have children is really welcome. A DBS check and safeguarding training is required.

Communion Minister - takes communion to the sick or housebound. Training is provided and a DBS and safeguarding training are also needed.

Screen operator / programmer - to operate the screens at St Joseph's from a laptop.

Coffee after Sunday Mass - provides hospitality after Mass on a rota basis. Currently every other week after 8.45am Mass at Farncombe, but would be great to extend if we had enough volunteers.

Baptism Preparation - Supporting parents preparing for the Baptism of their children. Accompanying them at two preparation sessions that currently run on a Saturday afternoon and online on a Thursday evening. Helping them to reflect on their faith at this new stage in the lives of their families.

Bumps & Babes - Monday mornings at St John's. Providing a welcoming time and space for parents with pre-school children. This is really valued by the Mums and an important support for them.

First Holy Communion - Working with the Parish Priest to support parents preparing their children for the sacraments. Includes opportunities to share in the catechesis, administration, hospitality and preparation of (craft) activities for the children.

Confirmation - helping our young people (usually year 10) to reflect on their friendship with the Lord.

Youth Ministry - accompanying our young people and children.

Alpha / Sycamore - facilitating discussion, preparing and serving food and drink

RCIA (preparing adults for sacraments) - accompanying adults preparing for sacraments and/or enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. 

Marriage Preparation - helping to mentor couples preparing for marriage, and/or facilitating preparation sessions (currently held in Guildford)

Adult Formation & small groups - helping to lead opportunities for adults to grow in the knowledge and understanding of their faith and/or to talk about it with one another.

Live Simply – is our parish justice, peace and sustainability group. Help encourage others and work with others on local projects raising awareness and funds.

SVP (Society of St Vincent de Paul) - The SVP in the parish visit the elderly / sick / housebound, offering friendly support. Many will also bring them Holy Communion. Members usually meet every two weeks for mutual support.

Afternoon Tea with the SVP - The SVP provide an afternoon tea on the second Wednesday of each month in Elstead for older and less mobile members of the parish. Help is needed with lifts, making cakes and savouries, serving tea and washing up and sitting and chatting.

Bereavement Ministry "The Ministry of Consolation" - a fairly new ministry in our parish, offering support for those who have been bereaved. The Diocese offer a specific training for this.

Welcoming new parishioners - what it says on the tin. Keep an eye out for them. Meet up with them. Feed them. Listen to them and help them.

Prison ministry - visiting as part of a group in particular at Coldingley and Send.