Altar Servers - The Guild of St Stephen

Any parishioner can participate in a more meaningful way at Mass by becoming an Altar Server. It is one of the lay ministries of the Church and provides an opportunity to explore a new path for growing closer to God.

Being an Altar Server involves preparing the altar and sanctuary with all the sacred vessels and accessories necessary for the Priest to say Mass and assist the Priest during the Mass itself.

Many of our servers have also joined The Guild of St Stephen, which is a group that aims to bring together those who serve at the Altar, to help them foster a reverence for all they do and to participate more fully in liturgies.

We are always looking for new servers, particularly for feast days and the bigger celebrations such as Easter and Christmas. Children are welcome to become Altar Servers once they have received their First Holy Communion. Please contact Katherine Powley via the Parish Office on 01235 559754 for more information or to register your interest.

Readers & Psalmists

All readings during the Masses at Our Lady and St Edmund are undertaken by a group of volunteers – usually two readers for each Mass. New volunteers, especially young people, are always welcome and training is available. If you would like to become a reader, please contact Pat Lonergan on 01235 202874.

Eucharistic Ministers

Our Ministry of Special Eucharistic Ministers assist with the distribution of Holy Communion at all Sunday Masses and also take Communion to sick members of the Parish, whether in hospital or their own home.

If you are interested in finding out more about the process of becoming a Eucharistic Minister, please contact Errol Midwinter via the Parish Office on 01235 559754.

Stewards at Mass

Every Mass is served by a group of Stewards. Volunteers are always welcome – please contact David Stretton-Smith via the Parish Offie on 01235 559754.