Norwich Cathedral welcomes volunteers to help with many roles. Over the years we have been lucky enough to have volunteers with a wide range of talents and abilities and of all ages and backgrounds.
Do you have something to offer?
We know that we have something to offer you in return.
We offer you
The chance:
- to contribute to the Benedictine tradition of worship, learning and hospitality that has flourished here since the Cathedral’s foundation in 1096,
- to meet and engage with others,
- to gain experience both for its own sake and to build a CV, and
- to share your talents and enthusiasm.
What sort of people volunteer?
Here are a few comments from past and present volunteers and a snap shot of the varied ways in which these volunteers have helped us.
Fionn - Cathedral Welcomer
‘I decided to volunteer as a Welcomer at the Cathedral because I had some free time and wanted to spend it putting something back into the community. I really enjoy working here, everyone is very friendly and it’s great to be able to make people feel welcome and comfortable in a place they might otherwise feel a bit daunted about entering’.
Graham - Volunteered in community learning
Graham, a Drama and Performing Arts student, helped with summer holiday activities and family learning events: ‘I just love the building and the fact that all these people enjoy it too. I like being part of it and if I have a gap year I want to volunteer here more. It’s fun working with children and their families. I like putting something back – and I might want to go into teaching later’.
Peter – Cathedral Guide
‘I find that being a Guide at Norwich Cathedral is both a pleasure and a privilege. We welcome visitors from all over the world, and offer conducted tours as well as answering individual questions. Some visitors have particular interests, for example the 14th century carved stalls. Others have no questions but just want to sit quietly and take in the beauty of the building. We have school parties, Church groups, National Trust, and parties of foreign students, (including Russia and China), and our Visitors' Book shows how much they appreciate the experience.
As Guides we learn about the history and architecture of the building, how it was affected by the Reformation and the Civil War, and how it is used today. I enjoy the work and the friendships formed with other Guides. But our main task is the welcome, based on the Benedictine Rule, to welcome every visitor as if they were Jesus Christ’.