Volunteering at Services

The group formally known as the The Norwich Cathedral Nave Stewards Guild comprises over fifty people of all ages and both sexes who, in the words of our constitution, 'extend a Christian welcome to those visiting the Cathedral for services or other purposes and to assist the Dean and Chapter in the smooth running of Cathedral services'.

Stewards are needed for the Sunday services and for larger special services, for example Carol Services, Ordinations, Confirmations, Civic and Memorial Services. As some of these services need up to thirty stewards we require many trained members to cover them.

As a member of the Guild of Stewards you need to have commitment and a welcoming attitude to visitors and regular worshippers alike. You must also be prepared to be alert and able to be on your feet for up to an hour before some services. If you think you would like to join us please have a word with any of the stewards to find out more. It is a very rewarding job.

The opportunity to volunteer as a server is open to anyone of any age; although for young people it is thought appropriate that individuals should be confirmed and for older people it is important to be able to stand for long periods as well as walk straight!

The basic duty of a server is to assist with the liturgies held in the Cathedral. This involves leading processions (with cross and candles) and assisting in other ways during the Eucharist, eg receiving the collection and preparing the altar at the offertory. Servers are also required for 10.30am Sung Evensong on Sundays and other services on feast days. Training is given.

As for the time commitment involved, the Head Server prepares a rota which indicates who will do what at any particular service. The regularity of duties is entirely dependent on the individual's preference. Some will have duties at their parish church, while others may live some distance away and are less regular. All these matters are taken into account, but reliability is essential.

Most of the existing team are regular members of the congregation who happen also to be servers. This works well since they remain part of the community whether in the sanctuary or the pew, but the two do not have to go together.

Volunteers read the first and second readings at the 10.30am Sunday Eucharist and at Sung Eucharists on weekday festivals.

A rota is prepared three times a year by the Precentor's Assistant. We recognize that people have many commitments, so we always circulate a list of dates asking people to indicate when they are or are not available. The finished rota always lists the reading and page number of the lectionary, so finding out in advance what to read should never be a problem.

We do ask that all who volunteer to read to take the time to prepare the reading in advance so that the congregation is able to hear the words of Scripture clearly and coherently.

The Precentor likes to meet all applicants for this important role read before they are allotted any services.

The prayers of the people at the 10.30am Sunday Eucharist, and at Sung Eucharists on weekday festivals, are led by volunteers.

A rota is prepared three times a year by the Precentor's Assistant. We recognize that people have many commitments, so we always circulate a list of dates asking people to indicate when they are or are not available.

On some Sundays and festivals, there is a set form of words to be read, which is sent out to the intercessor in advance. On most Sundays, the intercessor is able to devise their own form of words. Details of that week's special intentions and the sick list are sent out during the week to enable the intercessor to include some of that material in the prayers. Guidance on how to prepare prayers and standard forms of words can be provided to any one who is new to the role of preparing intercessions.

The Precentor likes to meet all applicants for this important role read before they are allotted any services.

Volunteers are always needed for our growing Sunday School. It is run very much as a team effort. The workload is shared out each term, so that no one has to be on duty every Sunday but volunteers are asked to commit themselves to several Sundays each term.

Helpers are needed to assist the leaders of the different age groups. It is not necessary to have been a teacher but some experience with children is useful and many of our helpers are parents.

Leaders are in short supply, and we are always very keen to hear from anyone who may feel able to teach the children in any of the following age groups:

• Bubbles - for ages three to five
• Splash - for ages six to nine
• Xtreme - for ten years and above

We encourage the children to attend Family Communion once a month, arrange special events (such as the Crib Service and the Good Friday project), and organise an annual outing for Sunday School families.