If you would like to get involved in the parish, there are many ways you can do this. The parish cannot function without the generous support of our many volunteers, and we are always happy to welcome new volunteers on board.
Please see some examples below, along with how to go about expressing an interest - but the list is not exhaustive and we are always open to the possibility that you might be able to bring something we had not even thought of before!
SVP Group
The Society of St Vincent de Paul is an invaluable resource in the parish, providing practical help and support to people in need - be that a material or an emotional need. Members meet about fortnightly at Holy Cross Presbytery for prayer and discussion, and their work then ranges from visiting the sick and housebound to helping in any way they can people who lack the necessities of life or who live on the streets. Annually, they will organise a special Mass for the Sick (which usually takes place at St Mary's Church) with a light meal/social afterwards, and many housebound people are enabled to come along to this. SVP members will require a DBS check, but this will be funded by the diocese. If you are interested, please contact Ged Dale (our local SVP President who also chairs the Parish Committee) via the parish office.
Eucharistic Ministers
The role of the Eucharistic Minister is two-fold. At Mass, Ministers assist in the sacred duty of distributing Holy Communion, whilst at other times arranged with those they visit, they will take Holy Communion to the sick and housebound, ensuring that those not able to attend church will still feel a part of our parish family and be nourished by this precious gift of God. Those Ministers who take Holy Commuinion to people's homes will require a DBS check, which will be funded by the Diocese. If you are interested, please contact Fr Martin or Marie (our Parish Secretary) in the parish office.
Readers
The ministry of Reader (or Lector) is an important role in the Church, proclaiming the Word of God to all the assembly. We have readers of several different nationalities and welcome the richness they bring to the role. We also have a number of child readers, and all we require is that volunteers can speak the Word clearly, and with understanding, for the benefit of all. Readers may also be invited to lead various devotions (such as the Rosary or Divine Mercy) at other times, if they wish. If you are interested please contact Marie (our Parish Secretary) in the Parish Office.
Musicians
We have a substantial and talented choir in the parish which can be heard at all of our major Services, especially at Christmas and Easter. However, as we have music at three of our four weekend Masses they can be spread a little thinly dependent upon which Mass members happen to be attending that week. More members are always welcome, as are instrumentalists who can greatly enhance our liturgies. If you are interested in singing or playing, please speak with Fr Martin, with Ellen (our 11.15am organist at Holy Cross) or with Sarah (our 9.30am guitarist at St Mary's). We would love you to become involved! (Choir members are not in any way prevented from serving as Readers or as Eucharistic Ministers as well if they wish).
Catechists
By definition, a Catechist is a "faith sharer" and we relay on our Catechists to support people of all ages in their Sacramental preparations throughout the year. If you feel you have a calling to share your faith with children, teenagers or adults, please speak with Marie Twemlow (our Parish Secretary) in the parish office. Alternatively you could express your interest to Mrs Darcy (our First Holy Communion coordinator) in the office at Gilbert's School, or to Pam (our Baptism coordinator and a lead Catechist) who people will be happy to point out to you in church. All Catechists will require a DBS check, which will be funded by the diocese.
Children's Liturgy Supervisors
Just now we are only able to offer "Children's Liturgy" to younger children at the 11.15am Mass at Holy Cross, but we would love to be able to introduce it at St Mary's as well. We need volunteers to assist in supervising the children and, if you feel up to it, there will also be the opportunity to lead. Please speak to Elizabeth (Children's Liturgy Leader) or contact Marie in the Parish Office. All adults working with children in the parish will require a DBS check, but this will be funded by the diocese.
Youth Leadership
Sister Anna Yeo is engaged by the Salford Deanery to guide and support all of our Youth programmes. Here in this parish we have a youth "Impact "Group which she leads along with other volunteers. If you would like to help in any way, please contact Fr Martin, Pam (our Baptism coordinator and a lead Catechist who people will be happy to point out to you in church) or Marie in the Parish Office. Again, the required DBS check will be funded by the diocese.
Stewards
This new role came into the church with the Covid pandemic but has remained as a powewrful ministry of welcome and service at the church doors. You will be asked to greet people with a friendly smile, to give out hymn books and newsletters, to guide people if necessary to their places and offer assistance with kneelers etc when needed. You will also be asked to learn our evacuation procedures in case of emergency and to assist in the unlikely event of such an emergency occurring. Stewards on duty at particular Masses will be asked to wear a yellow lanyard provided by the parish so that they can easily be identified by someone in need of help. If you are interested, please speak with Sue (one of our lead stewards at St Mary's) or with Marie in the Parish Office.
Altar Servers
Altar Servers have a special role adding dignity to our liturgies in the church and assisting to create the prayerful atmosphere we seek. We welcome any child who has completed the First Holy Communion programme, and is ready and willing to maintain regular attendance at Mass, to join the large team of Servers we have in the parish. If your child is interested and you can support them in their commitment, appropriate training will be provided to prepare them for service. Experienced servers are invited to apply to join the Guild of St Stephen with which we are affiliated, and members of the Guild can be recognised by the bronze medal on a red cord which they wear over their albs during Mass. Please contact Jesamine (our Head Altar Server) or Fr Martin for more information. All those involved in working with the Altar Servers hold current DBS checks.
Appariters
These are volunteers who assist with the collection at Sunday Masses. We are always open to more people being available for this role, with older children and teenagers sometimes coming forward. Please speak to Marie in the Parish Office, to Anne, one of the lead stewards at Holy Cross, or to Sue, a lead steward at St Mary's.
Church Cleaners
Not a menial task, but a vital role at both churches is carried out by our teams of cleaners who also enjoy good company with others members of their teams. If you can help, please contact Sue (a lead Steward at St Mary's church) or Pat (who people will be happy to point out to you at Holy Cross). Alternatively, simply contact Marie in the office and she will pass on your details.
Florists
The appropriate atmosphere for different liturgical seasons in the church is greatly enhanced by the flower arrangements carefully placed by our volunteer florists. If you can help with this, please speak with Maureen (who people will be happy to point out to you at Holy Cross) or with Sue (a lead Steward at St Mary's). Alternatively, simply contact Marie in the Parish Office and she will be happy to pass on your details.
Helping with Social Activities
We always need volunteers to help provide refreshments after Sunday morning Masses at both churches, and our Social Committee needs teams of helpers when events are planned. And, of course, new ideas for new events can always be welcomed as well! Contact Frances (who can often be found after Mass running fundraising events etc) or speak with Marie in the Parish Office.