Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
Ministers of the Eucharistic assist the priests in distributing Holy Communion at Mass. They are also available to take Holy Communion to any parishioner unable to get to Sunday Mass due to sickness or being housebound. If you know somebody who would like to receive Communion at home, contact the parish office.
If you would like to volunteer, you need to be a regular attender at Mass, be in communion with the Catholic Church and received the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Readers
The Church has always venerated the Holy Scriptures as one of God’s greatest gifts to us Christ truly speaks to us in his Holy Word.
Our readers proclaim the Word of God at Mass.
If you would like to volunteer, you need to be a regular attender at Mass, be in communion with the Catholic Church and received the sacrament of First Holy Communion. You don’t need to have English as a first language but you do need to be able to read English and speak it clearly. You’ll be asked to do a reading to check you are suitable for the role.
Musicians
Our music groups lead worship in a variety of different styles. New singers and instrumentalists are always welcome.
The 9am Choir sings in four part harmony. Music at the 11am Mass includes organ and cantor singing, the Popley Music Group’s voices and instruments, and Filipino Choir members bring their uplifting sound. The 6pm Sunday evening Mass music is led by by piano and vocal groups, The Lord’s Flock, organ. Jim Mooney brings his own unique style of singing and playing guitar; respectful, soulful, expressive and often energetic. Some masses are reflective in nature without music, which are appreciated by those who have sensory difficulties.
If you would like to volunteer as a musician, you will join one of our music groups. They each have different requirements – some require you to read music, others just need you to be able to hold a tune. Some are looking for singers, others for musicians.
Altar servers
Being an altar server here is fantastic! As a major church in the diocese, we have a variety of liturgies we need to serve. Apart from Sunday Mass, we must be able to serve a Solemn Pontifical High Mass when the Bishop celebrates the diocesan Significant Wedding Anniversary Mass here.
We are also very good at serving! We know exactly what to do and will make sure you have the knowledge and skills to serve, not just at St Bede’s but anywhere. We are considered the best team in Diocese, not just by our bishop but by visiting bishops and other clergy.
If you would like to volunteer as an altar server, you must be dedicated and willing to learn. If you are a child, you must have been baptised and received your First Holy Communion and have parental approval. If you are an adult, you must have at least received a canonically recognised baptism and be received into the Catholic Church. You must also be able to pass a Disclosure & Barring Service check (DBS).
St Bede’s Flower Girls
The St Bede’s Flower Girls decorate our churches with beautiful flowers for many occasions, including Christmas, Easter, First Holy Communion and the diocesan Significant Wedding Anniversaries celebration. Flowers help us to express our thoughts on happy occasions, as well as sad.
The SBFG consider it a privilege to arrange floral displays before the altar and Our Lady’s statue.
If you have an appreciation for flowers, do consider joining.
The Holy Dusters
The Holy Dusters work hard to keep our church looking clean and provide an important service for our community.
They welcome anybody who can spare some time after morning Mass to lend a hand.
Bereavement Support
The Bereavement Group provides support to those who are recently bereaved. We organise an annual bereavement service for those who have been bereaved in the last year. This is led by our parish priest and is followed by a tea. We also assist the priest during the blessing of the graves at Worting Road cemetery every November.