Discover Your Ministry: Serving in Our Parish Community
Our Lady Help of Christians and Saint Helen Westcliff
Serving in Catholic parish ministry is one of life's most rewarding experiences - a sacred opportunity to grow in faith while building up our Church community. Whether you feel drawn to welcoming others as a Marshal, sharing faith as a Catechist, or serving at the altar as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, your unique gifts and talents can make a real difference in parish life. We invite practicing Catholics who love their faith and want to deepen their relationship with God through service to explore these meaningful opportunities. The formation and training we provide will enrich your own spiritual journey while preparing you to serve others with confidence and joy.
Marshal - A Welcoming Service
Who We're Looking For
We invite active Catholics who love their parish community and enjoy welcoming others to consider this meaningful ministry. If you attend Mass regularly and have a heart for hospitality, you might be perfect for this role! We'll provide the safe environment trainingand background clearance process to ensure everyone's safety. This ministry works well for those who enjoy being on their feet, connecting with people, and helping create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for worship.
What You'll Do (It's More Rewarding Than You Think!)
Before Mass: Arrive about 30 minutes early to help prepare our sacred space - adjusting lighting, checking temperature, and connecting with other ministers. Think of it as preparing your home for beloved guests!
During Mass: Be the friendly face that greets families and visitors, helping elderly parishioners find comfortable seating, and ensuring communion flows smoothly. When occasional disruptions happen, you'll be there to handle them with kindness and wisdom.
Special Moments: Sometimes you'll assist with emergency situations, knowing you're prepared and ready to help when your community needs you most.
What We'll Provide to Support You
Guidance on appropriate attire (think "Sunday best" - respectful and professional)
Training on safety procedures so you'll feel confident and prepared
Monthly/Regular gatherings with fellow Marshals - great for fellowship and sharing experiences
Annual training sessions to keep skills fresh and learn new approaches
Ongoing support to help you grow comfortable with liturgical practices
The Heart of It All: This isn't just about following procedures - it's about creating a place where every person feels welcomed into God's house and can focus on worship without distractions. You'll be amazed at how this service enriches your own spiritual life while blessing others!
Volunteer Catechist (A) - Sharing the Joy of Faith
Who We're Looking For
We seek faithful Catholics who have been confirmed and are excited about sharing their love of God with others! Whether you're a seasoned teacher or someone who simply loves talking about faith, we welcome you. If you have teaching experience, wonderful! If not, don't worry - passion for the faith and a willingness to learn are what matter most. We'll walk alongside you through our diocesan formation program, which will deepen your own faith while preparing you to share it with others. The background check and safety training ensure we create the safest possible environment for everyone.
What You'll Experience (The Best Part of Your Week!)
Lesson Preparation: Using tried-and-true curriculum materials, you'll discover creative ways to bring faith stories to life. You'll be amazed at how preparing lessons enriches your own spiritual journey!
Classroom Magic: Arrive a few minutes early to set up your space, then watch young hearts light up as they discover God's love. You'll learn to reach different types of learners - some love stories, others prefer hands-on activities, and some learn best through discussion.
Living the Faith: Your authentic witness as someone striving to live Catholic values will speak louder than any textbook. Students notice authenticity!
Building Community: Connect with families through regular communication about their children's faith journey. These relationships often become some of the most meaningful friendships in parish life.
Faithful Guidance: When students ask those wonderful, challenging questions about faith, you'll find joy in exploring answers together with sensitivity and knowledge.
How We'll Support Your Journey
Ongoing formation opportunities that feed your soul while building your confidence
Monthly/Regular catechist gatherings - think fellowship, mutual support, and sharing of great ideas
Retreats and workshops that feel more like spiritual refreshment than work
Safety protocols that become second nature, ensuring peace of mind for everyone
Year-long commitment that allows you to build meaningful relationships and see real growth in your students
The Beautiful Truth: Teaching faith isn't about having all the answers - it's about sharing the journey of discovery with eager hearts. You'll often find that your students teach you as much as you teach them, and your own faith will grow in ways you never expected. This ministry changes lives - starting with your own!
Assistant Catechist Ministry (B) - Your Perfect Starting Point!
Who We're Looking For
Are you a practicing Catholic who loves being around children and young people? Do you attend Mass regularly and want to grow deeper in your own faith while helping others? This ministry is perfect for those who have a basic understanding of Catholic teachings and are excited to learn more alongside the students!
We're looking for reliable, positive people who enjoy working as part of a team. If you're patient, flexible, and have a heart for service, you'll fit right in. Don't worry about being a theology expert - your genuine love for God and willingness to grow in faith knowledge is what counts most. Great communication skills aren't required - just a warm heart and openness to connect with young people from all backgrounds.
What You'll Do (The Fun Stuff!)
Behind the Scenes: Help your lead Catechist set up for lessons, organize materials, and get the venue ready for learning. You'll become the master of supplies and the go-to person for arts and crafts projects!
Student Support: Be that extra pair of eyes and hands that notices when a student needs help reading, understanding a concept, or just feeling included. You'll assist with behavior guidance and help keep everyone engaged.
Tech Helper: Help with videos, presentations, and any technology needs - no advanced skills required, just willingness to learn!
Special Moments: Watch students' faces light up during activities, celebrations, and those "aha!" moments when faith concepts click into place.
Your Role in the Team (Clear and Simple!)
You'll work alongside an experienced Catechist who leads the class while you provide wonderful support. Think of it as being the trusted assistant who makes everything run smoothly! You'll defer to your lead Catechist for major decisions and refer parent questions to them, while maintaining confidentiality about student and family matters. This approach lets you focus on building relationships and learning the ropes without pressure.
How We'll Set You Up for Success
Background check and safety training - we handle the process to ensure everyone's protection
A reference from someone who knows you - pastor, staff member, or active parishioner who can speak to your character
One academic year commitment - enough time to build meaningful relationships and really make a difference
The Best Part: This ministry is often a stepping stone to greater involvement in religious education, but it's also perfect for those who simply want to serve in a supportive role. You'll grow in faith, build wonderful relationships, and discover that helping others learn about God enriches your own spiritual journey in unexpected ways!
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion - A Sacred Calling
Who We're Looking For
We invite confirmed Catholics who find deep joy in the Eucharist and live their faith with authenticity. If you're someone who attends Mass regularly, receives the sacraments, and strives to reflect Catholic values in daily life, you might be called to this beautiful ministry.
We're looking for spiritually mature individuals (typically 18 or older) who approach the sacred with reverence and awe. Your pastor or pastoral staff will recognize these qualities in you and may recommend you for this privilege. The formal training program we provide will deepen your appreciation for the Eucharist while preparing you for this sacred service.
What You'll Experience (A True Privilege!)
During Mass: You'll have the profound honor of distributing the Body of Christ to your fellow parishioners. Each moment becomes a prayer as you witness faith in action and participate in the most sacred part of our worship.
Beyond the Altar: You may also bring Communion to homebound parishioners - often the highlight of their week and yours! These visits become precious moments of connection and spiritual comfort.
Sacred Handling: You'll learn the beautiful rituals of properly caring for sacred vessels and maintaining the reverent atmosphere that surrounds the Eucharist.
Emergency Preparedness: Occasionally, unexpected situations arise, and you'll be prepared to handle them with grace and appropriate procedure.
Pastoral Care: When visiting the homebound, you'll coordinate with parish staff and maintain the trust placed in you through confidential pastoral relationships.
How We'll Prepare and Support You
Appropriate attire guidance - think Sunday best that reflects the dignity of your service
Prayer and preparation time before each Mass - arriving early becomes a treasured quiet moment with the Lord
Comprehensive training on Eucharistic procedures that will deepen your own reverence and understanding
Specialized pastoral care preparation for those called to homebound ministry
Ongoing coordination support with parish staff to ensure smooth scheduling
Refresher sessions that feel more like spiritual enrichment than required training
The Sacred Truth: This ministry transforms your relationship with the Eucharist forever. Many Extraordinary Ministers describe it as receiving more than they give - experiencing Christ's presence in profound new ways and witnessing faith that will move you to tears of joy. It's not just about distributing Communion; it's about being an instrument of Christ's love and presence in your community.
Fire Alarm/Emergency Light Tester - Keeping Our Community Safe
Who We're Looking For
We need reliable, detail-oriented individuals who care about keeping our parish family safe and secure. If you're someone who enjoys practical, hands-on tasks and takes pride in ensuring things work properly, this ministry is perfect for you! No previous experience required - we'll teach you everything you need to know.
We're looking for people who are punctual, responsible, and comfortable with basic technology. If you can follow simple procedures, keep accurate records, and aren't afraid of a little beeping, you'll do great! Physical ability to walk throughout the building and reach various alarm panels is helpful.
What You'll Do (More Important Than You Think!)
Monthly Testing Routine: You'll conduct simple tests of our fire alarm systems and emergency lighting - usually takes about 30-45 minutes per session. Think of it as giving our safety systems their monthly check-up!
Record Keeping: Maintain simple logs of test results using easy-to-follow forms. You'll note what's working perfectly and flag anything that needs attention.
Emergency Light Checks: Walk through the building testing emergency lighting systems - it's like a peaceful stroll through the parish while ensuring everyone's safety.
Communication: When you spot something that needs repair or attention, you'll let our facilities team know so they can address it quickly.
Peace of Mind: Know that your careful attention helps ensure every person who enters our parish - from Sunday worshippers to weekday visitors - is protected by properly functioning safety systems.
How We'll Support You
Complete training on all testing procedures and equipment - you'll feel confident from day one
Simple, clear checklists that guide you through each step
Direct contact with facilities staff for questions or concerns
Flexible scheduling that works with your availability
All necessary tools and materials provided by the parish
What We Provide
Monthly time commitment of about 1 hour
Training on safety protocols and emergency procedures
Documentation systems that are straightforward and user-friendly
Backup support when you're unavailable or need assistance
Regular appreciation for this vital behind-the-scenes service
The Schedule (Flexible and Manageable!)
Monthly Testing: Choose a convenient day each month for your testing routine.
Quarterly Reports: Help compile simple quarterly reports for insurance and regulatory requirements - we make it easy with templates and support.
Emergency Response: Occasionally, you might be contacted if there's a system concern between regular testing periods.
Why This Ministry Matters
While others may not see your work directly, your faithful service protects every person who enters our parish buildings. From the toddler to the senior at daily Mass, your attention to detail helps ensure their safety. Many volunteers find deep satisfaction in this practical way of caring for their parish community.
The Unexpected Blessing: You'll gain unique knowledge of our parish facilities, become familiar with building systems, and develop skills that are valuable both at church and at home. Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about knowing that systems are working properly because of your careful attention.
Getting Started: Contact our facilities coordinator to learn more about training dates and flexible scheduling options. This ministry often appeals to those who appreciate practical service and want to contribute to parish life in a meaningful, behind-the-scenes way.
Perfect For: Retirees, people with flexible schedules, those who enjoy systematic tasks, and anyone who wants to serve the parish in a practical, essential way that doesn't require public speaking or large time commitments.
Through prayerful discernment, discover how your unique gifts can build up Christ's Body. Your service is a blessing to all. (Fr Viktor)
Saint John Paul II (1988) wrote: “the lay faithful participate, for their part, in the threefold mission of Christ as Priest, Prophet and King.” (Christifidelis laici, 14)
9 July 2025