🧹 Cleaning

"Let all things be done decently and in order." (1 Corinthians 14:40)

Keeping the church clean and cared for is a simple but very important service. A clean and welcoming church helps everyone to pray and shows respect for the house of God. Those who help with cleaning serve the whole parish in a quiet but essential way. This is the kind of hidden work that often goes unnoticed, but it is seen by God, and it is the kind of service that Our Lord especially rewards.

Cleaning is also a good role for those who may not wish to be in a public-facing ministry. Some people prefer to serve quietly, or feel shy about reading, singing, or speaking in front of others, but still want to do something meaningful for the parish. Helping with cleaning is a generous and faithful way to do exactly that.

At St Anne's, the cleaning is coordinated by Funwi, and at St John the Baptist it is coordinated by Eileen. If you would be willing to help, even occasionally, please speak to them or contact the parish. Extra help is always appreciated, and even a small amount of time makes a real difference.

📖 Reading

"The word of God is living and active." (Hebrews 4:12)

The Ministry of Reading

The ministry of Reader is an important service to the Church. It is more than simply reading aloud; it is the prayerful proclamation of the Word of God so that the whole assembly can listen, understand, and respond.

This ministry calls not only for willingness, but also for care, preparation, and a desire to read well. Like any ministry, it grows with practice and guidance. Everyone has different gifts, and part of discernment is recognising where our strengths lie. Those who serve as Readers are invited to develop the skills needed for this role so that the Word of God is proclaimed clearly, confidently, and prayerfully.

Those who have a clear speaking voice, confidence in reading aloud, and a love for Sacred Scripture are encouraged to consider this ministry. Proclaiming the Word of God is a great privilege and a real responsibility, and the Church asks that those who serve in this way do so with care, reverence, and good preparation. If you feel that you may be called to this ministry, please speak to Fr Sean.

Preparing for the Reading

Good preparation benefits both the congregation and the reader, and it greatly increases your confidence. The Word of God deserves to be read at the best level of our ability. Whenever possible, prepare earlier in the week.

A helpful way to prepare:

• Read the passage aloud to become familiar with it
• Read a few verses before and after the reading to understand the wider context
• Read it aloud again, noticing how ideas and phrases fit together
• Check and practise any unfamiliar names or difficult words
• Finally, read the passage prayerfully, asking God to help you proclaim His Word faithfully

The Sunday Missal

Readers are strongly encouraged to have their own copy of the Sunday Missal. Having the Missal at home makes preparation much easier and helps you to pray with the readings in the context of the whole Mass. Anyone involved in the reading ministry is entitled to a free copy of the Sunday Missal.

Practical Liturgical Points

• Please be faithful to the rota. If you are unable to attend, please arrange an alternative in advance.
• Be ready to move to the lectern at the end of the opening prayer
• Bow at the sanctuary step toward the altar, pause at the lectern, and make sure the assembly is settled before beginning

Introducing and Concluding the Reading

When announcing a reading, always use the exact words printed in the lectionary, and nothing more. Please do not add your own introductions, such as "The second reading today is taken from…". These phrases are not part of the liturgy.
Simply pause, ensure the assembly is attentive, and proclaim the introduction exactly as it appears in the lectionary. eg. "a reading from the letter of St Paul to the Corinthians"
After the reading, pause briefly, then say: "The Word of the Lord."

The Responsorial Psalm

• Begin by proclaiming the antiphon, then wait for the congregation to repeat it
• Read the psalm as poetry, allow it to flow naturally
• Invite the response by looking at the assembly at the end of each verse or raising a hand

The Acclamation before the Gospel

This comes after the Second Reading (or after the First Reading if there is only one). The acclamation prepares the congregation to welcome the Gospel, which is the high point of the Liturgy of the Word. Normally the acclamation is Alleluia, with the verse given in the Lectionary. During Lent, the word Alleluia is not used. Instead, the Lectionary provides a different acclamation (for example: "Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory"). This must still be read if it is not being sung — it is not omitted, only the word Alleluia is omitted.

The reader must always check before Mass whether the acclamation will be sung by the choir/cantor or said by the reader, as this can vary. After the acclamation, the reader immediately leaves the lectern so that the priest or deacon can proclaim the Gospel.

Prayers of the Faithful (Bidding Prayers)

• At the end of the Creed, come straight to the lectern so there is no unnecessary pause
• Pray the intentions rather than simply reading them
• Ensure there is a significant pause after inviting people to pray for their own intentions in silence

Effective Reading Tips

• Read slowly – this is by far the easiest way most people can significantly improve their reading.
• Speak clearly – imagine there is no microphone, and you are trying to be heard by a specific person at the back of the church.
• Use the microphone confidently – making sure it is directed towards your mouth. Even if you have a loud voice the microphone allows those who are hard of hearing and use hearing aids to be included.
• Be expressive – guided by meaning of the text, but not over-dramatise.
• Dress appropriately – such that the focus remains on the Word of God and not on distraction.
• Use silence – moments of silence before and after the readings are a very important part of the Church's prayer. Do not be afraid of them. A brief pause allows the assembly to settle, to listen, and to reflect on the Word that has been proclaimed.
• If you make a mistake – simply pause and repeat the line calmly. There is no need to apologise. Everyone makes mistakes, especially when new, and confidence helps the assembly remain prayerful.

💚 Visit the Sick

"I was sick and you visited me." (Matthew 25:36)

Visiting the sick and housebound is a work of Christian charity and one of the clearest ways we can live the Gospel. Some members of the parish are no longer able to come to church because of age, illness, or frailty, and a simple visit, a conversation, or taking Holy Communion to them is a powerful sign that they are still a cherished part of the Christian family.

The priest will visit from time to time to celebrate the sacraments, especially Holy Communion, Confession, and the Anointing of the Sick. However, regular visits from parishioners make an enormous difference. A friendly face, a few moments of conversation, or simply knowing that the parish has not forgotten them can bring real comfort and encouragement to someone.

This ministry requires kindness, reliability, and a genuine care for others. If you feel you may be able to help with visiting the sick or housebound, please speak to Fr Sean.

🎵 Choir

"Sing to the Lord a new song." (Psalm 96:1)

Music plays an important part in the prayer of the Church. Singing helps the whole congregation to take part in the Mass, lifting our hearts to God and helping us to pray with greater devotion. Those who serve in music ministry give a real gift to the parish, and as St Augustine is often said to have taught, "the one who sings prays twice."

You do not need to be an expert singer to join the choir, only willing to take part and to practise when needed. The choir leads the people in worship, helping the liturgy to be more prayerful and more joyful.

At the moment we are without musicians at St Anne's, but we would very much like to begin introducing more live music at Mass. If you play an instrument your help would be very welcome.

The head of the choir at St Anne's is Judith Anwunah.

If you would like to join, help with music, or find out more, please get in touch at: yth.divinemercypartnership@rcaob.org.uk

The head of the Choir at St Anthony's is Bernie. Please speak to her after mass.

⛪ Altar Serving

For information about becoming an altar server, please visit the Altar Serving page in the Youth section.