The purpose of the Welcomers group is to make visitors and parishioners feel welcome as they come to mass. We aim to offer a smile and a few friendly words to as many people as possible, whilst handing out the hymnbooks and the weekly church bulletin. This task is important, to make people feel at welcome.
We operate on a rota basis, turning up about 20/30 minutes before the start of the Mass. Initial duties include obtaining bulletins, leaflets, collection baskets, attendance book etc. Checking to see if the first aid box, and bottles of water are out.
At the end of Mass we open all interior and exterior doors, collect and stack hymn books, tidy the Narthex, and return those items that are kept in the Sacristy. Finally we turn off lights and heating and close all doors.
You can help by becoming a 'Welcomer'. Contact Fr Barnabas
Then, ensuring that people are available for the offertory procession - usually asking families of the Mass' intention. We assist people to find seats if the church is crowded, and ensure church ventilation is adequate, depending on the weather.
During Mass, we undertake the collection(s) from upstairs and downstairs. We also count the congregation as we take the collection. Congregation numbers are recorded in the attendance book. We ensure that the offertory procession takes place in the correct order, manner and time.
If there is a retiring collection, one of the welcomers will hold the collection basket as people leave.
If there is a retiring collection, one of the welcomers will hold the collection basket as people leave.
At the end of Mass we open all interior and exterior doors, collect and stack hymn books, tidy the Narthex, and return those items that are kept in the Sacristy. Finally we turn off lights and heating and close all doors.
You can help by becoming a 'Welcomer'. Contact Fr Barnabas
