Carolyn, a former teacher, management consultant, actor and producer, and now a playwright running her own theatre company, started volunteering as a reader in 2009. 

The people here are so supportive and kind, and it’s so fulfilling to be part of a living community as well as being in a historical gem.

Carolyn – volunteer reader

Carolyn, a former teacher, management consultant, actor and producer, and now a playwright running her own theatre company, started volunteering as a reader in 2009.  ‘It’s such a privilege to read the Bible to others, it’s a chance to get the beautiful words across and I’d love to feel that if I can read well, people will be able to really listen and get an insight and maybe some comfort and encouragement.’ 

Readers are called on once or twice in a three-month period; they’re given a lot of notice and can always swap with someone if they need to. 

‘The people here are so supportive and kind, and it’s so fulfilling to be part of a living community as well as being in a historical gem. My faith is important to me and to be able to be part of Christ Church is such a privilege. I’d definitely recommend people to volunteer!’

Carolyn, a volunteer reader at the Cathedral


Becoming a reader at Christ Church

Reader

Supervision: Volunteer and Visitor Coordinator, Precentor

Time commitment: As scheduled by VVC on a quarterly basis.

Purpose and function: To read the lessons at the Sunday Eucharist or Holy Communion services, and other services as required.

Role profile and duties:

  • Enthusiastic about the Cathedral and its mission, and potentially a member of the Cathedral congregation
  • A positive, friendly, helpful attitude
  • To be literate in English and able to read the lessons appropriately
  • Willing to undertake training
  • Able to operate as part of a team and to follow instructions
  • To find a replacement Reader should you not be able to fulfil your duty, and inform the Volunteer and Visitor Coordinator of any changes (the Volunteer and Visitor Coordinator will endeavour to find a replacement for you if you are not able to)

General volunteer requirements:

  • Read and follow the Christ Church Cathedral Volunteer Safeguarding Guide
  • Complete Church of England Safeguarding Training – Basic Awareness, and Foundation modules
  • Read and sign the Volunteer Agreement
  • Complete induction training which will include Health & Safety, Fire, Security, as appropriate for the role
  • Depending on additional advice received from the UK government or Church of England, you may be required to attend additional training sessions
  • Attend Volunteer Days and training sessions as appropriate for the role


Volunteer benefits

  • Become part of a friendly, supportive and welcoming community of volunteers
  • Invitations to monthly coffee mornings with quizzes and talks; annual Garden Party and Epiphany Party (including a guest); visits to places of interest
  • Priority booking to services such as Nine Lessons & Carols
  • Free entry to the Christ Church site at any time (when open) with family or friends
  • 10% discount in the Christ Church shop.

Other volunteer roles

Find out more about all the volunteer roles available at the Cathedral.