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.
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, 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!’
Becoming a reader at Christ Church
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.