Every Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes is a celebration of our faith — and behind every celebration is a team of dedicated people who give their time to make it possible. Serving at Mass is one of the most direct and meaningful ways to live out your faith, placing yourself at the heart of our worship and in the service of your fellow parishioners.
If you feel called to serve at Mass, we would love to welcome you. Full training and support is provided for every role.
Ministers of the Word
The Ministry of the Word is a privilege and a responsibility. Our readers proclaim the scriptures at Mass — bringing the Word of God to life for the whole congregation. This is not simply a matter of reading aloud; it is an act of ministry, done with care, preparation and prayerful intention.
You do not need to be a confident public speaker to begin — just a willingness to serve and a commitment to prepare. Training is provided.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Our Eucharistic Ministers assist with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass, ensuring that every parishioner is able to receive the body and blood of Christ. Some of our ministers also carry this ministry beyond the church, bringing Holy Communion to parishioners who are housebound or unwell — a deeply moving and personal act of service.
This is a ministry that requires formal authorisation from the Diocese, and full training and support is provided.
Altar Servers
Altar Servers assist the priest at every Mass — a role open to any young person who has made their First Holy Communion. Serving at the altar is a wonderful way for children and young people to deepen their faith, develop a sense of responsibility and become an active part of our parish community.
Application forms are available from the parish office. Contact us to find out more.
Ushers
Our ushers are the first friendly face parishioners and visitors see when they arrive at Mass. A warm greeting, a helping hand with a missalette, newsletter and songbook, and guidance to a seat — it sounds simple, but it makes an enormous difference to how welcome people feel, especially those who are new to the parish.
We are currently building a rota of ushers for all Masses. If this is something you could offer at the Mass you already attend, we would love to hear from you.
Music Ministry
Music is at the heart of our worship at Our Lady of Lourdes, lifting the congregation in prayer and praise. If you have a musical talent — whether as a singer or an instrumentalist — we would love to hear from you. There are opportunities to contribute to the Music Ministry across our Sunday Masses.
Get involved
To find out more about any of these roles, please speak to a member of the parish team after Mass or contact the parish office at acton@rcdow.org.uk or call 020 8992 2014.
“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” — Psalm 96:1