It is most seemly in the eyes of the whole world that the stranger should be received with honour; that the charm of hospitality should not fail at our table; that we should meet a guest with ready and free service, and look out for his arrival.

Saint Ambrose of Milan

Stewards and welcomers greet people at the doors of the church and make sure that parishioners and visitors alike feel welcomed to God’s house. Stewards help with queries and keep an eye out to make sure everyone is safe. They help out at the offertory procession, communion and whenever the congregation needs to move.

Our church buildings on earth are a symbol and a foretaste of God’s house in heaven where we will be welcomed for all eternity. In this way, the welcome stewards and welcomers give to parishioners and guests is a reflection of the welcome we will receive in heaven.

And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:10

Environment ministers make sure that God’s house is kept clean and tidy and that the environment is warm and welcoming. They help set up and tidy up after big celebrations. Their work is more than merely cleaning our churches. Environment ministers care for the dignity and beauty of God’s house on earth. Additionally, their care for hygiene means that people can enter and use our churches safely and with confidence.

And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?

Matthew 6:28-29

Flower arrangers ensure the sanctuary and other places are suitably adorned with flower arrangements that enhance the beauty of the church. At the important liturgical feasts such as Christmas and Easter, the flower arrangers’ displays enhance people’s celebration of the feast.

In the first year of his reign, King Cyrus issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices are offered and burnt offerings are brought; its height shall be sixty cubits and its width sixty cubits.

Ezra 6:3

The work of maintaining the churches and parish properties is never ending. The maintenance team checks fire alarms and smoke detectors and ensure the properties conform to health and safety standards. They also replace broken lights and perform other minor repairs that need to be done, generally keeping an eye out for whatever’s broken and in need of repair.

For the churches to open safely, several health and safety checks must be made, some annually, some monthly. Maintenance and health & safety ministers make sure the parish’s buildings are safe and conform to all the necessary standards.

The team also looks after the car park, gardens and other outdoor spaces of the parish, making sure that from the street the churches are tidy and well presented. This team does various activities such as gardening and litter picking.

Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

Proverbs 17:16

The church piety stalls sell Christian cards, gifts, rosaries, statues, bibles and books. The people who minister at the stalls are responsible for checking and ordering stock. And helping parishioners find what they are looking for. The piety stall also stocks booklets from the CTS explaining the essentials of the Catholic faith.