Volunteering
Join an amazing team of volunteers who support the Cathedral
Play your part in the life of Bristol Cathedral by becoming a volunteer. There’s a wide range of roles, from serving and flower arranging to homeless outreach and stewarding.
Volunteers play a vital role in every part of life at Bristol Cathedral
From Welcomers and Guides to Servers and Gardeners. Some people have been volunteering with us for more than thirty years, while others join us for shorter projects.
We have currently paused general volunteer recruitment to focus on supporting our existing teams.
We will, however, continue to invite members of our cathedral congregations to serve in worship-related roles such as Readers and Servers.
We plan to reopen general volunteer recruitment later in the spring.
If you are interested in a particular area in the meantime, please contact Canon Neil Patterson at [email protected]
Volunteering roles
Welcomer
Welcomers are often the first point of contact between the Cathedral and visitors. They are responsible for providing a warm greeting, as well as supplying information and day-to-day service schedules to guests.
Guide
Guides share the Cathedral history with visitors. Specialist training is provided, and, on completion, Guides join the rota.
Behind the Scenes Roles
- Gardener – Gardeners keep our award-winning garden in shape.
- Sewing Team – The Sewing Team look after the choir robes and vestments for the Clergy, Servers, and Vergers. Knowledge of dressmaking and embroidery is helpful.
- Bell Ringer – The Bell Ringers ring for all major services and events.
- Holy Duster – The Dusters help the Vergers to manage the complex task of keeping the Cathedral well presented for major festivals and other events.
- Flower Arranger – Flower Arrangers bring beauty to the Cathedral every Friday by changing the flowers, and on special occasions when required.
- Counter – Counters play an integral part in the finances of the Cathedral by coming in on a Monday morning to count and document collections, donations and shop sales from the last week.
Working with Children
Education Volunteer – The education team support our school visits, helping with tours, workshops, and education days.
Bristol Cathedral Kids – BriCKs, Bristol Cathedral Kids, is our Sunday morning offer for children. Volunteers provide activities for children of all ages during the service, with the aim of getting primary aged children involved in the eucharist in an entertaining way.
Volunteering at Services
These roles are filled by volunteers drawn from the regular congregation.
Steward – The Stewards assist in the smooth running of services and events. They offer a warm welcome to the Cathedral and give assistance by directing the congregation to their seats and providing them with the necessary books and service sheets. They also act as fire wardens.
Server – Servers assist the Clergy and Vergers in the smooth running of services at the Cathedral. Responsibilities can include carrying processional candles, incense, and other items that may be needed during service.
We also have a rota of volunteer Readers and Intercessors who read from the Bible and lead prayers during our Sunday morning service.
Community and Outreach
Social Justice Group – The Cathedral Social Justice Group is a practical action ‘learning and doing group’. Often with a guest speaker, the group discusses areas of improvement, from homelessness in Bristol, refugees, LGBTQ+ rights, the environment, and the legacy of slavery in the city.
Homeless Outreach – The Homeless Outreach team offer conversation, a hot drink and signposts to agencies, to the homeless community sleeping on our doorstep. They go out in pairs five days a week. Anyone is welcome to join the volunteer team, regardless of faith.
