St. Francis de Sales
and St. Mary Magdalene

This is a call for additional Stewards and Cleaners for St Francis de Sales and St Mary Magdalene Churches.

In accordance with current guidelines, we are now able to remove the restriction on those aged over 70 years and would therefore welcome adult volunteers of all ages, who feel confident that their own health would not be put at any increased risk, by signing up to do this. Protective gear will be provided for Stewards and Cleaners, to help them to stay safe and cleaning materials are also provided for those volunteering as Cleaners.

Stewards will be trained in what they need to do – ensuring that all those visiting the Church wear a face mask, sanitise their hands on entering and leaving the Churches and maintain social distancing at all times. If you volunteer as a Steward, you need to feel confident about approaching people to ensure that they follow the guidelines set in place by the Catholic Church and by the UK government.

Cleaners will be trained in what is needed for cleaning the Churches in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic. This involves a more thorough cleaning than the usual “Church cleaner” volunteers have done over the years (less polishing of pews and more sanitising any surface that someone may have touched!). But again, full training will be given. Cleaning materials which are suitable for effective sanitising of all surfaces will be provided – cleaners must not bring their own cleaning materials as they might very kindly have done in the past. The parish will provide products that are effective against Covid-19.

Training will be given. Because of the restriction on gatherings, this will be done online over Zoom.

To volunteer as a Steward or a Cleaner please complete this form. If you have already registered to volunteer, you do not need to do so again. The quicker we can recruit more volunteers, the quicker we shall be able to move towards having regular Masses in both Churches.

We need as many volunteers as possible – please therefore, consider prayerfully whether this is something you feel you can volunteer for, bearing in mind that you know your own health and situation and should not undertake anything that might put you at risk.