A Week in the Life ... Sacristans

My catholic faith is a big thing for me, and having been a Sacristan since Third Form, I have been able to delve deeper into my faith by partaking in the Eucharist and services such as Evensong. Next year will be my last year at Lancing, and as a Sacristan, and I will miss my role in Chapel incredibly, as not only is it a great avenue for me to deepen my faith but allows me to make connections and friendships across different year groups.

Having been the only female Sacristan for a short while, I was able to stand out and show other girls within the College that the Sacristan role is just as much fun as it is a great responsibility. My biggest achievement within my time as a Sacristan has been participating in the role of Subdeacon – the role alongside Father Justin and Father John – which at first was difficult to grasp completely as it’s very different to Acolyte, the

I am in Fourth Form and have been a Sacristan for the past two years. Because of my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, I became a Sacristan. Despite finishing my Bronze Award, I have opted to continue serving as a Sacristan since it is a closeknit community and I like serving.

Apart from the main Whole School Eucharist on Wednesdays, most of us serve at Evensong on Friday afternoons or Eucharist on Saturday mornings. Evensong is a brief service held whilst the sun is going down, taking place in the Quire in the Chapel that lasts around 30–40 minutes and features the choir skilfully singing a variety of tunes. This service is typically quieter, since more ‘beginner’ role, but I got to grips with it very quickly and I am yet to find another role which I enjoy even more. The Sacristan role is not the only role available within the Chapel, as you can be part of the Choir, or give readings during weekly services or bigger events such as the Carol Service.

There are many opportunities to get involved in something whether that is within the Chapel or outside of it and many activities link to each other.

I am an NCO in the CCF, and during Remembrance Sunday the Chapel committee, CCF and Scouts work in close liaison, allowing very different groups to participate in an event together. I enjoy being able to minister the Eucharist on some weeks as it still allows me to be active in Chapel if I am not doing a Sacristan role that week. Alongside these activities, I enjoy Medics’ Society and Dance through the many people choose to unwind at the end of the week and attend Eucharist on Saturday morning. People frequently carry a cross or candles, and readers are occasionally needed for the readings throughout the service. I like Evensong as it is an opportunity for individuals to reflect whilst listening to sung pieces and prayers.

Most Sacristans attend the Eucharist on Saturday mornings. We assign roles in the morning based on the responsibilities for Wednesday Eucharist so that we may practise in a comparable service without the full school observing. After the service we all gather in the sacristy with pastries and wonderfully week – opportunities that Lancing has provided me with that have opened my view and experiences. Being a Sacristan is open to anyone and everyone, and I hope many others after me can enjoy it in the same way I have, and find comfort in those doing it with them. made drinks from the Verger while we chat about everyone’s week and plans for the weekend. I think it is a fantastic way to close off the week.