Cathie James
Master of CeremoniesI have been a Chiswick resident for more than 35 years and a regular worshipper at St Michael’s for nearly 25 of those. One of the things that first attracted me was St Michael’s high Anglo Catholic style of worship. I found its intricate liturgies, involving all my senses, intertwined with glorious music, helped me to engage with the wonder and mystery of my Christian faith.
It is perhaps not surprising that my main ministry in the church has been as an altar server, whose aim is to achieve a seamless flow of the liturgy that complements the actions of the Mass. It requires unobtrusive teamwork and disciplined choreography and is something for which Father Kevin says we are ‘rightly renowned’.
In 2007 I was appointed ‘Master of Ceremonies’ or ‘MC’ as it is abbreviated. It is my job to organise, lead, train and co-ordinate a team of around 30 adult and young servers (bigger than St Paul’s Cathedral, I’m told!) for the weekly Sunday Masses, plus Feasts and major Festivals, baptisms, weddings and funerals. In planning liturgies with the vicar, I liaise with many others including the Sacristan, Director of Music, Churchwardens, Sidespersons, Children’s Church and parish managers, over matters both major and minor – the description’ factotum’ comes often to mind! It is challenging, because there’s so much ‘behind the scenes’ preparation, but it’s also immensely rewarding and an extraordinary privilege to lead such a dedicated team and to be involved at the heart of the Mass.
My serving interests have taken me beyond St Michael’s. I also oversee the serving needs of our sister church, St Peter’s and I am Chairman of the London Chapter of Company of Servers – a national organisation that seeks to offer an understanding of the interpretation of worship and liturgy.
I also enjoy my involvement in the ‘hands on’ pleasures of flower arranging and brass cleaning plus the more cerebral activity of writing for the St Michael’s magazine and other publications. Before my retirement, I worked as a medical practitioner initially in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and then in medico-legal medicine. I am also interested in local history and since 2010 have been a volunteer guide for the Chiswick House and Gardens Trust.