LITURGICAL MINISTRIES
There are many opportunities to get involved with liturgical ministries. Below are descriptions of the ministries.
ALTAR SERVERS
Altar Servers assist the priest during Liturgical celebrations. Having the ability to serve at the Altar of God is an honor. A reverent demeanor and a conscientious commitment to serving assignments are essential attributes of a server. This ministry is for boys and girls from 5th grade through high school.
CANTORS
Cantors are those who help lead the assembly in proclaiming God’s Word and praising God in song. This ministry requires competence with reading music, clear enunciation, and singing on pitch. This ministry is for grades 7th and up. Cantors are scheduled on an average of once a month.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
After prayer and discernment, some may be called to be Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. EMHC are lay men and women who are trained and commissioned by the Bishop to assist the Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (priests and deacons) in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ during Holy Communion. Many individual's first response when asked to be an Extraordinary Minister is "Oh no, not me, I could never". Yet, God may be calling some to help with the distribution of Holy Communion. This ministry is not for everyone, but it certainly is a great privilege as the EMHC handles the very Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The challenge for these lay ministers is to become truly extraordinary in their role, modeling to their brothers and sisters in Christ the great love we should all have for the Eucharist. Therefore, it would seem reasonable for our EMHC to spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, especially in our First Friday Adoration opportunities. This ministry is for Confirmed Catholics, who are at least 16 years old and in good standing with the Church. EMHC are scheduled on an average of once a month. Training sessions are required for EMHC and "refresher" session are highly encouraged.
GREETERS/USHERS
The ministry of Hospitality is a vital part of our church ministry. Ushers represent the church in a very visible way, and help set the tone in preparation for the worship service, as well as assist with the smooth operation within the service. Ushers greet people as they arrive for Mass, assist them in finding seating etc. They also pass the baskets for the collection during Mass, and assist with the procession for the reception of Holy Communion.
PRAYER ANNOUNCERS
Prayer announcer reads the announcements and the intercessory prayers at Mass.
READERS
The Readers, serve our faith community by reading the Word of the Lord. Readers need an enthusiasm for the Word of the Lord, willingness to be an instrument of God, and dedication to reading the Word of the Lord in a clear, meaningful and spiritual way. This ministry is for Confirmed Catholics, who are at least 16 years old and in good standing with the Church.
SACRISTANS
Sacristans serve the assembly by preparing the physical elements needed for the Mass. They prepare the Sacred Vessels for the Eucharistic Liturgy, put out appropriate quantities for bread and wine, assist the celebrant and other ministers in vesting, and ensure that the books are properly placed. After Mass, they clean and put away all the sacred vessels and objects used during the celebration. The role of Sacristans is crucial to our liturgies. Sacristans prepare the church for Mass including set-up of the sacred vessels and linens that are used during Mass, turning on lights and microphones, setting up the Eucharistic bread and wine, and checking ministry assignments. It is a way of increasing one's knowledge, love and devotion of the Mass and to make sure that all weekend Masses lift the hearts and minds of the people of God.
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