Liturgical Ministries
Liturgical ministers share with the presider the responsibility for the quality of the liturgical celebration. As such they need to be well prepared, to be familiar with the responsibilities of their roles, and to be present to minister in their assigned rotation. Ministers should be fully initiated Catholics who are engaged in living their faith. To become involved in one of these areas of ministry, contact the parish office.
Ministry of Altar Server
The altar server’s role is to assist the priest or deacon by preparing the altar and the sacred vessels before and during Mass. As well as assisting with Sunday and daily Mass, altar servers are trained to help with benediction, weddings, funerals and other liturgical celebrations. Boys and girls in grades 5-8 are invited to participate in this important liturgical ministry.
Altar Society
The Altar Society keeps the church and side rooms in good order; they dust the furniture and statues, tidy-up the pews, wipe down the sacristy counters, clean and fill the Holy Water fonts, and water the plants. They also wash and iron the towels and linens used at the altar.
Children's Liturgy Of The Word
The Children’s Liturgy of the Word provides children in 1st through 4th grades with an opportunity to hear and reflect on the Sunday scripture readings at their level of understanding. After the Opening Prayer at the 9:00 AM mass, children are invited to process to another room in the church. They return to sit with their families during the Preparation of the Gifts. Parishioners are trained and are scheduled to lead this portion of the liturgy by proclaiming the Gospel and facilitating the children’s response. Choir volunteers are song leaders who join each week. Youth volunteers also participate by proclaiming the Scripture readings.
Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers are fully initiated Catholics who are commissioned to serve the Body and Blood of Christ to the assembly at the Mass they attend. They have the gift of hospitality, a way of meeting and connecting with the people with whom they share the Body and Blood of Christ. They revere Christ’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament and in the people. They possess a deep love for this sacrament; indeed, this ministry is referred to as an “important office of immense love”. Many also serve at daily Mass and as Eucharistic Ministers to the sick.
Ministry of Lector
Lectors are responsible for proclaiming the Scripture readings in such a way that they elicit in the hearts of their listeners a love for the Word of God. Lectors need clear and resonant voices, good diction, a willingness to prepare for their reading, and a commitment to learn more about the Scriptures.
Musicians
Parishioners with musical talents are welcomed to join our choir and team of musicians who lead the congregation in sung prayer. Choir members, cantors, and instrumentalists are welcomed.
Sacristans
Sacristans set out items needed for Mass, such as prayer books, wine, bread, linens and vessels. They supervise the servers in the preparation and clean-up of the sacristy and sanctuary. They care for the vestments, including server robes, candles, Holy Oils, incense, and other items used in worship celebrations.
Seasonal Decorations
The Church Decorations Team plans for the major seasons and liturgical events of the parish. This team studies the instructions in the Church documents related to decorations, and the function of art, fabric, plants and flowers within the church and the liturgy. They also assist with the implementation of the decorations in collaboration the Altar Society.
Ushers
Ushers minister to the Sunday assembly by helping people to their seats and assuring that the church is in prayerful order before and after each Mass. They collect the offering and stand ready for emergencies. Ushers also select parishioners to present the gifts for the church and the bread and wine for the Eucharist.