The priests of our parish are called to ensure parishioners are receiving Christ’s presence in the Word of God and the Holy Eucharist. They make Christ present. However, parishioners play their part to ensure the sacred space is beautiful and aid the faithful in maintaining the glory and beauty of sacred worship. How will you contribute?
When the whole Israelite community left Moses’ presence, 21 all, as their hearts moved them and their spirit prompted, brought a contribution to the Lord for the work of the tent of meeting, for all its services, and for the sacred vestments. 22 Both the men and the women, all as their heart prompted them, brought brooches, earrings, rings, necklaces, and various other gold articles. Everyone who could presented an offering of gold to the Lord. 23 Everyone who happened to have violet, purple, or scarlet yarn, fine linen or goat hair, rams’ skins dyed red or tahash skins, brought them. 24 Whoever could make a contribution of silver or bronze offered it to the Lord; and everyone who happened to have acacia wood for any part of the work, brought it. 25 All the women who were expert spinners brought hand-spun violet, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen thread. 26 All the women, as their hearts and skills moved them, spun goat hair. 27 The tribal leaders brought onyx stones and other gems for mounting on the ephod and on the breastpiece; 28 as well as spices, and oil for the light, anointing oil, and fragrant incense. 29 Every Israelite man and woman brought to the Lord such voluntary offerings as they thought best, for the various kinds of work which the Lord, through Moses, had commanded to be done.
Exodus 35 (NABRE)Readers & Commentators
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Ushers
Sacristans
Liturgical Environment
Sacred Music
The Reader proclaims the Scripture readings to the congregation with the intent of bringing the Word of God to life. Certain innate abilities are necessary, including: an adequate vocal instrument, poise, self-confidence, maturity and sensitivity to the diversity in the gathered assembly. The commentator gives voice to the Prayer of the Faithful.
Ministers are needed on weekends and Holy Days to help distribute Holy Communion at Mass. Special training is required through the parish. Qualifications to be an extraordinary minister are having been confirmed in the Catholic Church, a practicing Catholic, and if married, the marriage has been blessed within the Catholic Church.
Ushers welcome people arriving for Mass and distribute the worship aids. They take the count of how many are attending Mass and take the collection. After Mass, they straighten up the pews and check that the church is in order for the next Mass. Ushers also assist with any emergencies that may occur.
The sacristan sees to the preparation and set-up of all liturgical items needed for Mass and to their proper care after the Mass. The sacristan also sees to it that the servers and all other ministers have arrived and are ready for the celebration of the Mass.
Sanctuary Cleaning and Watering Plants: Volunteers help with dusting in the sanctuary and around the baptism font, along with cleaning and refilling the holy water fonts. Volunteers are welcome to be scheduled to water the green plants in the church and the vestibule.
- Altar Linens: Volunteers wash and iron the altar linens used at each Mass. They do so for a month at a time. For more information or to be scheduled, contact Nora Statsick at statsick@charter.net.
Link to sacred music page
Contact Liturgical Ministries
To volunteer to serve in a liturgical ministry, please contact Fern Reilly at liturgy@divinemercymadison.org.