When we gather as a faith community for the Church’s liturgy, all of those present are to offer their full, faithful, active and conscious participation. In addition, special roles are carried out within the celebration of the Mass. These include greeters, ushers, altar servers, lectors and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Each role is unique and furthers the ability of those assembled to enter fully into the celebration of the Mass. Serving in a liturgical ministry is an excellent opportunity to fulfill your baptismal call of service to God and neighbor within our faith community.
Greeters
Greeters are the first parishioners one meets when they arrive at the church for any liturgical celebration. Their warm, friendly smile and welcoming spirit can help parishioners prepare for Mass. Greeters may also assist with and double as ushers at any given Sunday Mass or special liturgy.
Ushers
Ushers assist at each Sunday Mass, Holy Day Mass, and other special liturgical occasions as needed. The ushering staff is made up of adult men and women who are capable of directing crowd flow and movement, take up the collection, and assist those with special needs. Ushers may double as Greeters.
Altar Servers
Altar Servers offer service to God and the community by assisting the priest during Mass. This ministry is open to all boys of the parish who have made their First Holy Communion and whose parents believe they are ready and responsible enough to be trained. Altar servers assist the priest at the altar for all weekend and Holy Day Masses. Training is provided.
Lectors
Lectors proclaim the Word of the Lord and the General Intercessions at all Masses. Lectors for weekend and Holy Day Masses consist mainly of adults; but high school students are invited to serve as Lectors. A Lector Handbook is provided to assist in their proclamation and pronunciation. Training in the specifics of the ministry is provided.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the priest with the distribution of the Eucharist during Mass. Those interested in serving in this ministry must be 18 years of age, have received the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church and, if married, must be recognized by the Church. Diocese and parish training is provided and required before beginning this ministry.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Homebound
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the homebound bring communion to those who are not able to be with us at Mass due to illness or other circumstances that make it difficult to be present.
Contact
To volunteer for parish liturgical roles, contact Lisa Keen at [email protected].