Young people serve the community through assisting in the liturgical life of the parish during Masses. Serving will instill a sense of responsibility of young Catholics to the church and will also enhance their personal relationship with Jesus as they take part in the Mass in such an intimate way. This ministry is open to anyone who has received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Holy Communion and are able to carry out all of the duties required. You will be trained in the duties and responsibilities of the ministry and will be asked to arrive 15 minutes before Mass begins.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion have the special responsibility of assisting the priest and deacon in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass. Screening and training is required. Ministers must be approved by the pastor.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Homebound
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Homebound visit parishioners who cannot attend Mass, and give them the opportunity to receive the Eucharist as well as spend time in prayer. These ministers serve as a bridge between homebound parishioners and the rest of the parish community. Training, background screening and Safe Environment training is required. Ministers must be approved by the pastor.
Lectors
Lectors proclaim the living Word of God at Mass and lead the General Intercessions when the deacon is not present. A team of two ministers proclaim Holy Scripture at each Mass. Qualifications for a lector are a love of the Word of God, a pleasant speaking voice and reasonable comfort speaking before a crowd. Techniques can be learned, but a desire to proclaim the Word comes from within. Lectors carefully study and practice the assigned reading prior to serving. Training is required.
Sacristans
Sacristans prepare the sanctuary for the celebration of all three Masses on weekends and Holy Days of Obligation. They work quietly behind-the-scenes to ensure that liturgies run smoothly, preparing the sacred vessels, linens, and vestments needed for the liturgy, and cleaning and putting away all items afterwards. They also make sure all other liturgical worship ministries are covered by those scheduled, or find someone to cover the necessary ministries. Screening and training is required.
Hospitality Ministries - Ushers & Greeters
Ministers of Hospitality encompass both ushers and greeters. We encourage individuals as well as families to participate together in this ministry.
Ushers greet parishioners and open the doors for the weekend Masses. They also assist with seating, collecting the offertory, handing out bulletins and straightening up the pews after Mass.
Greeters make the first experience of our parish a positive one with a warm welcome, a friendly smile, an outstretched hand or a special word of encouragement for our youngest ministers in the making. Greeters invite everyone into our parish to share Christ’s love. This ministry is the link to what is happening in the parish community by being available before and after the Mass to answer questions and share current events.
For additional information or to become involved in a ministry, contact Paul Johansen at 850-581-2556 or [email protected].