Liturgical Ministries
Exploring worship
Worship is at the center of our faith. We gather to affirm our Christian identity and to celebrate God's presence and action in our lives. Our liturgy is the work of the people, and the goal of all liturgical ministries is to help parishioners to participate in the liturgy.
Ministries:
Why join a Liturgical Ministry?
We are all called to participate fully in our worship services, but some poeple are called to participate in a particular way. Liturgical ministers ahve specific functions that help to enhance our celebration. Our Director of Liturgical Ministries works with the Pastor to plan vibrant, faith-filled liturgies and coordinates the various liturgical ministries.
Altar Servers
Altar Servers serve during the weekend liturgies, and sometimes may be asked to serve at funerals and weddings. Those in grades 3 and older, as well as adults, are welcome to participate in this ministry. Committments include occasional training meetings.
Altar Servers serve during the weekend liturgies, and sometimes may be asked to serve at funerals and weddings. Those in grades 3 and older, as well as adults, are welcome to participate in this ministry. Committments include occasional training meetings.Art and Environment
The Art and Environment ministry creates and decorates our worship environment. They are alos responsible for the upkeep of our church and making the place where our liturgies are celebrated as beautiful as possible. These volunteers arrange flowers, keep the linens cleaned, and help to clean the Church. Commitments are: one Friday a month and decorating the church and chapel for Christmas, Easter, and other special occassions.
Audio/Visual
The A/V ministry enriches our liturgy by projecting lyrics, prayers, and images on a screen and caring for our church sound systems. The A/V ministry may show videos at Mass. Experience with computers (or willingness to learn) is required, and any experience with audio and visual systems would be very helpful. Experience with PowerPoint a plus! Commitments include occassional training meetings, assisting at 1-2 Sunday Masses per month, and arriving 15 minutes prior to the start of Mass. Volunteers may also choose to help develop the slides displayed at Mass, instead of or in addition to helping run the shows at Mass.
Bell Choir
The hand bell choir provides music for our weekend liturgies. Adults and children are welcome. Some basic knowledge of music would be helpful, but anyone can learn the art of playing hand bells. Commitments include practices and weekly services.
Cantors and Musicians
Cantors and Musicians lead the congregation in song at our weekend liturgy, by playing instruments and singing with the people in songs and acclamations. The object of the ministry is to encourage all people to worship through song. Commitments include a weekly practice.
Creative Arts
If you are into drama, dance, or graphic arts, and you want to use your talents in service to the Church, then Creative Arts Ministry is the place for you. This ministry serves as an outlet for artists to channel their talent into glorifying God. We are looking for people who have creative ideas about helping people pray in different ways.
Lectors
Lectors are entrusted with the scared task of proclaiming the Word of God to our congregation during the Liturgy of the Word. A strong and clear voice, a willingness to learn and prayerful preparation are important parts of this ministry. Lectors proclaim the first and second readings, the Prayers of the Faithful, and any special announcments. Commitments include bi-monthly practices.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Communion assist in distributing the Body and Blood of Christ to the congregation at our liturgies. They are also entrusted with bringing the Blessed Sacrament to our parishioners who are unable to attend Mass. (See Visitation of the Sick below.) Commitments include occasional training meetings.
Visitation of the Sick
This is an additional ministry of Extraordinary Ministers of Communion (above). These ministers are entrusted with bringing the Blessed Sacrament to those who are ill and cannot attend our liturgies. They also minister to those in need, through prayer, conversation, and encouragement.
Sacristans
Sacristans are responsible for preparing the church for our liturgies by unlocking the doors, setting up the sacred vessles, lighting the candles and making any other needed preparations. Commitments include initial training, arriving early to Mass, and staying afterwards for a brief time.
Ushers
Ushers are responsible for: greeting all who come to our church at liturgies, assisting those in need to their seats, taking up our weekly collections, arranging for bringing fo the gifts to the altar, and ensuring that the environment during Mass is comfortable. Ushers also are responsible for helping people with special needs during Mass. Commitments include occasional training meetings.