Altar Servers

Altar Servers actively participate in the Mass by helping during the liturgy. They are responsible for assisting the priests and Eucharistic ministers when they are at the altar.   Pope John Paul II proclaimed: “Commitment to the altar is not only a duty but a great honor, a true holy service.”

Our youngest altar servers are in the 5th grade, but we also have quite a few who are adults! Daily Mass is another area of opportunity. We do a group training once a year and offer special trainings as needed.  Time commitment varies and is linked to Mass.
 

Eucharistic Ministers

This special ministry gives you the opportunity to share the Body and the Blood of Christ with your fellow parishioners. With prayerful reflection before the Mass, this special one-on-one ministry lets you greet each person and share the Body and Blood of Christ.   It is an exchange of faith.  This ministry is wonderful because God’s presence is truly alive! It also allows people to participate more fully in the Mass, and it does not involve extra time outside of Mass.

Anyone who is a confirmed Catholic may become a Eucharistic minister. It involves a one hour initial training session. Eucharistic Ministers are scheduled for approximately one weekend Mass each month. Schedules are done on a quarterly basis and we do our best to accommodate special requests. Time commitment: 1-2 hours per month, while at Mass
 

Lectors

Lectors are responsible for proclaiming the Word of God during liturgies. Lectors know that when they read from the lectionary (the book containing the Scriptures) they are reading God’s Word given to all faithful people. In preparing to read at Mass, lectors have taken the time to hear anew old words, to let the images of Scripture reflect and mingle with their lives. They know how to communicate their passion for God’s Word with the people in the assembly of the church.

Lectors minister the Word of God approximately once a month. There are training sessions to learn how to not just read, but to proclaim, the Scriptures, so that life may truly be given to God’s Word. After the training, there are 3 auditions, so that lectors may learn how to read well at mass. Feedback is given after each audition. After the auditions, the hopeful lector may then be invited to commit her- or himself to the ministry.   Commitment time varies and is linked to Mass.

 
Lay Presiders

In the absence of a priest there may still be a celebration of the Eucharist  led by lay persons. Faithful Catholic men and women may become  lay presiders. These services are composed of the Liturgy of the Word, during which time the lay presider leads the assembly in a reflection of the Scriptures. The Liturgy of the Eucharist is then celebrated with hosts consecrated at previous Masses.
The ministry of lay presider requires special training. You will learn to give Scripture reflections after the Gospel is proclaimed. You will also learn how to lead the celebration of Communion. Time commitment: Varies but usually at least once per month.

 
Master of Ceremonies

During our weekend Masses, the Master of Ceremonies (MC) plays a vital role in ensuring that everything runs smoothly. MCs serve closely with the priests and altar servers during Mass. If there are special rituals taking place, the MC helps in the celebration of the ceremony by assisting the priests and other ministers. Oftentimes, the priest will rely on the MC as the go-to person, and so, the MC is a person who is trustworthy, reliable, and of course, prayerful at Mass.  Both adult women and men may be trained to be MCs. In special circumstances, MCs may also serve at Masses when a bishop is present.  Time commitment:  2-3 hours per month and is linked to Mass.
 

Sacristan

If the Eucharistic Liturgy on weekends can be compared to a divine drama, then the “stage” must be set up with the necessary “props” to signify the Divine Action that is being performed with the People of God. That is the simple, yet rewarding, ministry of the Sacristan. Bread and wine for the Eucharistic Meal, bowls and cups to contain them; books marked for the proper readings and prayers – all must be readied. Lights, microphones, and the heating system must be adjusted. At the end of one Mass, the “stage” needs to be reset for the next Mass. Properly done, the sacristan is transparent to the Assembly. Yet the ministry demands knowledge of liturgy and dedication to arrive on time to do the duties of this ministry completely.  Duties include opening the Church and closing up afterwards.  Time commitment:  Approximately 2 hours 1 or 2 weekends per month and is linked to Mass.