Glorifying God in the Liturgy

When the Church comes together in the liturgical assembly to celebrate the Mass, or any other sacrament, her members do not gather simply as a crowd of people. They gather in a variety of ministries and roles. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council tells us that participation in the liturgy is the right and duty of all the baptized.

The liturgy is about the action of God’s own people, each with different offices and roles, each office and role, from that of bishop and priest to that of usher and sacristan, one of service, not of privilege, a mirror of Christ who washed the feet of his disciples and instructed his followers to imitate his example of service.

Altar Server

Altar servers assist the priest and deacon in the celebration of the Mass. They are reverent and mature individuals who are eager to serve at weekend Masses, school Masses, and special liturgies throughout the year. Students in 5th grade and above are welcome in this ministry.

Art & Environment

This committee enhances liturgical celebrations with appropriate visual decorations in our church and gathering space. Committee members also care for, purchase, and maintain the plants and decorations used in the different liturgical seasons.

Church Cleaners

Church Cleaners are responsible for housekeeping to keep our church looking beautiful, inviting, and clean. This ministry is responsible for dusting, sweeping, and straightening up in the sanctuary and Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Ministers are scheduled on a rotating quarterly basis.

Church Linens

This ministry is responsible for washing, ironing, and folding the various linens used at Mass. Ministers are scheduled on a rotating quarterly basis.

Eucharistic Adoration

Our Lord is exposed in the Blessed Sacrament for adoration on the first Friday of every month and on Tuesday evenings after daily Mass. Volunteers are committed to regularly spending time with Our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration during these two times, but any parishioner is welcome to Eucharistic Adoration.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Commmunion

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) are trained and formed lay ministers who assist the priest or deacon in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. EMHCs must be spiritually mature and devout Catholics who attend Mass regularly. These ministers may also volunteer to distribute Holy Communion to our parishioners in the hospital, nursing home, or those who are homebound.

Lector

Lectors are trained and formed liturgical ministers who proclaim God’s word. They must be devoted to ample preparation; should have a pleasant, clear, and reverent speaking voice; and should proclaim the reading with an understanding of God’s word.

Master of Ceremony

A Master of Ceremony (MC) is responsible for directing all liturgical movement so it flows smoothly and with proper decorum. When no altar servers are present, the MC will serve as an adult server.

Minister of Hospitality

Ushers and greeters are both ministers of hospitality but with different roles.

• Ushers are responsible for taking up the collection at weekend Masses.
  They also are available to stay briefly after Mass to tidy up the pews or church before
  the next Mass.
  
• Greeters are entrusted with promoting an atmosphere of welcome to
  guests and parishioners before and after Mass. Greeters distribute worship aids at all the doors before Mass using gifts of hospitality. After Mass, greeters distribute bulletins by all the doors. This ministry is open to all parishioners who possess gifts of hospitality, and families are especially encouraged to serve in this ministry.

Sacristan

Sacristans are responsible adults who prepare the sacred vessels, candles, ritual books, and sanctuary for the celebration of Mass. After Mass, sacristans clean the sacred vessels (with the help of EMHCs) and put everything away that was used at Mass.

Music Ministry

As St. Augustine says, “Singing is for the one who loves.” Music is therefore a sign of God’s love for us and of our love for him. By its very nature song has both an individual and a communal dimension. Thus, it is no wonder that singing together in church expresses so well the sacramental presence of God to his people (Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, no. 2).

Music has a very integral part in the liturgy. As ministers of music, whether it be sung or instrumental music, we should be vessels of prayer who provide support to the congregation and enhance the inherent beauty of the Mass without distracting from it.

CANTOR

The cantor is the leader of congregational singing. Considering their very specific role in the liturgy, cantors need a pleasant singing voice, ample time to practice and prepare in the weeks ahead, confidence in singing in front of large groups of people, and reverence in leading the participation of the assembly in sung prayer. The ability to read music is ideal, but not a requirement.

ADULT CHOIR

Choir members are individuals who are committed to regular rehearsals and who enrich the liturgy while allowing the whole body of the faithful to contribute in active participation. Choir members need a pleasant singing voice and should devote ample time to learning the music if they can’t read music.  

CHILDREN’S CHOIR

The Children’s Choir is open to all children in grades 1-8 who have enthusiasm for using their voice to glorify God in the Mass. Children must be able to act reverently during Mass and attend all rehearsals.  The ability to read music is not a requirement, but students should be dedicated to listening to the provided recordings when learning the music in between rehearsals.

RESURRECTION CHOIR

Resurrection choir members are ministers of music at the Masses of Christian Burial celebrated in our church. Choir members rehearse in advance, and they enrich the funeral liturgy through their gift of song.

INSTRUMENTALISTS

The primary role of the keyboardist, other instrumentalists, or instrumental ensembles is to support the choir, cantor, and congregational singing. When appropriate, instrumentalists may play prelude before Mass, a selection during Mass, or postlude after Mass. The ability to read music is a requirement.

Planning a Funeral

The highest honor we can give to a deceased member of our faith community is a proper funeral Mass of Christian Burial. At the funeral Mass, the Church gathers with the family and friends of the deceased to give praise and thanks to God for Christ’s victory over sin and death, to commend the deceased to God’s tender mercy and compassion, and to seek strength in the proclamation of the Paschal Mystery. The funeral Mass, therefore, is not only an expression of grief, but also an act of worship.

To access the funeral planning packet, visit our resources page here.