Liturgical Ministry

Schedule for September - November 2010

Schedule for June - August 2010

Pictures

In 1 Corinthians 12 we are told that "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone." Through baptism each of us is called to serve God and the community in some way. Young people are especially encouraged to participate in parish liturgical life as lectors, ushers, greeters, communion ministers and lectors. Are you gifted in music? Are you an eloquent and commanding speaker? Is hospitality or organization or cleaning your gift? Liturgical ministry offers many opportunities to use your talent or skill to benefit the community in a small but very important way. Browse through our list of liturgical ministries and find out where you can best share your skills.

Training for liturgical ministries is offered periodically and as needed. If you would like more information or would like to volunteer to be a part of any ministry, please contact Shirley Curatolo, Coordinator of Liturgy at 247-3535 x204.

Altar Linens and Server Albs:

Altar Linens and Server Albs are maintained by our parishioners. Some take turns laundering and pressing of altar linens for weekly mass. Others launder and repair the albs worn by our altar servers.

Sacristans:

Sacristans are those very organized people who turn on the lights and sound system and get the linens and communion vessels ready before each mass. They also oversee the arrival of the communion ministers, lectors and servers, ensuring that all is in place before the liturgy begins.

Communion Ministers and Ministers to the Homebound:

Communion Ministers and Ministers to the Homebound bring communion from the parish Eucharist to the members of the community. Some do this ministry during the weekend liturgy on a rotating schedule; others carry the bread of life to those unable to leave their homes or residing in hospitals and nursing facilities. Hospital and Homebound ministers also occasionally bring outreach gifts and cards from the community.

Lectors:

Lectors proclaim the first and second readings. We look for people who love the scriptures and are animated and articulate speakers. Regular bible study is recommended.

Altar Servers:

Altar servers can be youth or adults. Young people who have received their First Communion may be trained to serve during the weekend liturgies. Though youth may begin training earlier, they must be at least in 5th grade to serve at liturgy. Special permission may be granted to select 4th grade students.

Youth may also serve weddings and sometimes funerals.

Adults are needed to serve funeral or weekend liturgies on an as needed basis.

Ushers and Greeters:

Greeters welcome everyone, especially those who are strangers as they enter the church. At special times of year greeters may also hand out programs, palms or candles.

Ushers maintain order and safety in the building. They help to seat people, keep entrances clear (especially in bad weather), take up the collection and hand out bulletins after mass. Ushers assist in processions and are instructed how to handle medical emergencies.

Funeral Greeters:

Funeral greeters serve to welcome mourners to our church and hand out funeral books as people enter. They serve as needed by way of a phone tree.

Liturgical Environment Committee:

The Liturgical Environment Committee serves two distinct purposes; first, to increase knowledge of the liturgy and church teaching related to worship AND to plan for the liturgical seasons in our parish church. The Liturgical Environment Committee meets about five times a year to plan liturgical seasons and discuss liturgical practices for Holy Ghost. Additional dates for decorating and un-decorating are scheduled as needed.

The Liturgical Environment Committee also sponsors the annual Fall Ministry Breakfast for the enrichment and appreciation of all parish musicians and liturgical ministers.