Liturgical Ministries

Sacristans care for sacred vessels and linens and prepare the sacred space for liturgical celebrations

"The altar server occupies a privileged place in the liturgical celebration. He who serves at Mass, presents himself to a community. He experiences firsthand that Jesus Christ is present and active in every liturgical act. 

... in the liturgy, [they] are much more than simple "helpers of the parish priest." Above all, [they] are servers of Jesus Christ, of the eternal High Priest."

Pope Saint John Paul II, General Audience 2001

Altar servers assist the priest in various liturgical celebrations, especially the Mass. Volunteers may start as early as 4th grade and serve until high school.

"The reader (lector) is appointed for a function proper to him, that of reading the word of God in the liturgical assembly. Accordingly, he is to proclaim the readings from sacred Scripture, except for the gospel in the Mass and other sacred celebrations; he is to recite the psalm between the readings when there is no psalmist; he is to present the intentions for the general intercessions in the absence of a deacon or cantor ... That he may more fittingly and perfectly fulfill these functions, he is to meditate assiduously on sacred Scripture."  

Pope Paul VI, Ministeria Quaedam

Lectors proclaim the lessons from Sacred Scripture in the Liturgy of the Word. They are trained and commissioned by the pastor for ministry. 

"The EMHC may administer Communion only when the Priest and Deacon are lacking, when the Priest is prevented by weakness or advanced age or some other genuine reason, or when the number of faithful coming to Communion is so great that the very celebration of Mass would be unduly prolonged."

Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacrament, Redemptionis Sacramentum 158

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) are trained and commissioned to assist the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion.

" Sacred Music , being a complementary part of the solemn liturgy, participates in the general scope of the liturgy, which is the glory of God and the sanctification and edification of the faithful. It contributes to the decorum and the splendor of the ecclesiastical ceremonies, and since its principal office is to clothe with suitable melody the liturgical text proposed for the understanding of the faithful, its proper aim is to add greater efficacy to the text, in order that through it the faithful may be the more easily moved to devotion and better disposed for the reception of the fruits of grace belonging to the celebration of the most holy mysteries."

Pope Saint Pius X, Tra Le Sollecitudini

• Cantors lead the assembly in song within the liturgy
• Instrumentalists enhance liturgical experience through musical accompaniment

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it"

Hebrews 13:2

Greeters and ushers provide the gift of hospitality and helps those who enter the church experience the welcoming warmth of Christ .

"The adornment and decor of a church should be such as to make the church a visible sign of love and reverence toward God"

Ceremonial of Bishops # 38

Volunteers who decorate our church and sacred space to reflect the current  liturgical season, feast or solemnity.

Volunteer ministers who bring Holy Communion to parishioners who are homebound, in nursing homes or hospitals.