Ministries
Lectors
The Lector is entrusted with the important task of proclaiming the Word of God during liturgical celebrations. This role holds great significance as it enables the Lector to share the sacred scriptures with the congregation, facilitating their understanding of the teachings and messages conveyed within the passages. The Lector’s duties extend beyond simply reading the written words; they are responsible for speaking clearly, and delivering the message with reverence and conviction.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
In every celebration of the Eucharist, there should be a sufficient number of ministers of Holy Communion so that it may be distributed in a reverent and orderly manner. Bishops, priests and deacons distribute Holy Communion in virtue of their office as ordinary ministers of the Body and Blood of the Lord. The priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose.
Homebound Communion
Want to bring Jesus to our homebound? Training provided, Friday morning visits and eternal blessings!
Greeters
A Greeter is a liturgical ministry of hospitality to welcome all who come to pray with us at Mass. A Greeter is the first face one encounters upon approaching the doors to the Church. The job of Greeter is very simple, but important. Our Greeters help to bring a warm and welcoming environment to our parish. Greeters should arrive about 20 minutes before Mass is to begin, then position yourselves at one of the doors to welcome parishioners and guests. The ministry of Greeter perpetuates the essence of Jesus’ own ministry and mission. He welcomed the least and the littlest; extended love, patience, tolerance and acceptance to all.
Greeters are needed for each weekend Mass: Saturday Vigil, Sunday Mass or a Holy Day of Obligation.
Altar Servers
Altar servers play a crucial role in the sacred rituals of the Catholic Church, assisting priests during Mass and other religious services. They perform a variety of duties that help ensure the smooth running of the religious service and create a reverent atmosphere in the church. One of the most important responsibilities of altar servers is to assist the priest during the celebration of the Eucharist. This includes carrying the processional cross, holding the book for the priest, and preparing the altar for the liturgy. By performing these tasks, altar servers help to enhance the beauty and solemnity of the Mass. Additionally, altar servers are responsible for lighting candles, ringing bells, and performing other symbolic actions that have deep spiritual significance. Through their service, altar servers help to facilitate the worship of the faith community and make the liturgical experience more meaningful for all those in attendance. We welcome youth in Grade 4 and older to become an Altar server.
Ushers
The ministry of ushers is the oldest lay ministry in the Catholic Church. The ushers of today have descended from a long line of people of God who have gone before them. During the time of Christ, the doorkeepers of the temple numbered in the hundreds and were the forerunners of today’s ushers. The more immediate predecessor of today’s usher can be found in the clerical order of porter, whose duty it was to guard the door of the church against intruders. The porter duties were so important that they came to be included in the rite of ordination, where they were specified as “to ring the bells, open the church and sacristy, and open the book for the preacher.”
In 1972 Pope Paul VI abolished the order of porter and this important task was given over to the laity. While today’s ushers don’t ring the bells or open the book, their primary duties and responsibilities include:
- Greeting parishioners and visitors as they enter the church
- Taking up the collection
- Providing assistance in Emergencies
- Assisting with special duties during special celebrations and activities by helping the pastor as requested
A person’s willingness to serve God in the capacity as an usher reflects their commitment to Christ. They must be mindful that they are there to assist those who are preparing to worship God by creating a quiet and reverent atmosphere within the church. The usher has the opportunity and the responsibility to represent the rest of the assembly in offering hospitality. People’s impression of a parish is significantly shaped by the presence or absence of a welcoming atmosphere where they come to worship. Offering a smile and a word of welcome can have a profound impact on people as they arrive. Ushers provide assistance in emergencies. They ensure that the Church is in order before, during and after the celebration of Mass.
Music
The Music Ministry is open to all parishioners. It is composed of parishioners who have the desire to sing and worship the Lord. If you play a musical instrument and would like to use your talent for the Lord, we have a place for you. If you are interested in joining the Music Ministry in voice, contact us.
