Ministries

 

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

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Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) are properly formed, instructed and commissioned lay persons who assist the priest in administering the sacrament of Holy Communion, the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. These ministers have received spiritual, theological, and practical preparation in order to aid in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and to the sick and homebound when ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are unavailable. In order for a person to be appointed as an EMHC, the following conditions must be met:

• Be a Catholic living in harmony with the teachings of the Church and be properly disposed to receiving the Eucharist.

• Be of sufficient age and maturity to perform the duties of an EMHC at Mass or to the sick and homebound.

• Be chosen and appointed by the pastor.

• Follow the established guidelines by the diocesan bishop.

If you feel you are called to distribute Holy Communion, please contact the parish office.

 

Ushers

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A church usher ministers to people in a variety of practical ways. Duties include greeting people as they arrive for Mass, assisting people with special needs, aiding parishioners in finding a seat and collecting offerings. Ushers may be expected to :

• Open doors for parishioners.

• Assist individuals with special needs as appropriate to facilitate attending the Mass or parish functions.

• Distribute bulletins before and after Mass.

• Deliver and deposit collections at a designated financial institution following Mass.

• Maintain an orderly environment and flow of people during Mass and parish functions.

• Other duties as directed by parish administration.

 

Readers

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A reader is appointed to read the Word of God with clarity and conviction. Accordingly, he or she reads Sacred Scripture from the Lectionary (except the Gospel) during the Mass and other sacred celebrations. The reader may be called upon to recite the psalms between the readings in the absence of a choir or cantor. He or she may present the intentions for general intercessions in the absense of a deacon. Readers also make parish announcements as directed. Readers should:

• Be of sufficient age and maturity to perform the duties of a lector with appropriate reverence.

• Receive proper spiritual, theological and practical preparation.

• Observe proper decorum and attire when lecturing during Mass.

Please contact the parish office if you feel called to read the Word of God during Mass or other sacred celebrations.

 

Altar Servers

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The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest and deacon in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. Servers actively participate in the liturgy by carrying the cross, the processional candle(s), holding the Roman Missal for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, carrying the incense and thurible, presenting the bread, wine, and water to the priest or deacon during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary. Altar servers:

• May be male or female.

• Should be of sufficient age and maturity to perform the duties of a server with the appropriate reverence.

• Should have already received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion and should receive the Eucharist whenever they participate at Mass.

• Should have received proper guidance, preparation and instruction regarding the Mass, instruments used in the Liturgy, and the various liturgical celebrations.

• Observe proper decorum and attire when serving Mass.

If you feel called to serve at God's Altar, please contact Deacon Tully to arrange training.