The celebration of Mass is the action of Christ and the People of God - ministers and assembly.  Within the one body of Christ are many gifts and responsibilities.  But just as each organ and limb is necessary for the sound functioning of the body, so every member of the liturgical assembly gathered by Christ has a part to play in the action of the whole...The participation of all is demanded by the nature of the liturgy and, for the faithful, is their right and duty by reason of their Baptism.
-Pastoral Introduction to the Order of Mass, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, #4.

The Liturgical Ministries

There are many opportunities for involvement in the celebration of the liturgy.  The primary ministry of all who are gathered together is that of member of the assembly.  This is the essential responsibility of all - to be an active member of the congregation, to participate in the responses, singing, listening, silence, posture, and gesture to which all are called.  We do this for the sake of the Body of Christ, as we are gathered together in prayer by Christ, who is the Head of the Body.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) tells us the general rules (or "rubrics") for the celebration of the Eucharist.  It says this about the Duties of the People of God:  "[The assembly] form one body, whether by hearing the word of God, or by joining in the prayers and the singing, or above all by the common offering of Sacrifice, and by a common partaking at the Lord's table." (GIRM #96)

Therefore, our participation is more than the singing and responding that we do in common as members of the assembly.  Our participation is a taking part in the Sacrifice of Christ as it is happening on the altar at the celebration.  For this sacrifice is a remembrance of what Christ has done for us, and at the same time it is our way of taking part in Christ's gift of himself for our sins, by in turn giving ourselves back to God and to each other.  This has a great effect on the rest of our lives outside of the liturgy during the rest of the week.  We live differently because of God's great gift of love. This is the essence of participation in the celebration of the liturgy.

After this primary participation, some are called to take part in special ministries. These ministries are to be of service to the community that has gathered together.  They are each a particular ministry or function within the celebration, and new members of each ministry are always welcome.

Lector
Description:
Proclaims the scripture and leads the General Intercessions at Sunday liturgies.
Desired Skills:
A deep love of scripture and the ability to proclaim it in a way that enables the assembly to hear and appreciate the readings.
Commitment:
Proclaim at various Masses once every 4 to 5 weeks.  Schedules vary by Mass time.

Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist
Description:
Assists with distributing Communion under both species at Sunday liturgies.
Desired Skills:
A Catholic with a deep love of the Eucharist and a desire to serve.
Commitment:
Serves at one or two liturgies a month.

Altar Servers (9:00 a.m. Liturgy only)
Description:
Assists the presider during liturgical celebrations.
Desired Skills:
Girls and boys, grades 5 through 8 with the desire to serve.
Commitment:
Serves at one or two liturgies a month. Must attend training as required.

Acolytes (11:30 a.m. Liturgy only)
Description:
Assists the presider during liturgical celebrations.
Desired Skills:
Adult women and men and mature high school students who are willing to serve.
Commitment:
Serves at one or two liturgies a month. Must attend training as required.

Ushers/Ministers of Hospitality
Description:
Welcomes people to the liturgy, distributes song sheets, assists with taking up the collection(s), ushers at Communion time, distributes Parish bulletins as people leave the Church.
Desired Skills:
Friendly, helpful men and women and high school students who are willing to serve.
Commitment:
Serve according to schedules for each Mass time.

Environment and Art Minister
Description:
Assists with the planning and implementation of plans for a prayerful worship environment during the various seasons of the liturgical year.
Desired Skills:
Artists and those with an artistic eye; artisans and craftspeople; people who are willing to help with caring for plants and flowers, especially during major liturgical seasons.

Greeter (9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday liturgies only)
Description:
Welcomes the assembly at the beginning of the liturgy and makes the Parish announcements.
Desired Skills:
Warm, friendly people who can convey a sense of welcome and can read the announcements clearly and in a way that integrates the announcements into the liturgical celebration.

Member of a Liturgy Preparation Team (LPT)
Description:
Works with others to prepare the liturgical celebrations for Sunday Masses.
Desired Skills:
Interest and willingness to serve. Should worship regularly at the liturgy for which this team prepares.
Commitment:
Meets once each quarter for each liturgy.

Member of the Worship Committee
Description:
Considers liturgical and musical initiatives for the Parish, addresses worship issues and concerns, provides overall guidance to the liturgy preparation teams for the major liturgical seasons.
Desired Skills:
Experience and knowledge about liturgy; preferably, experience on liturgy preparation teams in this (or another) parish.
Commitment:
3-year term. Meetings once a month.

For more information about these or any other liturgical ministries, please contact Bruce Croteau, Pastoral Associate for Liturgy