Liturgical Ministries

CALLED TO SERVE

As you know, a  minister is one who serves. Someone who serves helps other people. As ministers of the God’s Church, those called help the flow of the Liturgy and, in doing so, help the people of the Parish to pray better and assist the Celebrant and the other ministers of the Community. Those called to service follow in the footsteps of Jesus and his disciples. Jesus said, “I have come not to be served, but to serve.” A minister tries to live this out in his or her life.

We are not called to minister only in Church. It is a full time responsibility.  In other words, the way we live our lives is an essential part of the call to ministry.  When people see the way I conduct myself, they should be able to see or notice something special. Without me saying it, they should see that I am a disciple of Jesus; that I pray; that I am respectful of all people; that I am helpful; etc. And when the minister is not serving in an official capacity at the Liturgy, she or he should always be at Mass, praying in a respectful way and giving witness by participating in the responses, hymns, etc. We invite you to look below to see where and how the Lord and your Faith Community might be calling you. For information about any of the ministries, please call the parish office at 627-2710.

ALTAR SERVERS

Youth Altar Servers: The Ministry of Youth Altar Server involves the younger members of our Faith Community. It is a meaningful way for our youth to put into action their baptismal call to service. Altar Servers assist the celebrant at Mass and help to make the Liturgy flowing reverently and smoothly. They also give a powerful witness to members of our Faith Community. The ministry of Altar Server is open to boys and girls who regularly participate in the Sunday Liturgy, who have already received First Eucharist, and who have completed 3rd grade. Those who wish to serve will be invited to a training workshop. Parents/Guardians should inform their children of this opportunity to serve and support them in this ministry.

Acolytes (Adult Altar Servers): The Ministry of Acolyte (Adult Altar Server) is for adults who are able to assist with our funerals which normally take place during the week. Those who wish to participate in this ministry will be invited to a training/orientation session. Acolytes are assigned on a rotational/availability basis through the parish office.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

While all the ministries in the Faith Community are important and have their own special dignity, because of the centrality of the Holy Eucharistic in our life, the Eucharistic Ministry has a special place. The Eucharistic Minister is one who assists the celebrant and the community by administering the Body and Blood of the Lord during the Liturgy and/or to those members of the Faith Community who are unable to be present in the church due to age or illness. Answering the call to serve as a Eucharistic Minister is a reflection of the faith commitment that one has made to God and the Faith Community. Those who regularly participate in the Liturgy and who are living in the spirit of our baptismal calling and the Gospel can and should consider this ministry. Training sessions are provided for those who wish to serve in this ministry.

 

LECTORS

The Lector is a minster of the Word of God. The Minister of God’s Word is more than just a person who reads from the Bible. The Lector, through his or her preparation, allows God’s Word  to speak to them and enter their heart. She or he then proclaims and shares that Word with the Faith Community during the Liturgy. Training sessions are offered for those wishing to serve.

 

MUSIC MINISTERS

The Music Ministers of St. Francis of Assisi Parish serve by leading and encouraging the participation of all members of the Faith Community to worship through the gift of music. Vocalists and musicians are always welcome. Though trained musicians and vocalists are not a must, some natural music ability is needed. Most important is the music minister’s love of worship through music and a desire to work together expressing our faith in “one voice.” At the present time, our Contemporary Group sings at the Sunday, 10:00 AM Mass and our Traditional or Organ Choir sings at the Sunday 11:30 AM Mass. We are always seeking new members. Rehearsals are essential and are normally held on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in the basement of the parish office building for the Contemporary Group and on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM in the church for the Traditional or Organ Choir. Other rehearsals are scheduled as needed. We are also at this time looking at the possibility of having cantors (leaders of song) for the Saturday 4:00 PM and Sunday 8:00 AM Masses.

 

USHERS AND GREETERS

We, as members of the Christian community, are called to be a welcoming, hospitable and caring community. While all members and liturgical ministries need to be engaged in welcoming the gathering community, the special Ministry of Usher and Greeter is established with the primary responsibility to make people feel welcome, comfortable and to enhance each persons sense of belonging to the Faith Community. They greet each member of the congregation with a handshake and a friendly greeting. Greeters extend this welcome to those who are present for the first-time and to those are long-time members of the community. They help seat the people, assist in the collection of the gifts, arrange which family or group will bring the gifts to the altar, pass out the bulletins at the end of Mass, and help with other necessities. This ministry is open to both men and women.

 

DECORATORS

The Decorating Ministry, under the direction of the Liturgy Committee, is structured to enhance the beauty of the worship space with noble simplicity to accompany genuine art. This Ministry is strongly committed to heighten the awareness of liturgical seasons throughout the year by providing an atmosphere which does not detract from the purpose of our gatherings or the beauty of the church building. Decorating ministers are involved in the preparation of many Liturgical Celebrations, some on a larger scale and others on a smaller scale. Based on need, the number of people required for each celebration may vary. The seasons of Christmas and Easter demand a larger number of hours and, therefore, require more decorating ministers. As a member of this Ministry, you not only become aware of personal talents which can be used to glorify God, but are offered the opportunity to work closely with others and become enriched by a sense of community in volunteering.