Liturgical Ministries

Lectors

The ministry of lector is one of the most visible roles of service at liturgy. As a proclaimer of the Word, the lector helps facilitate the public prayer of the Church in the Liturgy of the Word. Lectors must have an open heart and be willing to “struggle with God’s Word.” Prayerful proclamation of Scripture makes the presence of God alive in our midst, stirs hearts, challenges, comforts and moves the community to work for the Kingdom of God. Those who serve as lectors agree to make the Word of God an integral part of their lives through regular study and prayer of Scripture.

Lectors are fully initiated (confirmed) practicing Catholics whose lives witness to the Word which they proclaim; with a love for the Scriptures and a love for those who will be listening to that Word. Those engaged in this liturgical role need to be well prepared for this role and know how to carry it out with reverence, dignity and understanding. Training is required for this ministry and a workbook is provided to help in preparation of the readings. You will be scheduled according to your availability. All parishioners meeting these requirements are invited to be a part of this ministry.

Altar Servers

Historically men and boys have substituted as servers at worship when an instituted acolyte was not present.

The discipline of the Church, in view of the 1992 authoritative interpretation of Canon 2302 permits the diocesan bishop to entrust the functions of the instituted acolyte to females as well as to males. (Altar Servers Norms for the Diocese of Kalamazoo)

All parishioners are invited to be part of this ministry. Boys and girls fourth grade and up and men and women are also encouraged to be part of this ministry. Altar Servers help set up for mass and assist the priest during our liturgical celebrations. A training and formation period must be completed.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Priests and deacons are Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Lay persons serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) when there are not sufficient priests and deacons. All EMHCs should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their demeanor, their attire, and the manner in which they handle the consecrated bread or wine. EMHCs serve our Church family by assisting the priests and deacons in sharing the most Precious Body and Blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

EMHCs are fully initiated (confirmed) practicing Catholics whose lives witness to their love for Jesus. We are always in need of more EMHCs at all weekend Masses. Special training is required to serve in this ministry and yearly refresher training is required. If you are available to serve at least once a month, please prayerfully reflect on, not only the blessings it will have for you, but the fact that you are serving your brothers and sisters in Christ. You will be scheduled according to your availability.

Sacristan

Sacristans serve the assembly by preparing all the physical elements needed for the Mass. They prepare the vessels for the Eucharistic Liturgy, put out appropriate quantities of bread and wine, assist the Presider and other ministers in vesting, ensure that the books are properly placed, and ensure that there are enough Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, and Altar Servers for the Mass. Sacristans will be trained in this ministry as well as Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Sacristans are required to be at Mass a half hour before Mass starts to allow sufficient time to set everything up for the Mass.