Liturgical Ministry

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

The liturgies of the Church are the shared responsibility of all the baptized. The primary minister is the assembled community itself. From this group are chosen presiders, lectors, musicians, acolytes, sacristans, ministers of hospitality, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

Volunteer for Liturgical Ministry

Your service enables us to celebrate Mass together! Thank you for your service. Liturgical ministry scheduling is managed using Ministry Scheduler Pro, an online volunteer database and scheduling system. Through your Ministry Scheduler Pro profile, you are able to indicate your service and ministry preferences, update your availability, receive reminders of when you are scheduled, and request swaps if your availability changes.

New volunteers: Please set up an account with Ministry Scheduler Pro. (Please do not create a new account if you are a returning volunteer. If you are not sure, contact Matthew Hall [mh968].)

New Volunteers:
Set up your MSP profile

Returning volunteers: Please update your Ministry Scheduler Pro profile.

Returning Volunteers:
Update your MSP profile

Contact Matthew Hall (mh968) for help with creating, accessing, or updating your Ministry Scheduler Pro profile.

Lector

Lectors proclaim the Word of God in the sacred assembly, making God’s presence known. Lectors must be baptized. They are scheduled to read approximately every three weeks during the semester and as available on Holy Days and during academic breaks. Responsibilities include prayerful preparation and study of Scripture and diligent practice for the accurate and reverent proclamation of assigned readings. Ongoing participation in training once a semester is required, regardless of previous experience. For each training, you will be prepare a reading and must be open to receive constructive criticism.       

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are fully initiated Catholics—have received Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion—who assist the clergy in reverently distributing the Eucharist during Mass and occasionally at other times. Responsibilities include a commitment to prayer and regular participation in the sacramental life of the Church. Ongoing training and a diocesan commission are required for all Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, regardless of previous training or service in this ministry in other parishes or dioceses.

Acolyte/Sacristan

Acolytes serve at the chair and the altar by holding the missal and by assisting the deacons and priests at the preparation of the gifts and at the conclusion of the communion rite for the purification of the sacred vessels. They may also carry the cross in procession (as the "crucifer," or cross bearer) or assist the deacons and priests with the censer (thurible) and incense boat (as the "thurifer," or thurible bearer).

Sacristans set up Sage Chapel during the 30 minutes prior to Mass and clean up and store liturgical items for about 15 minutes after Mass. They must be attentive to detail, reliable, and generally able to serve on a biweekly basis. Sacristans are also called upon to assist at special Masses and Holy Days, especially during Holy Week.

For regular Sunday Masses, the roles of acolyte and sacristan are often fulfilled by one person. For special Masses when there is more to do, the roles may be separated and fulfilled by distinct ministers.

Ushers

Ushers are also known as greeters. Their responsibilities include welcoming parishioners, distributing hymnals, counting out the hosts at the Preparation of the Gifts, assisting with the collection, and directing the Communion procession—as well as taking a leadership role in the event of an emergency. Hospitality Ministers should be friendly, outgoing, quick thinking, and unafraid to act on their own initiative.