BECOME A PART OF THE LITURGY MINISTRY TEAM If you are interested in any of the following positions, please contact the parish office at 269-945-4246.. You will be directed to the correct person to schedule training.

Sacristan

Sacristans are responsible for the preparation of the Mass, ensuring that the altar, sacred vessels, and gifts of bread and wine are ready before Mass. Work is done quietly behind the scenes and enables the Eucharistic celebration to run smoothly. A Sacristan must be a practicing Catholic of faith and prayer, have a love and understanding of the Eucharistic Celebration, and reflects servant leadership. Also, a knowledge and dedication to the liturgy and knowledge of the liturgical calendar are important. A sacristan must have a willingness to commit to at least one weekend per month for Mass and during special liturgical seasons. Anyone of any age or gender may inquire about becoming a Sacristan or Sacristan Assistant. Once trained as a Sacristan, one will be scheduled on a rotating basis to serve at the Mass that one has indicated.

Lectors

Lectors of the Word proclaim God's Word to those gathered in celebration. Individuals who have a love of scripture and possess strong public reading skills are encouraged to join this ministry. When one prays, prepares and proclaims the Word of God well, one not only enhances the beauty of the Liturgy but one becomes the instrument through whom God speaks to all members of the assembly. A Lector must be a practicing Catholic of faith and prayer who has basic communication abilities including a voice that is clear, understandable, and audible. Once trained as a Lector, one will be scheduled on a rotating basis to serve at the Mass that one has indicated.

Extraordinary Ministers

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are commissioned to assist the priest in the distribution of the Eucharist at Mass, to the home bound and at the nursing home. An Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist must be a fully initiated Catholic, have a love of Christ and the Eucharist, and a desire to serve the parish at Mass.

Altar Servers

Youth and young adults who have made their First Communion are encouraged to participate as an altar server. Altar Servers assist the celebrant and the entire worshiping community during the celebration of the liturgy of the Mass, during special liturgies, and during the celebration of sacraments. Servers carry the cross, the processional candles, hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest 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. Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and to carry them out well. Their formation and training will include instruction on the Mass, its parts and their meaning, the various objects used in the liturgy (their names and use), and the various functions of the server during the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Once trained as an Altar Server, one will be scheduled on a rotating basis to serve at the Mass that one has indicated.

Ushers and Greeters

Ushers and greeters are ministers of hospitality and play a key role in the living Body of Christ as one of the first contacts believers have with the assembly when they arrive for Mass. How ushers and greeters greet and welcome both newcomers and longtime parishioners makes a world of difference in how people prepare for the liturgy. Ushers help to seat parish members, take up the collection, help with the communion procession flow, pass out the bulletins, ready the church for the next Mass, and handle emergencies. An usher or greeter must be a practicing Catholic of faith and prayer, have an enthusiasm for welcoming and greeting all people and who has the gifts of hospitality and service. Once trained as an Usher or greeter, one will be scheduled on a rotating basis to serve at the Mass that one has indicated.

Decorating the Church

The purpose of this committee is to prepare the worship environment for the special liturgical seasons; such as Christmas, Advent, Easter and Lent.

Membership is open to any individual who is willing to help with preparations and clean-up.

Activities can include:  Place greenery and plants inside the church; place greenery and plants outside the church; assist in setting up the Christmas trees, manger and altar plants; hang wreath and roping, and tie bows,