Liturgy is a Greek term literally meaning “the work of the people.” In the Catholic Church, worship is not something we attend; it is something we do. All members of our community are expected to participate weekly in Sunday Mass in “full, conscious, and active participation” [Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy, 1963]. Worshiping as part of the assembly is our primary liturgical ministry.
Other, more specific liturgical ministries are important in that they serve and support the work of the assembly, and we are always in need of men and women to serve in these ministries. Please consider one of the following worship ministries; if you think you might be called to any of these ministries, please call the Director of Worship.
Children and Youth may serve in many of the ministries listed below. If you have not yet been confirmed, however, please consult with our Director of Religious Education.
Collectors ~ Collect the gifts of the assembly each week.
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Talent:
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Ability to move and pass baskets throughout the church.
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Time:
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Part of the Mass of your choice each week (approximately 1 hour)
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Ecumenical Outreach ~ works to open and maintain the lines of communication between our Church and congregations of other faiths.
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Talent:
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Desire to learn more about other faiths, and interact with persons of various faith communities. This ministry might be especially attractive to married couples who are of different religions.
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Time:
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Meets for 2 hours each month.
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Environment & Art Ministry ~ creates an environment which calls the assembly to prayer and worship, from the gardens outside to the center of the church where our assembly gathers. All materials provided.
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Talent:
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Persons with experience in sewing and/or design as well as flower arranging and other arts are always needed. We'll be glad to train you.
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Time:
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As needed seasonally, some work done at home.
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Eucharistic Bread Bakers ~ bake Bread for Sunday Mass; recipe provided.
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Talent:
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Basic cooking/baking experience
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Time:
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Approximately 3 hours, 2-3 times per year as scheduled.
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Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion ~ share the Body and
Blood of Christ at scheduled liturgies.
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Talent:
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Comfort in interacting with others; respect for the Eucharist
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Time:
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Attend one hour seasonal formation sessions 4 times per year; serve at scheduled Sunday Masses (approximately 2 hours) every other week.
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Garden & Ground Beautification ~ maintains our outdoor gardens, and our indoor and outdoor plants.
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Talent:
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Persons with talent in gardening and/or plant care.
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Time:
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1-3 hours per week during the day (less in off season) at church. Some project work is available for those unable to make a long-term commitment.
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Greeters/Ushers ~ greet the assembly as they arrive and help them prepare for worship by giving them worship aids, helping them gather and find seating. They also facilitate the movement of the assembly in processions, and distribute bulletins at the end of the Mass. Finally, they prepare the worship space for the next gathering.
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Talent:
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Comfort in interacting with others; a basic knowledge of the liturgy, the building and parish activities.
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Time:
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Attend one hour seasonal formation sessions 4 times per year; serve at Mass of your choice each week (approximately 2 hours).
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Lay Presiders ~ lead the assembly in prayer at designated liturgies, and Sunday celebrations in the absence of a priest.
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Talent:
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Strong prayer life; comfort leading others in public prayer (in small and/or large groups); preparing and delivering reflections on scripture in public.
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Time:
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Preside at week night Vespers (approximately 20 minutes) as scheduled one night approximately every other week; prepare a reflection on the Sunday scriptures and – in the absence of a priest – preside at Sunday liturgy as scheduled (approximately once a month); attend one hour seasonal formation sessions 4 times each year; attend one hour meetings 4 times each year.
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Liturgy Coordinators ~ coordinate scheduled liturgies by opening the church, assuring that scheduled ministers arrive and receive any special instructions, arranging any special details, and securing the church after the liturgy.
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Talent:
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Attention to detail, comfort interacting with others and giving instructions.
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Time:
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Serve at liturgies (approximately 2 hours) as scheduled (4 weeks/month every other month). Attend 1 hour formation sessions 4 times per year.
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Liturgy of the Word with Children ~ brings the Word of God alive for small children in an age-appropriate environment. One leader and one helper are scheduled at each Sunday Mass. Background check required.
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Talent:
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Comfort and ability interacting with children
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Time:
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One hour each Sunday as scheduled.
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Music Ministers ~ support the singing and ritual of the assembly
on a variety of levels. The Music Ministry is an active and varied
program thoroughly integrated with the many aspects of our Church life.
Please consider one of the following music ministries; if you think you might be called to any of these ministries, please contact our Music Coordinator. Children and Youth may serve in many of the ministries listed below. If you have not yet been confirmed, however, please consult with our Director of Religious Education.
Opportunities for service include:
¨ Cantors ~ lead the community in song during liturgies.
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Talent:
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An ability to lead and support the assembly in song, as well as the ability to sing well and learn songs quickly.
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Time:
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Cantoring approximately two to three Masses each month and one hour of rehearsal per week (6:00 p.m. Thursdays).
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¨ Psalmists ~ proclaim the psalmody in song, & lead the assembly in
their response.
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Talent:
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A rich musical background and a good solo voice.
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Time:
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One hour of rehearsal per week, plus scheduled Masses.
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¨ Schola Cantorum ~ (School of Music) is a “mini choir” which supports the
assembly’s singing at the Mass of your choice.
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Talent:
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An enthusiasm for singing, the ability to blend one’s voice.
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Time:
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Rehearsal ½ hour before the Mass of your choice, plus sing at that Mass.
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¨ Seasonal Adult Choir ~ supports and enriches the assembly’s song
at parish liturgies.
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Talent:
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An enthusiasm for singing, the ability to blend one's voice
(this can be developed) and a consistent, dependable commitment to rehearsals and choir masses
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Time:
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Seasonal rehearsals (usually Thursday), sing at designated Masses.
Sign-ups are announced throughout the season, and will involve a four to six week rehearsal commitment per scheduled liturgy.
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¨ Adult Instrumentalists ~ enrich the liturgical music with instrumental
accompaniment and solos.
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Talent:
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Proficiency on your musical instrument; excellent music reading skills.
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Time:
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Play at scheduled Masses plus weekly rehearsals (1 hour)
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¨ Instrumental Ensemble ~ supports liturgical music in an ensemble setting.
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Talent:
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Skill on a particular instrument, ability to read music and ability to play with a group. Auditions are necessary to know placement.
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Time:
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Rehearsals as scheduled. Play at scheduled Masses (approximately 4 times a year, including Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday).
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Nursery ~ provides a safe, comfortable place for infants and children during liturgies and special events. Background check required.
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Talent:
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Comfort and skill in supervising small children.
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Time:
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Serve at Masses (approximately 2 hours) as scheduled (approximately once per month). You are always scheduled with at least one other minister. Attend one hour meeting twice per year. Three hour VIRTUS training session required.
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Offertory Money Counters ~ assist in the preparing of the weekly offerings for deposit in the bank.
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Talent:
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Detail oriented, ability to sort and count money. Must be at least 18.
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Time:
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Serve after last Mass on Sunday (approximately 1-2 hours)
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Proclaimers ~ bring the Word of God alive by proclaiming it clearly and reverently at liturgy.
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Talent:
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Comfort and ability to speak well in public, love of scripture.
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Time:
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Attend one hour seasonal formation sessions 4 times each year; prepare for (approximately 1 hour) and serve (approximately 1 hour) at Sunday Mass or other liturgies as scheduled (approximately once per month). Materials provided.
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Sacristans/Altar Society ~ organizes and maintains implements used at liturgy (liturgical books, cups, plates, thuribles, etc.) and keeps the sacristies and sanctuaries clean and organized. Maintains the linens (altar cloths, purificators, corporals) used at liturgies.
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Talent:
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Basic cleaning and laundering skills.
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Time:
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Approximately 1 hour per month as scheduled. Laundering done at your home.
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Table Ministers ~ (Altar Servers) assist the priest to lead the assembly in prayer. Open to Adults and children above 9 years old.
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Talent:
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Knowledge of the nature and structure of liturgy, graceful movement.
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Time:
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Attend monthly meetings and formation (1 hour); attend 4 Seasonal Formation Sessions (1 hour each).
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