Ministries

Liturgical Ministries

Liturgy is the central act of the people of God, the life of the faith community, our purpose for being. Liturgical ministries, services to the people, are specifically formed to provide for our celebrations. Those who are involved in these services are servants of God who serve the assembled community. Each ministry requires training, preparation, installation, and updating. Sharing in a ministry or organization might be one way of giving your time and talent. For further information about these opportunities, contact the parish Director of Liturgy and Music.

Environment & Art

This group of volunteers plans and prepares worship space-the church and gathering space, by decorating for the seasons and feasts.

Spiritual Life and Worship Committee

This is the central liturgical umbrella organization. It is responsible for the planning and coordination of all facets of Liturgy.

Servers

Youth

Boys and girls, 5th grade and above, who participate in this ministry assist at weekend, Holy Day and other liturgies.

Will you be unavailable this summer?

I begin working on the server schedule the 5th of the month for the following two months (e.g.,8/5/08 - September and October schedules). If you will be unavailable to serve in the upcoming months, please complete the Altar Server Unavailability Form and return it to Theresa Breunig.

Adults

Men and women who participate in this ministry assist at the altar for funerals, vespers and other special liturgies.

Hospitality Ministers

The women and men who greet the people as they enter the Church building are the hospitality ministers. They are there to welcome and assist the people in orderly movement before, during, and after the Liturgies. They can also be of great assistance in giving directions to the other facilities of the parish complex and in emergency situations. Feel free to approach any of them to assist you in any way.

Lectors

Proclamation of the Word of God is the role of this ministry. The lector is the medium through which God’s word is communicated to the people. He or she is required to combine faith and skill when proclaiming the scriptures. The lector is present at weekend, Holy day and other special liturgical celebrations.

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion

In order to facilitate the distribution of the Eucharist during our Liturgies, parishioners share the Body and Blood of the Lord with other members of the community of St. Mary’s. This service by members of the St. Mary Parish family brings home the words of St. Paul: “You are the Body of Christ”.

Music Ministers

Music is an integral part of the Liturgy of the Church. The choirs, cantors, and instrumentalists of the parish perform the function of leading the musical participation, empowering the assembly, and providing a necessary solemnity to our parish worship.

• The Harmony Choir
• The Children's Choir
• The Acclaim Choir
• The Resurrection Choir (funeral choir)

Please see our Music Ministry page for more information on each of these groups.

Instrumentalists and Accompanists

Parishioners with vocal and instrumental talent participate at masses and baptisms to share their talents with our community and add something special to the services.

Cantors

The cantors, servants of the assembly, are trained leaders of song who, along with the instrumentalist and choir, assist the assembly in their sung prayer.

Funeral Hosts

The volunteers to this ministry are present at the visitation and funeral to welcome family and friends. They set-up for the visitation and funeral mass in church. The funeral host represents the Parish to the family and to the funeral home personnel. The host is present to provide hospitality and create a feeling of welcome for grieving families.

Wedding Hosts

Wedding hosts are volunteers who are present at the wedding rehearsal and on the wedding day. They are a welcoming resource for brides, grooms, and their family and friends to help the rehearsal and wedding day go smoothly.

Assisting Sacristans

Volunteers to this ministry make sure all is ready in the worship space for the assembly to celebrate Liturgy. This involves interacting with the presider and other liturgical ministers by preparing books, gifts, holy water, incense, etc. Sacristans are the behind-the-scenes planners and caretakers that make sure the Liturgy runs smoothly.

Church Cleaning

A group of volunteers dusts, polishes, vacuums, and straightens up the church and gathering space weekly.