Ministers of Communion (Eucharistic Ministers)

The ordinary minister of the Eucharist is the priest who presides at the celebration. When there is a large community, extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist may assist in the distribution of Communion at Mass and take the Eucharist to the sick or dying (can. 230.3).

The Blessings of Being a Eucharistic Minister

It is a privilege to be called to serve as a Eucharistic Minister. We humbly assist in the celebration of the Eucharist to nourish the bodies and spirits of the people of God. As Ministers of the Eucharist, our lives are both being and giving the Body of Christ. Our reverence and care for the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist is empty unless it carries over into our reverence and care for all God's people.

Our Commitment

Understanding liturgy and participating fully, consciously, and actively enables the Eucharistic ministers to embody the transformative, healing, and nurturing presence of God to all we serve.

Support

Workshops are offered in the fall and are mandatory. As well, pertinent information will be included on the schedules from time to time.

Proclaimers of the Word (Lectors/Readers) 

Proclaimers have the task of making God present to the community in the Liturgy of the Word. A prayerful and powerful proclamation can move the entire community.

bible-pageThe Blessings of Being a Proclaimer

Our knowledge, faith, and commitment determine our effectiveness as proclaimers of the Word. We must possess a love for the Word of God, for we proclaim God's living Word, not just words on a page. Proclaimers need to be committed to preparing and properly delivering the Word of God.

Support

Workshops are offered in the fall and are mandatory. As well, pertinent information will be included on the schedules from time to time. Workbook for Lectors and Gospel Readers is an excellent resource and is available for purchase at the beginning of the liturgical year.

Ushers

The ushers' ministry, in a variety of ways, provides for the comfort of all and enables an orderly celebration of our parish liturgies.

The Blessings of Being an Usher

Ushers are people who enjoy people. We have warm, friendly, and inviting personalities with a strong commitment and an ability to maintain order.

Our Commitment

Ushers, working under the leadership of the head usher, assist with seating, select a family to bring up the gifts, hand out bulletins to people as they leave after mass, and are always ready to deal with unexpected situations which may arise. Some ushers assist with the collection. 

Support

Workshops must be attended in the fall, and head ushers offer guidance at all masses.

Greeters

The ministry of hospitality has its origins in the ancient biblical ethic of 'welcoming the stranger'. Greeters act as a host in the person of Christ, inviting the people of God to share in the Eucharist or other liturgy. Newcomers, visitors, and parishioners are welcomed and made to feel at home.

The Blessings of Being a Hospitality Minister

Ministers of Hospitality are persons of faith who see Jesus present and alive in the gathering community. Greeters are not afraid to step forward, shake hands, and welcome all with a 'Good afternoon' or 'Good Morning'. The attitude of hospitality exudes from the minister and creates a welcoming presence of joy and gratitude that rubs off on all who enter into the celebration.

Support

Workshops are offered in the fall.

Altar Servers

Altar servers originated in the 9th century as young boys took on the role of ordained acolytes. Today, altar servers, both boys and girls, assist the priest in a number of ways including holding the sacramentary for the priest, bringing the sacred vessels to the altar at the presentation of the gifts, and presenting the wine and water to the presider. Altar servers must be at least eight years of age and have celebrated first Communion.

The Blessings of Being an Altar Server

We are called to be mature, reverent, joyful, and committed. An understanding and awareness of the Mass is essential.

Our Commitment

This ministry is not focussed on the servers but rather on celebrating the Mass in a humble and reverent manner.

Support

Workshops are offered and training is provided. Other pertinent information will be placed on the schedules.

Children's Liturgy of the Word

Children's Liturgy of the Word is exactly what the name implies: the Liturgy of the Word (the part of the Mass following the introductory rites) adapted to children. It is not catechism class or Sunday school and, while some crafts or colouring pictures may be used to help the children understand the Scripture, it is not primarily a time for crafts.

The Blessings of Being Involved in Children's Liturgy of the Word

childrens-ministryThose involved in Children's Liturgy enjoy working with children, enjoy working in a group, and have a desire to pass on Christ's teachings to the children. There is a willingness to learn more about our faith and a desire to deepen our faith together.

Support

A resource book is available, and the parish team is here to answer questions and offer assistance. Training can be provided.

Liturgical Art and Environment Ministry

The Liturgical Environment Ministry creates an aesthetic simplicity and beautifies the worship space inspiring the community into praise and worship. The guiding liturgical principle is to focus our attention on celebrating the Eucharist and everything that leads up to and flows from it.

The Blessings of a Liturgical Environment Ministry

An understanding of liturgical art and environment and a willingness to be open and flexible to the creative juices is essential. Our ideas, designs, plans, and creativity all flow together as we work on various liturgical celebrations to enhance and inspire a deeper participation in the Liturgy. Creativity and an eye for beauty are essential.

Our Commitment

As a member of this committee, there are three different areas that are available for your involvement:

  1. Decorating for specific liturgical celebrations or seasons (e.g., Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, ordinary time). This requires both men and women as well as youth (15+ years of age). 
  2. Splitting palms for Palm Sunday. 
  3. Preparation of decorations for the various liturgical seasons. Creativity and the ability to sew are assets.

Support

Guidance and support are always available. Supplies are provided. Workshops are available.