Liturgical Ministries

ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH

Liturgical Ministries

Altar Care, Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers, Greeters, Lectors, Musicians

The call to serve.

In 2005 Bishop Sylvester Ryan said in his pastoral letter YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST, "The work of the baptized includes both the special ministries in the celebrations of Liturgy, but also to work for the transformation of the world in which they live and work. In fact, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors, Greeters, Altar Servers, Cantors and Choirs are a sign of the baptismal and confirmation vocation of all the baptized. These two sacraments define the people of God not only for their roles in the Liturgy but as people entrusted with the mission of the church as well.

GIRM 5[5]

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal tells us: In addition, the nature of the ministerial priesthood also puts into its proper light another reality, which must indeed be highly regarded, namely, the royal priesthood of the faithful, whose spiritual sacrifice is brought to completeness through the ministry of the Bishop and the Priests in union with the sacrifice of Christ, the one and only Mediator. For the celebration of the Eucharist is an action of the whole Church, and in it each one should carry out solely but completely that which pertains to him or her, in virtue of the rank of each within the People of God . . . Finally, it is a people made one by sharing in the Communion of Christ's Body and Blood. Though holy in its origin, this people nevertheless grows continually in holiness by its conscious, active and fruitful participation in the mystery of the Eucharist.

ALTAR SERVERS

The role of Altar Server is integral to the normal celebration of the Mass.  Altar Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and to carry them out well and with appropriate reverence. They should have already received Holy Communion for the first time and normally receive the Eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy.  Servers should receive proper formation before they begin to function. The formation should include instruction on the Mass and 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. Servers should also receive appropriate guidance on maintaining proper decorum and attire when serving Mass and other functions.  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.

In addition to liturgical service, altar serving is a wonderful way for our children to advance in spiritual life that is centered on the Eucharist and to grow in vocational awareness. Servers participate in the Sacred Liturgy with their own work that contributes to the Work of the Faithful and the prayer of the Church and thus their service help build up the Body of Christ. In this way, altar serving is a serious ministry that requires commitment, reliability, and a certain amount of dedicated time, so it is carried out worthily. Altar servers at St. Patrick's must be in at least        2nd grade, and have completed Sacramental Preparation Classes for First Confession and First Eucharist to be eligible.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST

"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day." (John 6:54)

Members in this ministry assist the Presider in distributing the Eucharist at all Masses. Some also minister to the sick and homebound. Through your humble service as a minister of communion God unites you to your fellow members of the Body of Christ and forms all of you into that Body. Your life as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion is one of both being and giving the Body of Christ. You will find great joy in the Lord who chooses to be present in you, in those you serve, and in the Eucharist that forms you into his Body.

GREETERS / HOSPITALITY

"Love your fellow Christians always, and always remember to show hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels." (Heb. 13:1-2)

St. Patrick's has a history of being a very warm and inviting community. Every person that comes to church has a common need of acceptance. No matter how great the music or how helpful the homily, what happens upon arrival and departure makes a lasting impression on all who enter the church. We are, therefore, open and welcoming to all people who come to our door. We also have a hospitality crew? that facilitates serving coffee and donuts in the Hall once a month after the Sunday morning masses and at receptions during special events. This ministry is another great way to share your gift of hospitality and service to one another.

LECTORS

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)

Lectors proclaim God?s word in readings at weekend and Holy Day Masses. There are two tables at Mass, the table of the word and the table of the Lord?s body and blood. Together they constitute a single place of worship before God. The Ministry of the lector calls a person to grow in a warm and loving knowledge of Scripture, the living Word of God. The art of oral interpretation provides us with an approach, setting before us the marriage between the reader and the text. To each and all, the Lord speaks a unique word, and the reader is God?s chosen instrument in that very moment of its communication: "The word of the Lord!" Training for all lectors is held annually and individually as needed.

MUSIC MINISTRY

"Sing to the Lord a new song of praise in the assembly of the faithful." (Psalm 149)

The Music Ministry provides musical leadership for St. Patrick's Masses and Liturgical events. If you are interested in serving in this ministry, please contact the parish office.