Contact: Sue Gerlach 633-8711 (ext. 12)

When we speak of the ministry of the various liturgical ministries such as proclaimers and servers, we express mindfulness of how members of the church take on specific tasks, and that these tasks are in the service of the whole faith community. Children, women and men who have answered a call in their lives are called forth from the community, and offer their skills in service to the public worship of the community. When people with particular qualities are matched with the liturgical roles that call for those qualities, the liturgy can speak powerfully to us, moving us to prayer.

PROCLAIMER

The spirit of the parish community will be nourished through the meaningful proclamation of the Word of God. The proclaimer clearly and understandably proclaims the Word of God to the assembly. Proclaimers must feel comfortable standing in front of the assembly, have good oral communication skills and the ability to read effectively. Proclaimers are called from the assembly and minister to and with the assembly. Proclaimers are expected to attend continuing ministry formation and training sessions throughout the year.

SERVER

The various tasks of a server usually include assisting with the book of prayers when the Presider reads from it, helping to set the table during preparation, carrying various objects in procession such as a thurible, (censer filled with incense), processional cross and candles, and perhaps assist in cleaning up after Mass. The main task of the server is to model liturgical prayer with grace and reverence and enter whole-heartedly into the public worship of the community. Servers are expected to be familiar with the ebb and flow of liturgy, to anticipate each movement, cue and need. Ministry formation and training sessions are offered throughout the year with the expectation of regular attendance.

HOSPITALITY MINISTER

Hospitality ministers help make people feel welcome, help find available seats and introduce people to each other, take up the collection and ensure its safekeeping. They recruit a family or group of individuals who will bring forth the bread, wine, treasure and food for the poor, hand out bulletins or other material, assist those who need special help, and answer questions. These tasks provide a wonderful opportunity for families to minister together. Ministry formation and training sessions are offered throughout the year with the expectation of regular attendance.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST 

By "extraordinary" we do not mean special, distinguished or set apart. The ordinary ministers of the Eucharist are the priests and deacons. Primarily, the extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist (EME) make sure the communion rite takes place in a length of time that is not out of proportion to the whole liturgy. The preparation of the bread, wine and vessels before Mass and the cleaning afterward are tasks of the EME. Those who are called to this ministry must, above all else, know how to be truly present to others in the moment they have. They are brothers and sisters in this very body and blood they are sharing, and not only speak their own faith in saying "body of Christ," they call forth the faith of the one receiving. EME's may also bring the Holy Eucharist to those who are homebound, in nursing homes or hospitals, or in prison. Ministry formation and training sessions are offered throughout the year with the expectation of regular attendance.

SACRISTANS (Holy Rosary & OLPH only)

The sacristan is needed before Sunday Mass. Sacristans are the "homemakers" of the parish, of the house of the church. Their responsibility is care for the condition of the whole room where liturgy is celebrated, as well as for the vestments, vessels, candles, and preparation of the bread and wine (if not the task of the EME) for each celebration. They relieve the Presider and other ministers of tasks in the crucial moments before and after the liturgy. Ministry formation and training is offered throughout the year with expectation of regular attendance.

S.C.A.P. LEADERS

Contact: Fr. Bob  (ext. 18)

Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest. Discernment and training for parish members who will lead these celebrations.

TRI-COMMUNITY LITURGY COMMITTEE

This committee is composed of members of Sacred Heart, Holy Rosary and Our Lady of Perpetual Help and exists to advise the pastor in matters and policy relating to the liturgical life of the Tri-Community. This includes prayer, public worship, song and environment. Working in consultation with appropriate groups within the three communities, this committee has a primary responsibility for preparation and evaluation of the seasons and events of the liturgical year. Preparation is carried out in a manner that makes each liturgy a spiritual and communal celebration. The committee interacts with all Tri-Community commissions and committees in order to best meet the needs of all, and is responsible for fostering education and the prayer life of the Tri-Community. This committee meets one evening each month.

ENVIRONMENT

This is a sub-committee of the Liturgy Committee. The proper physical environment is an essential part of good liturgy. Those who assist work with the creation of form, color and texture to appeal to the senses and create an atmosphere and mood for our liturgical space.

EUCHARISTIC BREAD BAKERS

The liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council are imbued with an appreciation of sacramental signs. As this appreciation permeated local churches, parish communities began baking their own bread for the Eucharist. Unleavened eucharistic bread is made only from wheat flour and water and must have been baked recently according to the longstanding tradition of the Latin church. The ministry of bread baking is for any member of the community, especially for those who prefer to "work behind the scenes". A baking schedule and bread recipe are provided.

LITURGICAL VESTMENT CARE

While many liturgical vestments are made of materials that must be dry-cleaned, some are made of natural material and can be machine washed and dried. The albs worn by our servers for each liturgy are cared for on a weekly basis by these "behind the scenes" ministers. A "care schedule" is available.