Liturgical Ministries
Whenever our parish gathers as a community to celebrate the Mass there are a variety of ministries that are needed in order for Mass to be celebrated in a prayerful, respectful and orderly way. Members of St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish are encouraged to consider serving our parish community in a liturgical ministry that gives witness to our Catholic faith.
Our director of liturgy and music, Sandy Ashley, would welcome inquiries about sharing your talent in any of the following ministries:
| Ministry | Description |
|---|---|
| Altar Servers | Altar servers assist the presiding priest at Mass and other parish liturgies. Those desiring to serve in this ministry in our parish should have celebrated their first Holy Communion and be in the fourth grade or older. Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and carry them out well, and with appropriate reverence. Altar servers will receive proper formation before they begin to function. |
| Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion | Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion assist with the distribution of the Eucharist within the liturgy of the Mass. Some also volunteer to take Holy Communion to the homebound members of our parish after making proper arrangements with the pastor. Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion receive proper formation before they begin to exercise their ministry. Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion must be fully initiated in the Roman Catholic Church and Catholics in good standing who live their lives according to the teachings of the Catholic Church, at least 16 years of age and should be persons who are striving to live the Gospel message in their daily lives. |
| Lectors | Lectors are trained to proclaim the word of God and pray the general intercessions at Mass and other parish liturgies. Those chosen as lectors must be fully initiated Catholics, in good standing, at least 16 years of age, who live their lives according to the teachings of the church; must have a maturity and ability to proclaim the word effectively. Lectors receive proper training, because they are entrusted with the ministry of proclaiming the word of God to the assembly. |
| Greeters | Greeters are the welcoming committee of the church. They stand at the doors of the church and simply welcome the arriving guests. Their primary responsibility is to make the people feel welcome and comfortable, to enhance each person’s sense of belonging to the parish. Men, women, children and families are encouraged to participate in this ministry. Greeters and ushers work collaboratively as their ministries overlap. |
| Ushers | Ushers, in addition to their responsibilities in welcoming the people, also have many specific duties to perform. They help seat the people; assist in the collection of the gifts; often arrange which family or group will bring the gifts to the priest at the offertory; make sure the Communion procession goes smoothly; and pass out the bulletins at the end of Mass. Ushers and greeters work collaboratively as their ministries overlap. |
Music Ministries
To serve as a music minister in the Catholic Church is a privilege, as well as a serious responsibility. It is a privilege because the gift of music is not given to everyone, and it is a responsibility because musical leadership must help nourish and sustain the liturgical life of the people. The music minister is not merely a volunteer. He or she is someone who shares faith, serves the community and expresses the love of God and neighbor through music.
Our director of liturgy and music, Sandy Ashley, would welcome inquiries about sharing your talent in any of the following ministries:
| Ministry | Description |
|---|---|
| Cantors | Cantors are leaders of sung prayer for our parish community and help to encourage full participation of the assembly. Cantors also proclaim the word of God through the singing of the psalm. To be a cantor, you should be able to read music, have a pleasant singing voice and a positive, welcoming attitude. Training is provided. |
| Adult Choir | The St. Mary Choir sings a variety of music, both traditional and contemporary. Their primary responsibility is to support the assembly’s singing and praise of God through music. Our choir sings one Mass (time is rotated) on the first and third weekends of each month, as well as Christmas, Easter and during other scheduled times. Rehearsals are held Wednesdays (September through Pentecost) from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., in the church. |
| Ensemble | The ensemble is a small group of musicians who enjoy singing a variety of music, but mostly contemporary in style. The group sings one mass (time is rotated) on the second and fourth weekends of each month, as well as Christmas, Easter and during other scheduled times. This group rehearses Tuesdays (September through Pentecost), from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., in the church. |
| Joy Choir | At St. Mary Church, we offer a great opportunity for the young singers of our parish to participate in our music ministry program. The Joy Choir is for young people in third through twelfth grades who enjoy singing and would like to help lead our congregation in the sung prayer. The group will lead the singing at one mass per month. Rehearsals are held Wednesdays (October through Easter) from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. in the church basement. |
| Resurrection Choir | Volunteer your time and talents to assist the grieving members of a funeral assembly by singing with the choir for the funeral liturgy. Please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled funeral. Your sharing in this ministry is a special blessing to the family and friends of those who have lost a loved one. |