Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion distribute the Eucharist (the Body and Blood of Christ) during Mass. A person must be at least 18 years old, have received the sacrament of Confirmation, and have completed the training and certification.

Lectors

Lectors read the Word of God to the congregation during Mass. By your proclamation, the assembly should hear and feel that God’s Word is a Living Word. It is very important that those serving in this ministry take the time to practice, meditate, and reflect on the readings. A person must have received the sacrament of Confirmation to participate in this ministry.

Altar Servers

Altar Servers assist the priest during Mass. Some of their duties may be:

• Carry the cross during the processional
• Carry the processional candle(s)
• 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.

This ministry is typically performed by both boys and girls who have received the sacrament of First Holy Communion. Teen and adult participation is highly encouraged.

* Training is held periodically throughout the year for these ministries.

Liturgical Committee

The Liturgy Committee’s main function is to find ways to enhance our Parishioner’s public worship, encourage participation within the church community, and therefore bring them closer to God and our church family.

We research, prepare, schedule and promote various celebrations for Holy and Feast Days; especially those for our patron Saint – St. Mary, Mother of God:

• Mass for the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary followed by a procession to honor and crown Mary, the Queen of Heaven;
• A solemn rosary with songs between each decade were said prior to the masses celebrating Assumption of and The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary;
• Mass for Our Lady of Sorrows and the 100^th Anniversary of Fatima;
• Served 102 people a delicious spaghetti dinner following the Assumption mass.

Using the ORDO (Order of Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours and celebration of the Eucharist) as a guide, we insure that we celebrate and/or acknowledge as many “special” events as possible.  For example:

“Blessing of the Throats” to honor St. Blaise – prayer cards were provided,

• “Renewal of Marriage Vows” to celebrate World Marriage Day,
• Hosting a “Blue Mass” to honor first responders and EMS personnel,
• Planning and preparing “Hot Dogs and Chili” for the lighting of the Advent tree
• Singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet on Divine Mercy Sunday.
• We often use altar-scapes and sanctuary decorations to set the mood for liturgical and seasonal worship.

We appreciate your interest in the Liturgy Committee. If you are interested in participating in the Liturgy Committee, please contact Mickie Hofmann.