Liturgical Ministries
-
LECTOR
The central role of the Lector is to proclaim the Word of God during the Liturgy. Good diction, pronunciation and creative reading skills are required to ensure that the faithful truly hear God speaking to them in the Word. A brief training session is provided by the Liturgist or other qualified person. You'll be assigned about one weekend Mass per month.
Requirements for Lectors:- Should have a good speaking voice, a love and respect for the word of God, and the desire to share that word with others
- Should spend time before the liturgy reviewing scriptures that will be read, in order to be able to proclaim them effectively
COMMENTATOR
Commentators read petitions during the Prayer of the Faithful and read the announcements at the end of Mass. A brief training session is provided by the Liturgist or other qualified person. You'll be assigned about one weekend Mass per month.
Requirements for Commentators:- Should have a good speaking voice
- Willingness to speak in front of others
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER OF HOLY COMMUNION
Extraordinary Ministers assist the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion during the Mass. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion usually serve about one weekend Mass per month.
Requirements for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:- Diocesan Workshop: In the Diocese of Madison, it is required that Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion attend a diocesan training workshop, in addition to any parish-specific training provided by the parish Liturgist or other qualified person.
- Must be Catholic in good standing and be at least 16 years of age.
- Must have received all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation)
GREETER
Greeters offer a pleasant greeting to those who arrive at Mass. One might offer assistance on occasion, for example by holding a door open or answering a question about church facilities for a newcomer or visitor.
What you need to know:- Looking for friendly people with a hospitable heart and a willingness to come to church early - arrive about 15-20 minutes before Mass
- Greeters may be individuals, couples, or families
- Greeters usually serve one or two Masses a month
USHER
Ushers perform various tasks to help make the worship experience go smoothly: helping people find seats, taking up the collection, providing guidance about the facilities, distributing bulletins after liturgy
What you need to know:- Looking for friendly people with a hospitable heart and a willingness to come to Mass early
- We need 4-5 ushers for each Mass, so if you are already attending Mass, this is an excellent way to serve
- You can sign up for the Mass you usually attend
SACRISTAN
Sacristans offer behind-the-scenes support to the priest for set-up before and cleanup after Holy Mass
What you need to know:- Prepare the Altar for all worship services, including weddings, baptisms, and funerals with the appropriate vessels, wine and bread
- Sacristans arrive 20 minutes before Mass and assist with clean-up after Mass
- Contacts the priest or liturgist when supplies are running low
SERVERS (Adult & Youth)
Servers assist the presider before, during and after liturgies by holding books, carrying vessels, serving the priest at the altar, lighting and extinguishing candles, etc.
Adult Servers - What you need to know:- Adult servers help mainly at Funerals, Eucharistic Adoration, 6:30 am Mass, and other special occasions
- Servers are required to arrive about 15 minutes before Mass, serve during the Mass, and stay about 5 to 10 minutes after Mass to help put items away
Youth Servers - What you need to know:- Youth at the end of 4th grade will be offered the opportunity through the school or through their Christian Formation class
- Training sessions are provided by the priest and required before a youth can start this ministry
- Servers are required to arrive about 15 minutes before Mass, serve during the Mass, and stay about 5 to 10 minutes after Mass to help put items away
- Youth usually serve once or twice a month
Member of the Liturgy Commission
- Attends monthly meetings (October through May)
- Has an interest in the liturgy of the Church and in seeking ways to enhance the worship and prayer life of Sacred Hearts' members
- May be called upon to work on some type of assignment for the commission meeting
Member of the Art & Environment Committee
- Has talent for decorating, or ability to assist with hanging decorations, etc.
- Is able to participate on days committee is decorating (takes place on the weekends)
- Is willing and able to work as part of a group