LITURGICAL MINISTERS
Welcome! Liturgical ministry is an excellent opportunity to fulfill your baptismal call of service to one another. Our liturgies utilize the talents and gifts that God has given this community to the fullest extent. Whether participation is through “behind the scenes” preparation and planning or through a public role of service within the Mass, parishioner contributions help our liturgies to be truly life-giving celebrations.
Please prayerfully consider joining one of these ministries.If you would like to consider learning more about, or joining the Liturgical Minister team, please call the Parish Office at 816-761-1608
WHAT IS A LITURGICAL MINISTER?
A liturgical minister is a baptized member of a church, commonly Catholic, who performs specific, trained roles to assist with the celebration of the liturgy and sacraments, primarily Mass. These ministers serve the assembly through roles like lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, ushers, and altar servers, facilitating active participation in worship
Altar Server
Altar servers are lay assistants, typically youth from 3rd or 4th grade and up, who aid priests and deacons during Catholic Mass and liturgies. Requirements include having received First Holy Communion, active participation in training, and a reverent attitude. They perform crucial roles, including handling the processional cross, candles, and liturgical books, and helping prepare the altar.
Eucharistic Minister
A Eucharistic Minister, or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC), is a Catholic layperson who assists priests and deacons in distributing the Body and Blood of Christ during Mass, or takes communion to the homebound. Candidates must be baptized, confirmed, practicing Catholics, often 18+ (sometimes 16+), and, if married, in a valid Catholic marriage
Lectors
Lectors, or readers, are ministers of the word who proclaim biblical texts (Old/New Testament) and intercessory prayers during mass in Catholic and Anglican traditions. They play a vital role in liturgies, bringing the scriptures to life.
HomeBound Ministers
Homebound ministers are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) who bring the Eucharist, companionship, and prayer to parishioners unable to attend Mass due to age, illness, or mobility issues. Serving as a vital link to the parish, they offer comfort, reduce isolation, and ensure the sick remain connected to their community.
Sacristan
A sacristan is a layperson, religious, or cleric responsible for preparing the sacristy and ceremonial equipment for liturgies in the Catholic and Episcopal churches. They ensure the church is prepared, managing vessels, vestments, and linens with a spirit of service. The role involves behind-the-scenes care for liturgical items, allowing priests to focus on ministerial duties.
Ushers & Greeters
Ushers and greeters are vital ministry roles focused on hospitality, serving as the first point of contact to welcome, seat, and assist worshippers, setting the tone for the service. They create a warm environment, manage logistics like seating and collections, and ensure safety. Key duties include greeting, distributing materials, and aiding in emergencies.
General Guidelines
1. Scheduling - The schedule for the Altar Servers, Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Hospitality Ushers, and Greeters is prepared quarterly. You may serve in more than one ministry; however, you may only serve in one ministry at any given Mass. Active ministers can see the current Quarter schedule under Worship or CLICK HERE. You may also reach out to the Parish Office.
2. Dress and Appearance - General appearance, apparel, and accessories worn during the liturgy should reflect the dignity of the role of one called upon to assist in the sacred liturgy. Accordingly, liturgical ministers should dress nicely and modestly.
Nothing a minister wears should distract from the community’s prayer. Proper dress and appearance whenever one attends liturgy is an important commitment of a liturgical minister. All ministers will maintain a level of reverence and decorum in their Liturgical Minister’s attire or they will not be allowed to minister.
3. Arrival Promptness & Check-In – Most liturgical ministers should arrive at church no later than 15 minutes before the start of the liturgy. If you are late, please understand that the Sacristan may have already found a replacement for you.
4. Absences and Substitutes - When you know in advance that you will be absent, the preference is that you arrange a substitute. If it is a last-minute need, at the very least, inform your ministry coordinator so they can advise the Sacristan, who can plan for your absence.
5. Prayer before Liturgy - As liturgical ministers, much of our focus is on tasks and procedures that are important to the liturgical celebration, but potentially can distract from our own worship. Making time for prayer can help us to re-focus our mind and heart on the presence of Jesus in the liturgy: in the person of his minister, the priest; in his word, the holy Scriptures proclaimed; in the elements of bread and wine, the Eucharist; and in those gathered in his name, the assembly.
Parish Events
27
28
5:30pm Feed your Faith
29
9:30am Faith Enrichment
6pm Bible Study (English)
6:30pm Rosary
Show all
30
6pm Bible Timeline
6pm Religious Ed
1
9:30am Scripture Study
9:30am Monica's Mom Support Group
6:30pm Chiquitines Misioneros (Childrens Group)
7pm OCIA/Spanish
7pm Book of Matthew
7pm OCIA/English
7pm Choir Rehearsal
7pm Boy Scouts
Show all
2
7pm Clases de Bautizo en espanol
7pm Coro Juvenil Cristo Misionero
3
9am Pet Blessing in honor of St. Francis of Assisi
4
9:30am Ladies Auxiliary
5
5:30pm Feed your Faith
7pm Stewardship Council
6
9:30am Militia Immaculata
6pm Bible Study (English)
6:30pm Rosary
Show all
7
6pm Bible Timeline
6pm Religious Ed
8
9:30am Scripture Study
6:30pm Chiquitines Misioneros (Childrens Group)
7pm OCIA/Spanish
7pm Book of Matthew
7pm OCIA/English
7pm Choir Rehearsal
7pm Boy Scouts
Show all
9
7pm Coro Juvenil Cristo Misionero
10
11am Matrimonios Comunitarios
11
10:30am Vocation Exhibition in the gathering space
12
5:30pm Feed your Faith
7pm SSMC
13
9:30am Faith Enrichment
6pm Bible Study (English)
6:30pm Rosary
Show all
14
6pm Bible Timeline
6pm Religious Ed
7pm Knights of Columbus
Show all
15
9:30am Scripture Study
6:30pm Chiquitines Misioneros (Childrens Group)
7pm OCIA/Spanish
7pm Book of Matthew
7pm OCIA/English
7pm Choir Rehearsal
7pm Boy Scouts
Show all
16
6pm Worship Council
7pm Bible Class/Spanish
7pm Coro Juvenil Cristo Misionero
Show all
17
Food Collection
8am Faith Retreat
18
Food Collection
19
5:30pm Feed your Faith
20
9:30am Faith Enrichment
6pm Bible Study (English)
6:30pm Rosary
Show all
21
9am Holy Donuts in Mary's Room
6pm Bible Timeline
6pm Religious Ed
Show all
22
9:30am Scripture Study
6:30pm Chiquitines Misioneros (Childrens Group)
7pm OCIA/Spanish
7pm Book of Matthew
7pm OCIA/English
7pm Choir Rehearsal
7pm Boy Scouts
Show all
23
7pm Coro Juvenil Cristo Misionero
24
25
26
5:30pm Feed your Faith
27
9:30am Faith Enrichment
6pm Bible Study (English)
6:30pm Rosary
7pm Consagracion a la Divina Misericordia
Show all
28
9:30am Church Cleaning - Volunteers
6pm Bible Timeline
6pm Religious Ed
7pm Knights of Columbus - Officers
Show all
29
9:30am Scripture Study
6:30pm Chiquitines Misioneros (Childrens Group)
7pm OCIA/Spanish
7pm Book of Matthew
7pm OCIA/English
7pm Choir Rehearsal
7pm Boy Scouts
Show all
30
9am St. Regis Fall Breakfast
7pm Coro Juvenil Cristo Misionero
31
