Liturgical Ministry
Liturgy Committee
The Liturgy Committee assists the clergy in the planning of all liturgical ceremonies. This includes the planning of Sunday and Holy Day liturgies, preparation for changes in the liturgical seasons, church decoration, liturgical minister scheduling, and the planning of sacred music. For all inquiries regarding liturgical ministry, please contact Esperanza Griffith.
email Esperanza Griffith, Liturgy Coordinator
Sacristans
A sacristan has the primary responsibility for setting up for a Mass or service. He or she makes sure that all assigned ministers are present and, if needed, finds last minute substitutes. After the liturgy the sacristan makes sure that everything is put away properly. Sacristans are needed for all Masses, weddings, funerals, and other special holy days. Detailed training is required. We are always looking for generous souls interesting in this ministry.
If you are interested in becoming a sacristan, please contact our Liturgy Coordinator, Esperanza Griffith.
email Esperanza Griffith, Liturgy Coordinator
Altar Linen Service
This group makes and embroiders baptism gowns to be given to infants at baptism and launders small altar linens used at Mass.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Catholic lay faithful, who are in good standing with the Catholic Church, may assist the priest and deacon in the distribution of Holy Communion during Mass and taking communion to sick and homebound parishioners. St. Mary’s Cathedral provides training to qualified Catholics who are interested in this ministry. Upon completion of the diocesan training program and being mandated by the bishop, the EMHC is scheduled to serve at Mass or to homebound ministry.
Lectors
This ministry is for individuals dedicated to the proclamation of God’s Word and who desire to deepen their understanding of it so they can proclaim it with sincerity and conviction during liturgical celebrations. Both basic and advanced training sessions are provided, as well as a workbook to assist readers in their regular preparation.
Altar Servers
Serving at the altar is a participation in the greatest mystery of our faith: that God would come to dwell among us and offer his divine Son as a sacrifice for our redemption. Serving well allows everyone to pray reverently and maintains the dignity of the Mass. A good server is attentive to the liturgy and able to move when needed without drawing attention to him or herself.
Serving at the altar is an honor that is not open to everyone. Altar servers must maintain an attitude of honor and respect. Altar servers are there to help everyone pray and worship God. Everything in the liturgy is directed to make manifest the glory of God.
Servers must receive proper formation before they begin to function. This formation includes instruction on the Mass, its parts and meaning, the various objects used in the liturgy, and the various functions of the server during the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Servers receive appropriate guidance on maintaining proper decorum and attire when serving Mass and other functions.
Please read the St. Mary's Altar Server Manual
Welcome Ministers
This ministry involves being present in the Gathering Space before Mass to greet those coming into the church. It includes providing information as needed and distributing the bulletin at the end of Mass. The ministry is open to anyone who has a desire to help make St. Mary's a welcoming and caring community.
Ushers
This ministry helps people find seats in the church, takes up the collection, arranges for gift bearers for the offertory procession, assists with emergency needs, and helps to maintain a safe environment for everyone.
