Ministry of Altar Server.

Assistance at the altar by servers represents a long liturgical tradition. These servers enhance the quality of the celebration for the whole gathered assembly by taking part in processions and by ensuring that all items required for the celebration are available at the appropriate moments (Introduction to the Order of Mass, #22).

It is important that servers have an enthusiasm for public prayer. The server is not someone who performs a function of two and then settles back to observe the rest. Servers listen, sing and pray with the entire assembly.

What is the role of the Altar Server at Mass?

Altar Servers are lay men and women, girls and boys, who are designated to assist the priest and the deacon at Mass. Ordinarily; they are responsible for the cross, the candle. They hold the book for the priest at the chair, assist the priest during the preparation of the gifts, and they wash the hands of the priest. In general, they assist the priest and deacon when necessary. (General Instruction of the Roman Missal - GIMR #100)

Who may be an Altar Server?

Altar servers are baptized Catholics, women and men, boys and girls, who are mature enough to understand and carry out their liturgical function. They should have received their first Holy Communion and normally receive the Eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy.

The Cathedral accepts Servers from age 9 to . . . . . .

We also encourage families to serve together.

What formation is required?

Formation is both technical and spiritual. Altar servers need to know the individual parts of the Mass and their specific meaning, the various objects used in the liturgy and their proper names, and the differing functions of the altar server during Mass and other liturgical celebrations. They need to understand their functions as a generous service to God and God's people. Finally, they should be prepared to exercise their functions with reverence and proper decorum.

Where do I begin?

If you would be interested in serving in the Ministry of Altar Server, contact the Liturgy Coordinator.

Ministry of Reader.

“The Word of God as proclaimed in the sacred Scripture lies at the heart of our Christian life and is integral to all our liturgical celebrations (Book of Blessings, 1827).”

The proclamation of the Word of God is truly a service to the Church. Lectors bring the living Word of God to the liturgical assembly. The ministry of the Word should, therefore, be treated seriously and with great dignity. (GIRM 55)

The Word of God is not merely read during the liturgy. It is proclaimed, yet not with theatrical show. Effective proclamation involves the delivery of the message with clarity, conviction and appropriate pace. It demands the ability to evoke faith in others by demonstrating one's own faith. Proclamation is a special ministry which presupposes faith. It also rouses faith in those who hear the Word proclaimed.

Who can be a Reader?

Any baptized Catholic can be a Reader. You should have received your Confirmation, be a registered parishioner and regularly attend Mass at the Cathedral.

How often will I serve?

Depending on what Mass you read it can be as often as twice a month or as little as once every couple of months.

Will I be trained?

All liturgical ministers, especially lectors, must be properly trained for their ministry. This ministry of the Word requires skill in public reading, knowledge of the principles of liturgy, and an understanding of the scriptures. Only properly trained and commissioned lectors should be scheduled for liturgy. (GIRM 101)

Reader training comes in two parts.

1. You must attend the Lector Preparation Class at the Catholic Information Center.

2. You must attend a training session at the Cathedral.

Where do I begin?

If you would be interested in serving in the Ministry of Reader, contact the Liturgy Coordinator

Ministry of Usher / Greeter.

Hospitality has been part of our Judeo-Christian tradi­tion from the beginning. Fr. John McKenzie in his Dic­tionary of the Bible points out that desert hospitality was a necessity for survival, and since this necessity fell upon all alike, any guest was entitled to hospitality from any host. Should host and guest be at enmity, the acceptance of hospital­ity involved reconciliation. The guest, once accepted by the host, was sacred and must be protected from any danger, even at the cost of the life of family members.

A part of hospitality is the desire to reach out: "Let me help." Tied to that desire is your gracious acquiescence: "Do, by all means."

Liturgical hospitality at the Cathedral means meeting and greeting parishioners and visitors to the Cathedral, helping them to be comfortable in their surroundings. As an Usher, you will also assist in the distribution of worship aids before Mass, taking up the collection, assisting people as they go to communion, and distributing the bulleting after Mass.

Who can be an Usher/Greeter?

Any parishioner who has the desire to greet people and be a welcoming presence before, during, and after Mass is eligible to be an Usher/Greeter.

The position is open to men and women, high school age or older.

How often will I serve?

Depending on what Mass you attend, it can be as often as twice a month or as little as once every couple of months.

Will I be trained?

Yes. Usher/Greeter training will be provided. Dates and time are announced on the Cathedral Calendar and in the bulletin.

Where do I begin?

If you would be interested in serving in the Ministry of Usher/Greeter, contact the Liturgy Coordinator.

Ministry of Extraordinary Minister of Communion.

“Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion" (EMHC) is the formal title of laypeople who distribute the Eucharist during Mass.

Extraordinary Ministers for the distribution of Holy Communion are properly formed, instructed and commissioned lay persons. EMHCs may be male or female. They should reflect the cultural diversity of their parish community. These ministers are appointed for a given parish community to aid in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and to the sick and homebound.

Who can be an Extraordinary Minister of Communion?

In order for a person to be appointed as an EMHC, the following conditions must be met:

- Be a Catholic who sincerely tries to live the Gospel message in their communal and individual lives. They should participate in the Sunday Eucharist regularly and practice their faith. In addition, they should be willing and able to carry out the ministry on behalf of the community.

- Must be confirmed and be of sufficient age and maturity to perform the duties of an EMHC at Mass or to the sick and homebound in various locations (i.e. private homes, nursing homes, hospitals)

- Be chosen and appointed by the pastor or the Director of Worship

How often will I serve?

Depending on what Mass you assist at it can be as often as twice a month or as little as once every couple of months.

Will I be trained?

Yes. EMHCs will be trained in the following:

- Theology of the Eucharist and understanding of the Mass

- Theology and spirituality of ministry

- Universal church, diocesan and parish guidelines and procedures for their ministry

EMHC training for the Cathedral comes in two parts.

1. You must attend the EMHC Preparation Class at the Catholic Information Center.

2. You must attend a training session at the Cathedral.

Where do I begin?

If you would be interested in serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Communion, contact the Liturgy Coordinator.

Ministry of Sacristan.

The ministry of the sacristan is a bit like the work of the weaver. In order for all the members of a community of faith to take their full, conscious and active part in liturgical celebrations, there needs to be someone who prepares and oversees the things of the liturgy. There needs to be someone who gathers up the diverse things of the liturgy, readies them and renders them useful to the community gathered in the living prayer of the liturgy. This someone is the sacristan.A sacristan whose ministry extends beyond the confines of the sacristy-as it must-will be faced with a variety of situations and circumstances that call for a wide array of skills. Not only does the sacristan need to be handy and adept at preparing the physical things of the liturgy, he or she needs to be comfortable communicating and working with people. (From A Guide for Sacristans, LTP Publications pp2-3)

Who can be a Sacristan?

Any parishioner who desires to help in the organization of the physical set-up of the liturgy and is good at organization and working with others can be a sacristan.

How often will I serve?

Depending on what Mass you assist at it can be as often as twice a month or as little as once every couple of months.

Will I be trained?

Yes. Sacristan training will be provided. Dates and time are announced on the Cathedral Calendar and in the bulletin.

Where do I begin?

If you would be interested in serving in the Ministry of Sacristan, contact the Liturgy Coordinator

 

end faq