Altar Servers are key assistants to the Priest during Mass, performing such duties as carrying the processional cross and candles, carrying the offertory gifts, and ringing the altar bells during the liturgy. They are usually youth who have already received their First Holy Communion, and both boys and girls are welcome to become Altar Servers.
Most Altar Servers come up through our CCD Program. Occasionally an announcement will be made during mass or in the bulletin that new servers are being sought. Interested children and their parents/guardians should speak with the Priest.
Extraordinary Ministers are responsible for the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. There are usually two Ministers per service – one assists the pastor, and one brings the Eucharist to the choir. If there is no choir at the service, then only one Minister is sufficient. A Lector is a reader. Lectors read scripture during the Mass, continuing Jesus's mission of sharing the Word of God with the people.
In most cases, an announcement will be made during Mass, or in the bulletin, announcing that new Extraordinary Ministers or Lectors are being sought. At other times, individuals who are active in the parish will be approached by a Priest, or Parish Council member of the church, and asked if he/she would like to serve. Once interested parties are identified, they will be asked to fill out an application that will be sent to the Diocese for approval.
There is a 3-4 day training program to prepare Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist.
Being a Eucharistic Minister or Lector is not an "every Sunday" commitment. There is a pool of Ministers and Lectors for each Parish, and each person is asked to serve once or twice a month. On a day that a particular Minister or Lector is asked to serve, he/she is asked to arrive 10 minutes before the service.
Contact: Father Andrew