Every liturgical ministry is established to serve the worshiping congregation. All those who serve are servants of the congregation and their task is to assist the congregation fulfill its vital role in the liturgy. The following are members of the liturgical ministry:
Altar Servers
Altar servers are highly essential in aiding God's people worship in the best possible way. Not everybody has the ability to serve. God calls us and we just need to listen and respond to Him. Once you are called, you become part of a special ministry in the Church. As an Altar Server, you are a Liturgical Minister with an important role during the Mass, or during other liturgical services. It is always a privilege to assist Priests at the Altar. As such, there is a certain decorum you have to abide.
Altar Servers not only serve during Sunday Mass, but also makes themselves available for other services.
If you are interested in becoming an Altar Server, contact Bill Scott for more information.
Eucharistic Ministers
When the size of the congregation or the incapacity of the bishop, priest, or deacon requires it, the celebrant may be assisted by other bishops, priests, or deacons. If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, "the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., formally instituted acolytes or even some of the faithful who have been commissioned according to the prescribed rite. In case of necessity, the priest may also commission suitable members of the faithful for the occasion." Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should receive sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence. When recourse is had to Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, especially in the distribution of Holy Communion under both kinds, their number should not be increased beyond what is required for the orderly and reverent distribution of the Body and Blood of the Lord. In all matters such Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should follow the guidance of the diocesan bishop.
Those invited to serve in this ministry are designated only for service in this parish. Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist should not take it upon themselves to bring Communion to a parent, family member, friend or neighbor, unless permission is given from the pastor or his designee, of the parish in which the person resides.
Greeters
People’s impression of a parish is significantly shaped by the presence of absence of a welcoming atmosphere where they come to worship. Offering a smile and a word of welcome can have a profound impact on people as they arrive, especially if they are visitors to the parish.
Welcoming people and making them feel at home, is one way in which Greeters help build up the Church. Hospitality is a vital element in creating a sense of community of worship. A person who feels welcomed and valued is much more likely to enter wholeheartedly into the celebration of the liturgy, giving thanks to God for the love that God pours out on us.
Lectors
Lectors proclaim the Word of God during Weekend, Weekday, and Holy Day Masses. Volunteers must have good public speaking and reading skills. Registered Parishioners of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, who have received the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation, or are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation, and living a sacramental life and in good standing with the Church, are eligible to participate in this Ministry. Each prospective Lector is required to undergo training, in which their public speaking skills will be evaluated relative to the acoustical requirements of Our Lady Help of Christians Church.
Effective lectors are reverent, confident, and deliberate. They continue to pray, develop, and nourish their own spirituality. When proclaiming the Scriptures, their love and faith are evident to hearers of the Word. Their lives change because they are constantly converted and motivated by the Word of God.
If you are interested in serving as a lector, contact Frances Bryner for more information.
Ushers
The usher is a person chosen to reflect the warmth and welcome of Christ Himself. Always conscious of Christ’s word: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Ushers are friendly people who can relate to all age groups and nationalities. The Usher Ministry is open to all — men and women, boys and girls.
The faith of the ushers enables them to see Christ's presence in individuals and in the gathered community of believers. Ushers can handle emergency situations with courage and assurance. They carry a dignity about themselves, even when performing menial tasks.
Ushers assist parishioners in finding seats, take up the collection, distribute the Church bulletin, and provide hospitality to the parishioners and guests who attend Our Lady Help of Christians on weekends and holy days. Anyone with an outgoing personality and a desire to help people is eligible to assist in this ministry.
If you are interested in serving as an Usher, contact Norris Hanes. for more information.
