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Worship

There are many opportunities to assist with regard to worship activities.  The following list provides descriptions of the various parts of the ministry that will help you to determine what best fits your talents and ability to enhance this ministry.  Remember, the worship ministry is an extremely beneficial way to get to know other parishioners and make life time friends with people of similar values and outlook on life.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST (EME)

An EME assists in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist during the Liturgy.  Any active, confirmed member of St. Mary Parish may serve in this ministry.  Teams are scheduled and all new ministers are instructed in this ministry.

HOST SACRISTANS

Sacristans set up the Sanctuary for Liturgy with the preparation of the vessels, sacred books, the lighting of the church and, at the conclusion of the Liturgy, the cleaning and securing of vessels and books.  They also make announcements prior to the start of Mass.  Instruction is provided.

USHERS

Ushers are responsible to find seating for parishioners at the start of and during the Liturgy.  Ushers take up the weekly collections and distribute weekly bulletins to parishioners and visitors at the conclusion of the Liturgy.  Direction is provided.

LECTORS

Lectors bring the Scriptures to life.  They proclaim the Word of God through the weekly Sunday readings.  Instruction for this ministry is provided.

GREETER MINISTRY

Provide outreach and welcome parishioners and visitors to the Mass.  Stand at the back of the church or at the side doors before the Mass to greet and welcome people to our church.  Individuals and or families can do this at any Mass they attend.

ALTAR SERVERS

Family teams or dependable young people at least ten (10) years of age or in the 5th grade fulfill an important need by ministering to the celebrant at Mass.  Two-server teams are adequate but up to four persons per Mass can minister at three weekend Masses.  Holy days and special Liturgies are on a volunteer basis.  Servers are also necessary during the week for daily and funeral Masses.  Instruction is provided.

FELLOWSHIP TEAM

Acting as host to fellow parishioners can be very rewarding.  As a fellowship team member, you will provide set up, service and cleanup to those parishioners visiting the Fellowship Center after the 9 AM and 11 AM Masses who want to visit for coffee, juice, bagels and donuts.  This ministry is well-suited to families and groups of friends.  Instruction is provided.

CHURCH ENVIRONMENTALISTS

This devoted group of parishioners provides minor cleaning of the church, assists in replacing candles and votive lights along with other similar tasks.  They also plan and implement liturgical decorations for the seasons especially at Christmas and Easter.  Another part of this ministry tends the plants and flowers inside and outside the church year round.

WEDDING ASSISTANT

Meet with engaged couples to plan their wedding Liturgy, direct their wedding rehearsal and be present the day of the wedding to assist and direct.  Experienced wedding Liturgy assistants provide instruction.

SUNDAY COLLECTION COUNTER

Be responsible for assisting a team of approximately six people to count the Sunday collection.  One member of each team is appointed captain and coordinates the counting process.  Schedules are published on a yearly basis and each person is scheduled approximately once every five weeks.

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

As members of a community of faith, we stand by those who are left behind as they mourn the loss of a loved one.

WAKE SERVICE MINISTRY

Provide support for those who mourn during the days leading up to the funeral Liturgy.  This ministry provides comfort to mourners as they adjust to the death of a loved one and the sorrow it brings.  Ministers lead prayers at the funeral home the evening before the funeral.  Instruction is provided.

COMMITTAL MINISTRY

Volunteers assist the Presider at the funeral Liturgy and accompany the family to the cemetery to lead final Prayers at Committal.  Instruction is provided.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

Periodically make a phone call, send a note or make a meal for the bereaved throughout the first year of grieving.

FUNERAL LUNCHEON MINISTRY

Donate a favorite dish, help set up for a funeral luncheon or stay to cleanup afterward.  Grieving family may request that a meal be served at the Fellowship Center on the day of their loved ones’ funeral.

TRAVELING CHALICE PROGRAM

Families with children, individuals and couples with or without children are encouraged to participate in this special program to pray for vocations by accepting the Blessing Cup or Chalice into their home to be placed in a prominent place or as a centerpiece on their dinner table where it can be a part of their family meal throughout an entire week.  The Chalice is circulated each week to a new family with an exchange of the cup taking place at the weekly Sunday Liturgy.  This is an excellent chance to pray together for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life.  For more information, contact Charlotte Weekes at 313-801-5431.