We invite you to consider how you serve the Lord and actively take part in the celebration of the Mass. While everyone is not called to serve as a liturgical minister, many possess gifts that can help to build up the Body of Christ through this ministry. As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. (1 Cor. 12:12)
When you reflect on how you are using the gifts that God has entrusted to you, remember that Jesus longs for us to be united with Him in the most powerful way – through the Mass, for we are the Body of Christ. Serving in the Mass is an act of self-giving and an act of love in service to one another for the glory of God. Therefore, “The faithful should not refuse to serve the People of God in gladness whenever they are asked to perform some particular service or function in the liturgical celebration.” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 97)
Liturgical Ministers are needed at all Masses, especially as we are coming together as a unified parish on a path of healing and renewal. If you feel the Lord is calling you to serve in this way, please complete this form below or call the office. We look forward to having you serve in the Liturgical Ministries of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish!
GREETERS
The role of greeter and usher is one of hospitality that is modeled after Jesus Himself. All who come to the doors of the Church, are to receive the welcome of Jesus. Greeters and Ushers are “directors of first impressions.” In addition to welcoming all who come through the door, ushers and greeters assist in finding seats for guests, and if needed, ask people to make room for others in the pew. In addition, it is the role of the ushers to invite two or more individuals (or a family) to bring forth the bread and wine during the offertory procession. Your services are also needed to help prepare the Church for the next gathering for worship.
Gifts necessary to serve in this ministry: a pleasant disposition, a desire to create a welcoming atmosphere, a willingness to put others before yourself, and attentiveness to the needs of everyone who walks through the door. Through their example of reverence and active participation in the Mass, the ushers contribute to fostering a sacred atmosphere for worship. Anything that detracts from maintaining this atmosphere, such as conversations in the back of the church, being inattentive to the celebration of the Mass, or the needs of others, is to be avoided.
READERS/LECTORS
The role of the reader or lector is to reverently proclaim the Word of God to the assembly during the Liturgy of the Word at Mass. The preparation involved in this vital ministry is spiritual and practical in nature. Approaching the proclamation of the Word of God with great care and conviction facilitates a meaningful encounter with the living Word. The spiritual preparation involves some biblical and liturgical formation so as to understand the readings in context, as well as the significance of their connection with the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Through preparation, the readers become familiar with the proper pronunciations, pauses and clear annunciation of the readings.
Gifts necessary to serve in this ministry: Love for Scripture, an appreciation of God’s Word, ability to communicate, and willingness to proclaim the Word of God in the public setting of the liturgical assembly.
ALTAR SERVERS
Youth (4th grade and older) and adults, male and female, are invited to consider serving in this important liturgical role. It is a great honor and privilege to assist at Mass by serving at the Altar of the Lord. Saint John Paul II reminded altar servers of the privileged place they hold in liturgical celebrations, saying, “Those who serve experience from close at hand that Jesus Christ is present and active in every liturgy.” Being an Altar Server is a great way for young people and adults to serve God and their parish community by helping us to have a beautiful and prayerful celebration of the Mass.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION (EMHC)
Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion have a unique role in the service of the liturgy. Their purpose is to assist with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. Secondly, their ministry may include taking the Eucharist to the homebound, sick or hospitalized so they too may be nourished by the holy gift of Jesus Himself. This ministry requires the recommendation of the pastor. Because of their sacred duties, candidates for this ministry must be properly trained to exercise their duties in accord with the diocesan protocol.
Gifts necessary to serve in this ministry: A personal devotion and reverence for the Holy Eucharist is critical. You are responsible for bringing two people together – Jesus and the communicant. It is helpful to have a warm, welcoming disposition and a willingness to comply with the directives of this ministry as implemented by the pastor who is responsible for oversight.
General requirements for Adult Liturgical Ministers (Greeter, Usher, Lector, Altar Server, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion):