What is a Liturgical Ministry? Those who are part of the liturgical ministry performs acts on behalf of the church. It includes lectors who proclaim scriptural passages read from the Bible during Mass, altar servers and those who assist the priests or deacons at the altar during Mass; eucharistic ministers who, during mass, distribute Holy Communion the Sacred Wine or afterwards, take Holy Communion to the sick and homebound; and musicians or singers who lead the singing or ushers.
What's a benefit to joining a Liturgical Ministry at St. Gabe's? Personal spiritual growth, while being of service to the parish community, the pastor and priests. Joining any group in the Parish strengthens its Mission Statement as well as provides socialization opportunities for each individual.
Our Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and Altar Servers are made up of volunteers. Each group has specific duties during the celebration of Mass.
The Lector’s primary duty is to proclaim the readings and prayers of the faithful at Mass. Lectors follow a rotating schedule based on the number of Lectors who have volunteered. For example, if 5 people volunteer for 4:00 pm Mass then they would serve once every 5 weeks. There is a short orientation given to new Lectors by Diane Czuprynski at which time they are given the book of readings to prayerfully prepare themselves at home. A prerequisite for a Lector is that they should have made their Confirmation.
A Eucharistic Ministers role is to assist the priest with distribution of the Eucharist during Mass. A one-day training session is given at Christ the King Seminary as well as at certain parishes throughout the Diocese. We usually need 6-8 Ministers at each weekend/holiday Mass. Again, scheduling depends on the number of volunteers for a particular Mass. A prerequisite for a Lector is that they should have made their Confirmation.
Altar servers assist the priest at Mass and other liturgies throughout the year. Training sessions are held as the need arises and is typically posted in the bulletin. Altar Servers are in 4th grade or higher, and should have made three First Communion. Those interested in being an Altar Server can pick up an application at the Faith Formation office during class times, in the main vestibule at church or in the rectory during business hours.
Please prayerfully consider being a part of our Liturgical Ministries at St. Gabe's! If you need information on any of the current training available for any of these positions or about any of the ministries, please contact the rectory at 716-668-4017.
Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Altar Servers Music Ministries Ushers