Mass Ministries

Assisting with the celebration of the Mass allows you to serve and be an intricate part in the central act of worship, and be a model for the imitation of the love and service of Jesus.

Make practical aspects of the Mass flow more smoothly by assisting the priest during the celebration of the Mass.

Most of these teams work in the forefront while Mass is being celebrated except the Sacristan, who does the preparation before Mass begins. The Offertory Guide works exclusively in the back of the church with the parishioners participating in the Offertory Procession. These teams serve during Mass and 10-15 minutes prior.

  • Do you enjoy being an active part in Mass?
  • Do you like setting up for an event or guiding others in procedures?
  • Would you enjoy bringing Jesus to others?
  • Do you like reading for others?
  • Do you enjoy singing?


  • Can you spare an extra 10 minutes before Mass ?
  • Can you spare an extra 1-2 hours per month to bring Jesus to the homebound?

ALTAR SERVER TEAM

Assisting the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass through specific actions and active participation in the liturgy.

Altar servers perform several functions during the Mass, assisting the priest with rites of the Mass. The additional time needed in addition to the Mass is 20 minutes prior to Mass.

  • 15-20 minutes before Mass
  • one or more times per month
  • work with one or two other servers
  • work at the altar during Mass
  • wear altar server garment
  • Carry the cross, hold the book for the priest, assist the priest with washing hands and accepting and preparing the Offertory Gifts

CHOIR/CANTOR

Using singing skills to participate in the music for the Mass or as a cantor

The Choir/Cantor Team performs during Masses on the weekend, and some special Masses, including funerals – time includes 30 minutes prior to Mass, the duration of Mass, and one hour practice weekly.


  • 30 minutes before Mass & duration of Mass
  • occasional special services
  • One hour per week for choir practice
  • work as a group, as people are leaving
  • Church Dress attire
  • work in the choir loft
  • ability to sing is required
  • Singing of hymns and responses

EUCHARISTIC MINISTER TEAM

Assist the priest with administering the Holy Eucharist during Mass & to the homebound

The Eucharistic Ministers assist the priest in administering the Holy Eucharist to the congregation during Mass, and also to the homebound for monthly visits – usually for about 1-2 hours a month plus Mass.

  • Duration of Mass one or more times/month
  • 1-2 hours once or twice a month for homebound
  • work as an individual during the Eucharist and to the homebound
  • work serving the congregation
  • Church Dress attire
  • Administer the Eucharist alongside the priest and to the homebound
  • Interact with the homebound while there

LECTOR TEAM

Proclaim the scriptures and offer petitions at the Mass

The Lector reads the Sacred Scripture for the congregation during Mass – arriving 15 minutes prior to the start of Mass to prepare.

  • Duration of Mass plus 15 minutes before
  • one or more times per month
  • work by self
  • speaking before the congregation
  • church dress attire
  • actual serving time during Mass is about 20 minutes
  • Reading the two Scripture readings and then the petitions

OFFERTORY GUIDE

Guide parishioners in taking up the offertory collection

The offertory guide encourages and gives direction to the parishioners who are taking up the offertory collection.

  • 15 minutes prior to Mass + 5 minutes during
  • one or more times per month
  • work by self
  • speaking to parishioners
  • church dress attire
  • actual serving time during Mass is about 5 minutes
  • Selecting 3 parishioners for the collection then guide them prior to the offertory collection.

SACRISTAN TEAM

Prepare the Eucharist tray for the Eucharistic celebration for Mass

The Sacristan prepares for the Mass:  setting out the appropriate number of hosts, taking the tray to the altar, lighting the candles, and cleaning the vessels after Mass.

  • 15 minutes before Mass & 5 minutes after
  • one or more times per month
  • work by self
  • minimal interactions
  • church dress attire
  • actual serving time is about 20 minutes total
  • Get guest count from usher to determine the number of hosts needed.
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