Keeping the main thing the main thing
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Call to Liturgical Ministry
There are different gifts but the same Spirit;
there are different ministries but the same Lord;
there are different works but the same God
who accomplishes all of them in everyone.
To each person the manifestation of the
Spirit is given for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7When the faithful of our community gather, we become a visible sign of the Body of Christ. During this "sacrament of unity" the whole Body of the Church is involved in many different ways. Many of the important Liturgical functions of our celebrations are entrusted to the laity, who are drawn from the community, trained by the parish, and entrusted with the sincere devotion and decorum expected of them by God's people. Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, Altar servers, Ministers of Hospitality [Ushers and Greeters] and Music Ministers all exercise a genuine liturgical function and are an integral part of our celebrations.
Liturgical ministry is an excellent opportunity to fulfill your baptismal call of service to one another.
If you are interested in becoming a lector or an Eucharistic Minister please call Sister Ann Bremmer at 724-652-3422 or abremmer@hsplc.org
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Altar Servers
Assist the Priest or Presider in all liturgical celebrations. They perform duties before, during, and after a celebration, e.g. lighting the candles, carrying the cross, preparing the altar, assisting in receiving the gifts, and other tasks as instructed.
Environment
Plans, organizes, and executes the decoration of the sanctuary as it relates to the seasons of the liturgical year, especially in regard to the Scripture readings. Planning meeting take place quarterly, or as often as needed.
Eucharist Ministers
Distribute Communion during the celebration of the Eucharist. After Mass they cleanse the vessels and secure them in the sacristy.
Ministers of Hospitality
Make an effort to welcome all who come to any liturgical celebration, and to assist them with whatever they might need. They greet people as they arrive for a liturgy and escort them to a pew. During the Mass they take up the collection and invite parishioners to join them in bringing it, along with the bread and wine, to the altar at the time of the Preparation of the Gifts. After Mass they secure the collection baskets and are responsible for locking the doors and turning off the lights.
Music
Support the worshipping community in sung prayer and music under the leadership of the Parish Music Director. There are various forms of this ministry.
Sacristans
Assist in the preparation of the sanctuary for all liturgical celebrations. Their service is often behind the scenes and helps in many practical ways to create and environment conducive to prayers and reverence. They set up the bread and wine for all Eucharistic celebrations; monitor inventory of wine, hosts, and candles; set out special vestments for weddings and funerals, replenish holy water, and polish the brass candle holders.