“The liturgy is the work of the whole Christ, head and body” (CCC 1187). This means that our celebration of the sacraments, especially the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, is the work not only of the clergy but of all the faithful who are gathered. Given this, our Holy Rosary family offers various liturgical ministries for those wishing to play more active roles in the liturgical celebration.
Greeters
First impressions can be lasting impressions. Newcomers and parishioners alike need to be acknowledged and welcomed with a sign of love upon arrival to our parish. Being a greeter is a way to shake hands, smile, and pass out worship aids before the Mass begins. By doing so, our parish gives a face to our assembly.
Lectors
During the Mass, we are called to encounter Christ in both Scripture and Sacrament. The Liturgy of the Word affords us the opportunity to hear God’s word proclaimed from the sanctuary. Throughout salvation history, our Lord has employed multiple voices to communicate the truth. We acknowledge this reality by allowing the faithful to read from both the Old and New Testaments from the ambo during the Holy Mass.
Sacristans
The prophets of Old Testament continually reminded the people of Israel to prepare themselves for the coming of the Lord. In the same way, Sacristans are those who prepare all that is needed for the celebration of Christ’s arrival at the Holy Mass. They purify the sacred vessels that our gifts will be consecrated upon, wash linens used during the Holy Sacrifice, make all necessary arrangements for the reception of our Lord’s Body and Blood during the celebration.
Ushers
Just as the head directs the movement of the body, Christ directs the movement of his people during sacred liturgy. He directs the movement of our hearts to a place of thanksgiving, but also our bodies in the prescribed motions of the Mass. To facilitate our ability (especially during the reception of Holy Communion), our parish utilizes ushers to gently guide us to the footsteps of the altar. Additionally, ushers bring our gifts to the altar during the offertory of the Mass.
Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers
As Catholics, we believe that Christ is fully present in both species of the Eucharist. In other words, both Body and Blood are wholly present in both elements after the consecration. However, the liturgical reforms following the Second Vatican Council sought to encourage the reception of both elements by the faithful during the Mass as a fuller sacramental sign. Therefore, when needed, extraordinary Eucharistic ministers help administer both the Body and Blood of our Lord during the Holy Mass.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Every first Sunday of the month, our parish offers Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the Liturgy of the Word of the 10:30 Mass. This ministry allows for those children from grades K-2nd grade to hear the Word of God proclaimed to them in a way that they can relate. The children return during the offertory of the Mass to celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist with their parish family.
Do you have an interest in assisting us in one of these ministries? If so, please call our parish office at 901-767-6949
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