Becoming a Liturgical Minister
How do I become a Liturgical Minister?
You
may be asked or you may volunteer to become a Liturgical Minister if you feel the call from the Lord to serve the community at worship.
First
step is to fill out a
Liturgical Minister Profile form
- a pink form in the church office or the vestibule of the church and return it to the church office. You will be contacted as soon as possible. You can also fill out the on-line form here:
profile form. We are in need of all forms of ministers at all the Masses.
Following Diocesan policies, theological, Liturgical, and Practical training is required for all ministers who seek to serve at the liturgy at Holy Faith, even if you have been previously trained in another parish. Training consists of a 2-hour General Session with all ministries together, followed by group or individual practical training according to each ministry. You need to register for the parish prior to attending. Pastor has the final approval of all liturgical ministers before they can begin service at the Mass.
Training sessions take place about three times a year and/or whenever there is an enough people ready to take the next step to be trained. Check the website often for the next session or call the office for more information.
Letty Valentin, MA
Pastoral Associate
Liturgy & Adult Formation Director
How do I know if I am qualified for a specific ministry?
We will help assess your skills and gifts and will guide you to the best ministry for you to serve.
Our guide will always be “… everything should be done for building up the community of believers”
(1 Corinthians 26). The following are some guidelines that can be helpful:
For more information contact Letty Valentin, Liturgy Director
lv.holyfaith@gmail.com
Ushers
Requires people-oriented individuals (both men & women) with the ability and willingness to anticipate and serve the needs of others, and to perform tasks during the liturgy with reverence and decorum.
Tasks: Ushers welcome people at the doors of the church. They take up the offering (collection) and may present the gifts of bread and wine. People in this ministry are expected to arrive at Mass at least 20 minutes prior to the beginning of the Liturgy.
Lectors
Requires the ability to read publicly the Sacred Scripture in various literary forms in a clear and articulate voice. Initial screening is done at training sessions. Those who do not have the skill to properly execute this ministry will be directed and welcome to serve in one of the other ministries. Ongoing formation and assistance will be provided for those who may need additional help.
Tasks: Lectors proclaim the “Word of God” at Mass. They are expected to spend time in preparation each time they proclaim the Word. They often will also pray the General Intercessions at Mass.
Altar Servers
Adults and Young (9 years old and above), male and female are welcome. Must be confortable wearing an alb and being in front of large crowds with reverence. Must be able to follow directions and perform regular liturgical functions and procedures without calling attention to one’s self.
Tasks: Altar Servers assist the priest at the altar during the liturgy and facilitate ritual activity and movement during the liturgical celebration.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC)
Must be at least 18 years of age. Both men and women are welcome. Requires the physical ability to maneuver liturgical vessels with reverence and dignity and the ability to observe a reverent and prayerful attitude while being comfortable handling the sacred species. This ministry is greatly enhanced by the minister’s concern and care for the poor, the hungry, and the needy. They are “extraordinary” because the “ordinary” minister of Holy Communion is the ordained minister.
Tasks: EMHC assist with the distribution of the Body and Blood at Masses. They may also take communion to the sick and homebound if they are interested in this ministry.
Music Ministers
Music for our liturgical celebrations is arranged and prepared through our Music Ministry Program. Those interested can contact our Music Director, Cristina Logan via our contact link below. We provide the musical training necessary for this ministry: no prior special training is required but skilled trained individuals are welcome and encourage to participate. More information about Adult and Children’s Choir is available at the Music Ministry.
Tasks: Music Ministers facilitate singing at all our Sunday liturgies, sacramental celebrations, and rites or the Church, as well as special events throughout the year. We need singers, cantors, and instrumentalist.
