Liturgical Ministries – stjosephcincinnati

Our Liturgical Ministries

When we come together to give praise, honor and worship to God, we unite to form one body. In this way we can fully participate in the Liturgy, a word which means the work of the people. According to the Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, in the celebration of Mass, the faithful form a holy people, a people of God’s own possession and a royal Priesthood, so that they may give thanks to God and the offer themselves in the action and spirit of Christ and his holy Church.

By participating at Mass as a Liturgical Minister, you will be given an excellent opportunity to enhance your baptismal call of service to one another, as you will use the talents and gifts God has given you in the service to the Lord. Parishioner contributions help our liturgies to be truly life-giving celebrations. Please prayerfully consider joining one of these ministries. As St Francis Assisi has said, “for it is in giving that we receive,” which will, in this type of service, help you grow and deepen your faith and perhaps help you recognize things in yourself you didn’t know existed. Involve yourself and there may be many positive surprises ahead.

Finally, we remind you that as a liturgical minister you recognize the importance of your role. As Pope Benedict has said, “in effect we all speak by the clothes we wear. Dress is a language and it is a form of external expression.” Consequently, the focus of the congregation should be on the Mass, not on the appearance of the Liturgical Minister. Ministers should dress respectfully and with decorum. Clothing that is too extravagant or flamboyant might distract the congregation from the Liturgy itself. Think business attire. Always try to convey respect, solemnity, and joy of the moment.

Liturgical Minister Roles

Acolyte:

This ministry provides assistance to the priest throughout the celebration of the Liturgy. Training is required to be an acolyte. For more information, please contact Father Rey or Deacon Edwards.

Announcer:

The Announcer serves as a type of master of ceremonies for the liturgical celebration. The Announcer’s role is to welcome the people and to make any necessary announcements prior to the beginning of Mass. An uplifting, welcoming spirit and a good speaking voice are needed. Business attire is a must. Training is provided.

Lectors:

Lectors proclaim the Word of God at Sunday Mass and at other parish liturgical celebrations. A Lector must have a passion for Scripture; an ability to interpret and understand Scripture; and, sufficient public speaking skills to proclaim the Word to the assembly. Once a Lector is assigned to a reading for a specific Mass, he/she should prepare the reading and understand its context. Because specific vocal skills are required to be a Lector, training and a preliminary assessment is needed. For more information about serving as a Lector, please call the parish office.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:

Parishioners assist with the distribution of the Eucharist (Body and Blood) at weekend and Holy Day Masses. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (formerly known as Eucharistic Ministers) must be 18 years of age, have received the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church and, if married, must be recognized by the Church. Training is on-going. Please call the parish office for more details.

Music Ministry (Choir or Musician):

Liturgical music is an integral part of our worship celebrations. It presents a unique and spiritual element that enables our congregation to lift up their voices in praise. Music ministry’s goal is to lead the congregation in sung prayer and to glorify God through the music they each produce.

If you would like to join the parish choir or are a musician, please contact our Minister of Music, Mrs. Shon Hubble, in the parish office for more information.

Usher:

Ushers serve an important role at Mass as a minister of hospitality. Ushers are often the first person people (parishioners and newcomers) encounter when they arrive at Mass. Ushers help greet those who arrive, help find appropriate seating for the congregation if needed, distribute the parish bulletin, and take up the collection. The only requirement to be an usher is a welcoming, warm attitude as parishioner and guests gather for Sunday Mass. For more information, please contact the parish office.