Service Opportunities:
Liturgical/Worship

ALTAR SERVERS

In a symbol of our common priesthood, altar servers are given the responsibility for carrying the cross, candles, and incense in procession, and assisting the celebrant at our liturgies. The actions of these individuals highlight the ceremony and ritual that are so much a part of the liturgy we celebrate.

All students from 4th through 8th grade are invited to serve at the altar. They may be from the St. Al's/St. Pat's school or from the CCD program. Servers will minister principally at weekend or holy day Masses, but an occasional wedding or funeral may be required. Training is provided and responsibility is required from both students and parents.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY

These ministers assist the priest in distributing the Eucharist at the Sunday liturgies. Distribution of the Eucharist occurs in both forms (bread and wine). After an initial training session and approval by the pastor, ministers are specially commissioned and fit into the regular liturgical schedule.

LECTORS & COMMENTATORS

Lectors proclaim the Scriptures. They are our storytellers on our journey through Scripture. They must be able to proclaim in a way that allows the meaning and significance of the Word of God to be recognized by the assembly. A training session is required, and lectors are expected to prepare and proclaim when scheduled.

LITURGICAL PLANNING TEAM

The parish volunteers who serve on the liturgy team, along with the pastor, make the basic decisions about all weekend and special liturgies. The purpose of planning is to provide the best possible liturgical experience so that the assembly will be moved to love and serve the Lord. Ministers serving on the Liturgical Planning Team become familiar with the symbolic and ritual aspects of liturgy as well as the seasons and the cycles of the liturgical year. The Liturgical Planning Team can be also divided into different specialized groups that focus on particular services. The Communal Baptism and Youth Masses are examples of these different groups and are described below. Other specialized group are formed as needed.

SACRISTANS

Sacristans serve the assembly and the ministers by preparing all the physical elements needed for the Mass. They prepare the vessels and linens for the Eucharist, put out an appropriate quantity of bread and wine, assist in vesting, ensure the Lectionary and Sacramentary are properly placed, clean the vessels used for Communion, and restore the vessels and utensils to their proper place. Sacristan training is provided. The time commitment is minimal: approximate 20 minutes before Mass and 10 minutes after Mass.

SENIOR ALTAR SERVERS

Senior Altar Servers are those servers who have demonstrated a faithful commitment to serving and have graduated their 8th grade year. These servers decide to continue serving at Mass throughout high school. They take on a leadership role in the ministry, acting as Master of Ceremonies for weekend and special Masses, serving weddings, funerals, Stations of the Cross, and Benedictions. They may also assist in the training of new altar servers. Advanced training is provided and responsibility is required.

USHERS & GREETERS

The women and men within the assembly who serve in this ministry are much more than collection takers and distributors of worship guides and bulletins. They are representatives of a caring community. They welcome visitors, assist new members, and help the disabled experience an accessible environment. Ushers need to arrive 20 minutes before Mass.

WORSHIP COMMISSION

The Worship Commission develops the spiritual life of the parish community. Their responsibility is to prepare the liturgy and the art & environment for the seasons. The commission is concerned with the liturgical calendar as well as special celebrations, such as communal baptisms. The commission is also responsible for the recruitment, scheduling, and training of liturgical ministers (Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Sacristans, Ushers).

The parish choirs work in conjunction with the Worship Commission and coordinate their efforts to enhance the liturgical celebrations.

In cooperation with the other Catholic Communities of Lemont, representatives of the Worship Commission join in the preparation of the Lemont Catholic Community Reconciliation Service for Advent and Lent, as well as the yearly Lemont Catholic Mission.

You are invited to attend the monthly meetings of the Worship Commission to develop a feel for its needs and where your special talents fit in. Extra hands are always welcome to decorate the Church for Christmas and Easter and to remove the decorations at the end of the season. You also may serve as a liturgical minister or help plan special liturgical celebrations. The music ministry has room for anyone interested in music.

The Worship Commission meets on the first Monday of the month at 7:00 pm in the Conference Center.