Liturgical Ministries

"My sheep listen to my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.” 
- Jn 10:27.

Readers: Proclaim the Word of God by reading Scriptures at the weekend liturgies, and other times as needed. One or two readers participate at each Mass.

Commentators*: Welcome the congregation at the beginning of Mass and make special announcements. One Commentator participates at each liturgy. 

*Commentators are used only at Christ the King and Pope John XXIII.

Altar servers are ministers of the liturgy who serve the Lord and the faith community by fulfilling many imporant liturgical functions. Altar servers carry the cross and processional candles, hold the book for the celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, and assist the priest and deacon as necessary. The ministry of altar server in the Catholic Church is very unique, other than the priest and deacons; no one else has the opportunity to participate so closely in the preparation of the Eucharist.

We welcome and encourage both youth and adults to serve in this ministry.

Youth altar servers assist the presider during all weekend liturgies, Holy Days, and special liturgies. Students must be at least in Grade 3, be 8 years of age or older, and have made their First Communion. 

Adult altar servers assist the presider during a Funeral Liturgy. Training is provided.

Eucharistic Ministers (Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion) assist in the orderly and reverent distribution of Holy Communion during the liturgy, as well as washing the Sacred Vessels after the liturgy. 

Eucharistic Ministers must have received the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. 

Ushers and Greeters are called to be Ministers of Hospitality. They are entrusted with promoting a sense of welcoming and belonging to all the faithful assembled for worship. They are the first point of contact for the communal celebration of the Liturgy. 

Greeters: Greet people as they enter the church and hand out bulletins (before or after Mass, depending on location),
striving to create a welcoming atmosphere for all!

Ushers: Assist with creating a welcoming atmosphere and contribute to creating a safe environment for all. They also pass the collection basket during offertory, and help people find seating if needed.

Note: Ushers and Greeters are a combined ministry at Christ the King & Pope John XXIII.

Sacristans serve the parish communities by providing care and consistency in the preparations for Masses and they assist at the conclusion of Masses.

They provide an invaluable service that allows the pastor and deacons to focus on their ministries before and after Mass. Sacristans arrive 45 minutes before Mass time, open the building, and turn lights on. They prepare the altar with the chalice, water, wine, and bread needed for the celebration of Mass, prepare the Book of Gospels, and light candles, etc.

They are responsible for ensuring that all volunteer positions (commentator, readers, altar servers, and eucharistic ministers) have been filled for each Mass.

If ministers are needed to fill in for the Mass, the Sacristans approach currently trained ministers present at Mass to fill in as needed. If people are needed to bring up the gifts at the Offertory, Sacristans invite parishioners to assist.

At the conclusion of Mass, the Sacristan extinguishes candles, oversees cleaning of vessels, and placement in Sacristy storage areas, turns off the lights, and locks the doors.