liturgical ministries
Participation in the Holy Eucharist by all Catholics is an incredible privilege, available to us because we are made in the image of God and have been incorporated into His Body by His Son. It is a special privilege to be able to assist in the Eucharistic celebration as server, lector, eucharistic minister or presenter of gifts, and if we accept these tasks we ought to try especially hard to live in a way which manifests the grace which we receive in the Eucharist. More people are needed in all these areas of service; please consider carefully whether you could make a contribution in one of the following ways.
Altar Servers
Altar servers! The schedule for altarservers, as well as instructions for serving Mass, are available online at http://stmaryscathedral.ca/altarservers/.
Servers are needed for Sunday Masses, weekday Masses and Funeral Masses; we do not have them at wedding Masses though it would be nice to do so if we had enough people available. The basic tasks of a server are probably well known to you: holding the missal at the presider’s chair, setting and clearing the altar during Mass, serving him with the breads, wine and water, and with water and towel for the ablutions, and ringing the Sanctus bell. At More solemn Masses there is also the Crucifer or crossbearer, and candle bearers; at some Masses – and always at funerals – there is also the Thurifer or incense-bearer. On great feasts such as Christmas and Easter, when the Archbishop celebrates solemnly, there are further offices to perform.
Of course, the role you offer to take is up to you; what is most needed at present are servers for Sundars and for funerals, though more servers for the weekday Masses would also be appreciated. Girls and women are most welcome as well as boys and men. If you wish to offer your services, please apply to Mrs. Mariola Gozdek or Joe Putos at 384-4123.
Co-ordinator : Mariola Gozdek (O) 546-5521
Training and scheduling: Joe Putos (h) 384-4123
Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic ministers have perhaps the most awe-inspiring role of all – to deliver to communicants the Body and Blood of Christ. They are approved by the Archbishop and the Rector, and generally formally mandated for their task. Eucharistic ministers are needed not only at Mass but to take Communion to the sick at home. Contact the rectory office (546-5521) if you wish to offer your services for this additional role.
Organizers of schedule: Mr. and Mrs. J. Fahey tel. (O) 546-5521
Trainer: Mrs. Mariola Gozdek tel (O)546-5521, with whom messages about the schedule should be left.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
The Family Liturgy is a Sunday Mass which takes place in St. James’ Chapel at 9.30am on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. It is intended to enable children to play as much part in the liturgy as possible, as lectors, servers, presenters of the gifts and musicians, in order to develop a sense that they belong to the liturgy and the liturgy to them.)
After the Mass, all children and parents gather at the Parish Centre for a social time and refreshments. Co-ordinators: Joanne Cook and Mariola Gozdek
Lectors
The Lector, as s(he) proclaims the readings is the Voice of God, for God is present in His spoken Word. Each reading needs to be prepared well in advance, and some training in speaking through the microphone is essential. Lectors also have to present the Prayer of the Faithful, which also needs careful study beforehand, especially for the pronunciation of names.
Organizers of schedule: Mr. and Mrs. J. Fahey
Trainer: Phone Ms. Eleanor Casey tel. (O)546-5521, with whom messages about the schedule should be left.
Presenters of the Gifts
Presenters of the Gifts carry the bread and wine to be used in the Mass up from the centre of the main aisle to the celebrant at the altar. At the 9.30am Mass on Sundays, special arranements are made with families to provide presenters. At other masses, parishioners who happen to be present are invited on the spot.
Co-ordinator: Mrs. Mariola Gozdek, 546-5521.