Liturgical Ministries
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Altar Servers/Adult and Children
Altar servers are a vital part of the liturgical ministry. They are vital because altar servers perform not just a functional role, but a symbolic role and symbolism is the language of worship. Their actions in the Mass are symbolic of much more than you think and the way they serve can lead people closer to God.
The role of the Altar Server is to assist the Priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass.
All children starting in 4th grade who have received First Communion are welcome to train as altar servers. An altar server must attend a training session before being allowed to serve Mass. After servers have completed training, they are presented with an Altar Server's Manual covering the fundamentals of serving Mass.
Dennis Wilczek
610-368-3689
Altar Server Manual (pdf)
September-October Schedule
November-December Schedule
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Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist: “The Church was born of the paschal mystery. For this very reason the Eucharist, which is in an outstanding way the Sacrament of the paschal mystery, stands at the center of the Church’s life” (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, no.3). Since 1973, the Holy Father has given bishops permission to appoint extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion (EMC). The EMC’s assist with the distribution of communion whenever there is no ordinary minister (priests, deacons, or instituted acolyte*) to assist. They are engaged in the important role of distributing the Body of and Blood of Christ to the assembly; they also work to ensure that the reverence for the Blessed Sacrament is preserved; they are called to be living examples of the mercy of God by their compassion and service.
ONGOING SPIRITUAL TRAINING:
Mary Burkholder
717-733-4989
Extraordinary Minister October Schedule
Extraordinary Minister November Schedule
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Readers
“Christ is present in the liturgy through the Eucharist, the priest, and the assembly that prays and sings. He is also present in the Word since it is He Himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church” (Catechism, 1088, see also SC 7 and Mt. 18:20). Proclaiming the word of God is much more complex than simply standing in front of the assembly and reading a text. It involves the proper understanding and appreciation of Sacred Scripture, careful preparation, the use of the voice, and attention to acoustics and liturgical movement.
ONGOING SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT:
Scott Harper
717-201-1551
Readers Schedule June - October
Readers Schedule October - January
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Music Ministry, Choir and Cantor
Those who offer their musical talents for leading the assembly in sung prayer are pastoral musicians that serve as accompanists, instrumentalists, cantors, and choir members. The Music Ministry enhances the liturgy with songs and instrumental music and also enriches the lives of the participants.
Choir: Anyone with a love and aptitude for music is welcome. An ability to read music is not a requirement.
Musicians: Anyone who can play an instrument at a proficient level is welcome.
“The Church earnestly desires that all the faithful be led to that full, conscious and active participation in liturgical celebrations called for by the very nature of the liturgy. In the reform and promotion of the liturgy, this full and active participation by all the people is the aim to be considered before all else.” (CCC #1141)
Office
717-733-9641
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Welcoming Ministry - Ushers
The ministry of hospitality comes from the Jewish tradition of the “gatekeeper” in the Old Testament. Their duties included watching over the doors of the temple and collecting money offerings from the people (see 2 Kings 22:4,Chronicles 9:19 and Chapter 26, Jeremiah 35:4). Today, the ministry of usher involves much more than collecting money and serving as doorkeeper. The ministry of usher is perhaps the most important for setting the tone for worship. The usher, who should be comfortable meeting and greeting others, extends a welcome to others prior to prayer. Collections, as offerings to God, have always been part of our preparation for the Eucharistic prayer. We place before the altar the work of human hands.
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Sacristan
In parish life, one of the roles that is rarely seen by parishioners is that of a sacristan. It is a "behind-the-scenes" position that makes the priest's job less stressful.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal explains, "The following also exercise(s) a liturgical function: The sacristan, who carefully arranges the liturgical books, the vestments, and other things necessary in the celebration of the Mass" (No. 105).
In the medieval Church this task was often completed by the doorkeeper, who lived close to the parish church. For many centuries, the sacristan, especially in monastic communities, was a younger priest or seminarian in minor orders. However, as the Church expanded to far-off regions of the world with solitary missionary priests, the laity or religious women would be given the important task.
In the past few hundred years there also arose "Altar Societies," where members of the parish would join together in assisting the priest with whatever was needed for the liturgy.
The ministry of sacristan is an essential service in the parish as it helps priests focus on the ministerial aspect of their priesthood. The sacristan keeps the liturgical items for Mass in order while the priest is free to visit parishioners, anoint the sick, and prepare homilies.
Sacristans are always needed, especially in rural parishes, and it is a way to serve the Church in a less public way.
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ART & ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY
This ministry creates the seasonal liturgical atmosphere in the parish worshipping space and works with the Liturgical Ministry in creating the most prayerful environment possible for enriching our spiritual journey.
This ministry coordinates changes to the environment of our worship space to reflect the Church’s liturgical cycle, Holy Days, feasts and special celebrations.
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