I. During Mass
A. Choir
1. The Choir leads the congregation in singing and helps others to worship the Lord in prayerful song. The Choir is made up of choral singers, soloists, and various instrumentalists. Anyone who is musically inclined and enjoys performing should consider giving their talents to the Church through the Choir.
B. Lector
1. The Lector reads excerpts from the Holy Bible during Mass. They also read announcements, the prayers of the faithful, and introduce the mass. Anyone with good public speaking skills should consider giving their gifts to the Lord through being a Lector.
C. Usher
1. Ushers show people to their seats, pass the baskets during the collection, tally a count of those attending mass, protect the Eucharist, and assists those attending mass when needed. Those who like to serve as needed should consider giving their gifts to the Lord as an Usher.
D. Altar Server
1. Altar Serving is the highest honor of service in the mass next to the priest and deacon. They assist the priest as he says the prayer of the Most Holy Mass. There are a variety of jobs done during Altar serving. Altar Servers serve just outside the spotlight while thinking on their feet and keeping composure. It is a special calling and those who know God in prayer should consider giving God the gift of Altar Serving.
E. Eucharistic Minister
1. Eucharistic Ministers are those, when the occasion calls for it, assist the priest in handing out communion to others. Those who have made their confirmation and have a love for Jesus in the Eucharist should respond yes when their pastor asks them to serve God this way.
11. Outside of Mass
A. Sacristan
1. Sacristans set up for the Mass before and pick up afterward. They work with the priest, the ushers, and the altar servers behind the scenes in making sure all that is needed to celebrate Mass is at hand. Their role is important toward a smooth ceremony of Mass celebration. Please consider serving God this way.
B. Funeral Sacristan
1. Funeral Sacristans are similar to regular Sacristans except that they set up
for Funeral Masses or services before and pick up afterward. There are differences in details but the role and importance is the same.
C. Wedding Sacristan
1. As well, Wedding Sacristans are similar to regular Sacristans except that they set up for Wedding Masses or services before and pick up afterward. This role, too, is vital.
D. Cleaning Mass Linens
1. Linen cleaners clean the linens used on the Altar for Mass. They should have a love for Jesus in the Eucharist as well and an attention to detail and protocol. They imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary and Joseph of Arimathea who took care of Jesus' Body after it was carried down from the cross. This is behind the scenes work as well.
E. Church Decoration
1. Anyone who admires the beautiful decorations of the Church during various special feasts such as Christmas and Easter should know that it takes a great deal of work to set up, maintain, and take down. Church Decorators enhance the beauty of the Church in seasonal decorations.
F. Church Maintenance
1. Just as there are chores needed to be done to maintain houses and
workspaces so too there are chores needed to be done to maintain the Church. Some of the jobs include: changing lights, repairing pews, cleaning gutters, painting and other essential tasks.
G. Bringing Communion to the Sick
1. The Sick are the treasures of the Church because they give us the opportunity to serve the Body of Christ where he is most vulnerable. Those who are so sick that they cannot leave their house for extended times need the Eucharist for strength. Ministers bring the Eucharist to these brothers and sisters in Christ and notify the priest when they need the Sacraments of confession or anointing of the sick. Those who have made their confirmation and have a deep love for Jesus in the Eucharist should consider this. It is especially recommended that family members offer this service for their loved ones who are homebound and sick.
H. St. Ann's Society
1. The St. Ann's Society is a women's organization that offers a network which serves the Church in various capacities and give back to their community.
I. Catechists
1. The Catechists are among the most needed ministry. Those who teach the path of following Jesus Christ will have the greatest rewards in heaven. Teachers, we need those with the gifts of explaining your faith well, sharing your faith at age-appropriate levels, making lesson plans, controlling a classroom, engaging your students with the word of God, creating a safe environment for children in the classroom and while they wait to be picked up by parents or guardians, assigning homework, periodic quizzes, being available to help with your classes' retreat (middle school and high school only), and being available for the reconciliation services for your class. This is a demanding volunteer position but a very rewarding position. We never have enough teachers and/or teacher's aids. We teach K through 11th grade confirmation.
Please consider this prayerfully if you are able to do the work of a catechist.