Mass Coordinator

Each Mass has a Mass coordinator, who arrives early to set up, stays late to clean up, makes sure all the assigned ministers have arrived (and finds volunteers to fill in any open slots), and makes sure everyone knows their job. Coordinators usually have some experience in other liturgical ministries before they become coordinators.​

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Greeters and Ushers

Greeters and Ushers are some of the most important of our ministries because these are the first people that newcomers and visitors to our parish meet. They offer a warm welcome to all those who enter our church. As with all our ministries, they are scheduled at the Mass of their choosing approximately once a month.
Greeters: Greeters arrive approximately 15 minutes before Mass begins, and stand at one of the church doors, saying hello and welcoming everyone who enters. Once Mass begins, the job is done! This ministry is open to all ages; entire families can greet together (it’s a great way to introduce children to service).
Ushers: Ushers also greet parishioners as they arrive; they also find a family to bring up the gifts, take up the collection, and direct the communion procession. Ushers are the people who answer questions, assist visitors looking for a restroom, and help people to find seats. This ministry is open to all adults, and young people middle school and up.

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Altar Servers

We have a continuing need for altar servers at all our Masses, but our most serious need is at the 4:30 Saturday Mass. If you become an altar server, you would be scheduled at the Mass of your choosing approximately once a month. Altar servers assist the priest during the Mass. They hold the book for Father to read the prayers, lead the procession with candles and cross, carry the sacred vessels to and from the altar, carry the gifts of bread and wine to the altar.  Young people in the fourth grade and older are eligible to become servers. Trainings are scheduled several times a year, but don’t wait—we will train you at any time! If you are interested in becoming an altar server, please call the parish office (330-533-6839).  One of the most visible ministries is that of altar server. By doing their job well, servers help us all to pray and participate better by their example.

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Lectors (Readers)

In the readings, the table of God’s Word is spread before the faithful, and the treasures of the Bible are opened to them. Thus, it is preferable that the arrangement of the biblical readings be maintained, for by them the unity of both Testaments and of salvation history is brought out. Nor is it lawful to replace the readings and Responsorial Psalm, which contain the Word of God, with other, non-biblical texts.

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In the celebration of the Mass with the people, the readings are always read from the ambo.

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The function of proclaiming the readings is by tradition not presidential but ministerial. Therefore, the readings are to be read by a reader, but the Gospel by the Deacon or, in his absence, by another Priest. If, however, a Deacon or another Priest is not present, the Priest Celebrant himself should read the Gospel, and moreover, if no other suitable reader is present, the Priest Celebrant should also proclaim the other readings as well.

 

After each reading, whoever reads it pronounces the acclamation, and by means of the reply the assembled people give honor to the Word of God that they have received in faith and with gratitude. 

 

The lector is instituted to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, with the exception of the Gospel. He may also announce the intentions for the Universal Prayer and, in the absence of a psalmist, recite the Psalm between the readings.  

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The reader reads from the ambo the readings that precede the Gospel. In the absence of a psalmist (organist and cantor), the reader may also proclaim the Responsorial Psalm after the First Reading.

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In the absence of a Deacon, the reader, after the introduction by the Priest, may announce the intentions of the Universal Prayer from the ambo.

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​Eucharistic Ministers

Eucharistic Ministers are those people who assist the priest and deacon in distributing the Body and Blood of Christ to the faithful at communion time. If you have a special devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, this is the ministry for you! To share the Body of Christ with each parishioner is incredibly rewarding! This ministry is open to all confirmed Catholics aged sixteen and up.

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Ministers to the Homebound

We have reinstated the Homebound Eucharist Ministry and are in need of a few more volunteers.  If you are a Eucharistic Minister and are interested in taking communion to the homebound, please contact Kay McCarthy at 330-533-4982.  Please note: Anyone who takes communion into people’s homes or into nursing homes/assisted living facilities must be in compliance with the Diocesan Safe Environment Policy before beginning your ministry.  You will need to read the Diocesan policy and sign an acknowledgement, complete an online VIRTUS training, and submit your fingerprints for a background check. For more information on this policy, please call the parish office.

 

If you think you are being called to any of these ministries, please contact the parish office.

Phone: 330-533-6839, or Maxine Gordon  mgordon@saintmichaelparish.net