Explore Liturgical Ministries

Learn more about the ways you can serve at Mass.

Altar Server

Altar servers assist the presider and other ministers, helping the liturgy flow smoothly and reverently. This ministry requires training and and a deep respect for what happens during the liturgy.

• Typically serve at weekend Mass once or twice per month
• Youth (grade 5 and older) and adults welcome
• Must have received First Eucharist and be a practicing Catholic
• 2 servers are needed at each Mass

Eucharistic Minister

Eucharistic Ministers assist the presider in distributing the Sacred Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ at Mass. This ministry requires training and a reverence for the Eucharist and the people of God.

• Typically serve at weekend Mass once or twice per month
• Must be Confirmed and a practicing Catholic
• 3-6 ministers serve at each Mass (more at special liturgies)
  

Greeter

Greeters warmly welcome all who gather for worship, especially newcomers and visitors, helping create a spirit of hospitality. This ministry requires training and a friendly and helpful disposition.

• Typically serve once or twice per month at weekend Mass
• Open to individuals, couples, and families
• 2 greeters needed at each Mass

Lector

Lectors proclaim the Word of God and lead the Prayers of the Faithful. This ministry requires training in proclaiming Scripture clearly, distinctly, and with understanding.

• Typically once per month serve at weekend Mass
• Additional opportunities at Daily Mass
• Must be Confirmed and a practicing Catholic
• Preparation includes prayerful reading and study of Scripture before Mass

Liturgical Art & Environment

Help prepare the church for each liturgical season through visual elements such as decorative elements, fabrics, plants, and floral arrangements.

• Opportunities for artists, seamstresses, and those able to assist with physical setup
• Creative individuals of all ages and skills are welcome
  
• Seasonal work during Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time

Music Ministry

Music helps our community worship with full heart and mind, supporting the assembly in prayer and participation. 

• Bell Choir
• Provide bell accompaniment for liturgies during Advent through Epiphany and Holy Week through Mother's Day
• Must be able to count simple rhythms from musical notations; bell ringing training provided
• Rehearsals typically Saturday at 9 a.m.

• Cantor
• Primary leader of song at Mass, including singing the responsorial psalm
• Supports the assembly's participation
• Requires audition, rehearsal, and training
• Serves at Mass on Saturday 4:30 p.m., Sunday at 9 a.m. (with the Choir) and 11 a.m.

• Choir
• Leads and supports full participation in the liturgy at 9 a.m. and special liturgies
• Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8 p.m. (Sept. through May)
• Additional rehearsals for solemnities and major feasts of the church year
• Funerals: Volunteer singers and instrumentalists for funeral liturgies are contacted when a funeral is planned; rehearsal is one hour before the liturgy begins

• Instrumentalists (brass, wind, string, and percussion)
• Enhance liturgies throughout the year
• Must be able to read music and play in ensemble 
• Audition required
  

Sacristan

Sacristans prepare the church and all liturgical elements before and after Mass. From turning on the lights and sound system, setting up the Sacred Vessels, preparing unconsecrated hosts and wine, arranging liturgical books, and lighting candles. The sacristan also makes sure all liturgical ministers are checked in and communicates with them as necessary. After the liturgy, replaces items used at Mass, washes the Sacred Vessels, and close the church.

This opportunity requires training, knowledge of the Mass, and reverence for the Eucharist. While it is not necessary to have served in every other liturgical ministry, it is critical to understand the duties of the ministries involved in each Mass.

• Typically serve at weekend Mass once or twice per month
• Must be confirmed and a practicing Catholic
• 1 sacristan is needed for each Mass

Usher

Ushers help the liturgy move forward and assist the community with order and charity. Ushers take up the collection, may bring forward the gifts, and take on additional duties in special liturgies. Ushers are trained in safety procedures and help take the lead in case of health or safety emergencies.

• Typically serve once per month at weekend Mass
• Friendly and helpful disposition required
• 4 ushers are needed each Mass

Get Involved

Whether you feel called to serve at the altar, welcome others, proclaim Scripture, or share your musical gifts, there is a place for you.

The Church teaches that the liturgy is the place where Christ makes present the fruits of his Paschal mystery. Full participation in worship includes both interior prayer and active engagement. These ministries help our whole community worship together more fully.

We invite you to prayerfully consider how God is calling you to serve.

Contact Moya to learn more or get started:

mmmathews@ctkmpls.org or 612-920-5030, ext. 12.