Liturgical Ministries

Guidelines for Altar Servers

The Ministry of Altar Server is important in the Church.  It is the Altar Server's responsibility to assist the Celebrant during liturgy.  An altar server who performs his/her responsbilities with knowledge and prayerfulness helps to facilitate the prayerfulness of the assembly.

The Secretariat for Worship and Liturgical Formation has produced the booklet, "Ministry of Altar Server,"  and this resource will soon be available for purchase.  This booklet is also available to be reproduced by parishes without further permission from the Worship Office at the link below.  Please contact the worship office if you have any questions.

Ministry of Altar Server 

Guidelines for Cantors

• share in the proclamation of the Word of God, particularly as a psalmist
• teach the assembly its songs, refrains and acclamations

"There should be a cantor or choirmaster to direct and encourage the people in singing. If there is no choir, the cantor leads the various songs and the people take their own part." GIRM (684)

"The chanter (cantor) of the psalms is to sing the psalm or other biblical song between the readings (from the same place that the other Scripture is proclaimed). The cantor should be trained in the art of singing psalms and be able to speak clearly and distinctly." GIRM (67)

Guidelines for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

• Whenever a minister specified by Canon 910 of the Code of Canon Law is not available;
• Whenever the ordinary minister is unable to administer communion conveniently because of poor health, advanced age, or the demands of pastoral ministry;
• Whenever the number of faithful who wish to receive communion is so great that the celebration of Mass would be unduly prolonged.

Requirements:

• Trained ministers of upper high school level are permitted for Liturgies where the assembly is primarily made up of children.
• Fully initiated, practicing members of the Catholic faith.
• Respectful, as shown by dress and demeanor.
• Available and dependable.
• Chosen by the pastor, pastoral administrator, or parish life coordinator, properly instructed to perform this service for members of their own parish community and who has received a mandate from the Bishop of the Diocese.

The Secretariat for Worship and Liturgical Formation has produced a "Handbook for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion."  This resource will soon be available for purchase.  This booklet is also available to be reproduced by parishes without further permission from the Worship Office at the link below.  Please contact the worship office if you have any questions.

Handbook for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 

Guidelines for Lectors

Requirements:

• A willingness to serve others
• A willingness to grow in understanding and love of scripture
• A willingness to understand the meaning and structure of the Liturgy of the Word and its relation to the Liturgy of the Eucharist
• A willingness to develop the technical skills necessary for public proclamation
• A willingness to be spiritually and physically prepared to minister to others, by prayerful preparation to convey the Word to the assembly and by a familiarity with the environment in which the Word will be proclaimed.

• Prepare beforehand by reading the scripture, discuss its meaning with others and practice aloud
• Honor the time and schedule commitments of the ministry
• Take advantage of continuing educational opportunities in the parish and the diocese as they arise
• Wear non-distracting, appropriate attire

The Secretariat for Worship and Liturgical Formation has produced the booklet, "Ministry of Lectors."  This resource will soon be available for purchase.  This booklet is also available to be reproduced by parishes without further permission from the Worship Office at the link below.  Please contact the worship office if you have any questions.

Ministry of Lectors 

Guidelines for Ushers and Greeters

Ministers of hospitality, including ushers and greeters, serve the assembly and assist in prayer.  They do this above all by recognizing, welcoming and caring for each member of the assembly as if that person were Christ.  They tend to the needs of the people of God and make them feel comfortable as they gather for worship each Sunday.

Much is expected of ushers and greeters.  They have chosen to serve God's people with generosity and greet them with great kindness and joy.

One of the expectations is that these ministers will participate in some form of training and formation because their responsiblities are varied and many according to the guidelines set forth by their parish and/or cluster of parishes.

The Secretariat for Worship and Liturgical Formation has produced the booklet, "Ministry of Hospitality Ushers and Greeters."  This resource will soon be available for purchase.  This booklet is also available to be reproduced by parishes without further permission from the Worship Office at the link below.  Please contact the worship office if you have any questions.

Ministry of Hospitality 

Additional Resources

Liturgical Studies and Liturgical Music

Resource Books for Liturgical Ministries

Available from Liturgy Training Publications:
Guide for Ushers and Greeters
Guide for Lectors
Guide for the Assembly
Guide to Keeping Sunday Holy
Guide for Sunday Mass
Guide to the Revised Lectionary
Guide for Sacristans

Soon available for purchase from the Worship Office-Diocese of Gaylord:
Handbook for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Handbook for Lectors
Handbook for Ministers of Hospitality - Ushers and Greeters
Handbook for Parish Music MInisters
ABC's for Altar Servers