Liturgical Ministries

The Secretariat for Worship and Liturgical Formation is proud to present a special

Liturgical Minister Appreciation Event

Dr Edward Hogan from the Diocese of Saginaw will be here in Gaylord at the Pastoral Center on June 13 and 14, 2008. His talk is titled "The Challenge of Authenticity in Liturgical Ministry" This will continue to promote and encourage the continuing catechesis and skill development of all ministries including: Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (homebound, sick and at Mass), Readers, Music Ministers, Ushers/Greeters, Adult Servers, Sacristans, Environment Ministers, Presiders/Prayer leaders, Deacons, Worship Commissions.

There is a choice of two sessions, Friday, June 13 at 7:00-10:00 pm or Saturday, June 14 at 9:00 am-12:00 pm. Bishop Cooney will also be present to show his appreciation to all those dedicated to the ministry service. Refreshments and sign-in will begin one hour prior to both sessions.

There is no charge to attend but we do need you to register prior to the event. Please contact your parish office for the registration information.

Guidelines for Cantors

It is considered the ministry of the cantor to:

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 Lectors

It is expected that persons involved as lectors in their parishes are baptized, mature (at least upper high school level), active members of the parish. The goal for any reader is to proclaim God's word in a clear, understandable way so the faithful will develop a warm and lively love for Scripture from listening to the proclamation of the sacred texts. In order to do this, the reader must prepare spiritually as well as technically. Prayerful study of the Scriptures will allow the reader to understand the readings in context and to perceive the central point of the revealed message. Readers with a love and understanding of the Word of God convey this to the assembly through the manner in which they read. Through prayerful preparation readers allow themselves to be receptive to the Spirit who speaks through them in their ministry.

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.

Responsibilities:

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

Guidelines for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Basic Norms 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.

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

Available from Worship Office-Diocese of Gaylord:
Handbook for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Handbook for Lectors
Handbook for Ministers fo Hospitality - Ushers
Handbook for Parish Music MInisters
ABC's for Altar Servers