There are many opportunities to assist during Masses at St. John's Chapel.
Sacristans: The Sacristans provide invaluable help to the priest, allowing him to enter into his own prayer before and during Mass and therefore helping him to offer a Mass that is more conducive to the prayer and holiness of the people gathered and in their experience of Holy Mass. Therefore, in their ministry to the priests and various ministers of the liturgy, the Sacristans serve the entire community. The Sacristan strives to aid in fostering the prayer of the priest and of the people as well as assisting the clergy in preparation for liturgies.
Altar Servers: St. Paul tells us that we have been given different gifts and different roles so that we can serve God. The special job of the altar server is to help the other ministers, especially the priest. This help comes in the form of the actual service of carrying the cross in procession, being a candle bearer, book server, and the assistance of the priest at the altar.
Lectors: The lector performs the liturgical role of Proclaimer of the Word of God--specifically, the readings that precede the Gospel.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: In every celebration of the Eucharist, there should be a sufficient number of ministers of Holy Communion so that it may be distributed in a reverent and orderly manner. Bishops, priests and deacons distribute Holy Communion in virtue of their office as ordinary ministers of the Body and Blood of the Lord.
When the size of the congregation or the incapacity of the bishop, priest, or deacon requires it, the celebrant may be assisted by other bishops, priests, or deacons. If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, "the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose. In case of necessity, the priest may also depute suitable faithful for this single occasion."
The training for this ministry is most important in the fact that we are handling the sacred Body and Blood of our Lord. The training is done by the Head Sacristan and it is required that each minister must be properly installed with a letter from the diocese upon the completion of training.
Ushers: The ushers provide order for the worship services. Taking up the collection, handing out bulletins, helping people to find seating, and assisting in the flow of prayer and worship.
For more information, contact chapelreception@sjcnc.org.
