LITURGICAL MINISTERS
Altar Servers
The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. A secondary role is to set an example for the congregation in attentiveness through proper responses and posture. At St Mary's, there are normally four altar servers at Sunday Mass. See the USCCB guidelines for altar servers for more information on what these duties entail.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
The primary role of the Extraordinary Minister is to assist with the distribution of Holy Communion when the Ordinary Minister - that is, the priest or deacon - is unable to do so. At St Mary's, two Eucharistic Ministers bring Communion to those seated in the balcony areas. See the USCCB guidelines for Eucharistic Ministers for more information.
Lectors
The primary role of the lector is to proclaim the non-Gospel readings to the people. At St Mary's, there are normally two lectors at Mass, each of whom read either the First or Second Reading. See the USCCB guidelines for lectors for more information.
Musicians
The primary role of the musician is to sing the parts of the Mass that are meant to be sung, with 'pride of place' given to Gregorian chant. This is accomplished by leading the people in the Ordinary (such as the Gloria), singing the Propers (such as the Introit), and singing other sacred music at the appropriate times (such as a motet during Communion). The secondary role is to provide beautiful music with instruments appropriate for sacred use. At St Mary's, the choir, a schola cantorum, sings at the 9 a.m. Mass, and may be accompanied by organ or other orchestral instruments. See Chapter VI of Sacrosanctum Concillium for more information.
Sacristans
The primary role of the sacristan is the care of items needed for the proper celebration of the Mass, such as the altar linens, garments, candles, and the numerous other objects used on the altar. The sacristan ensures these items are ready for use before Mass, and properly cleaned and/or put away afterwards. See this EWTN page for more information.
Ushers/Greeters
The primary role of an usher is to welcome the congregation as they arrive. They may also hand out bulletins, direct attendees to open seats, ensure the priest is made aware of any congregants that need an accommodation, take up the collection, and bring the offertory gifts to the priest.
Altar Servers
The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. A secondary role is to set an example for the congregation in attentiveness through proper responses and posture. At St Mary's, there are normally four altar servers at Sunday Mass. See the USCCB guidelines for altar servers for more information on what these duties entail.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
The primary role of the Extraordinary Minister is to assist with the distribution of Holy Communion when the Ordinary Minister - that is, the priest or deacon - is unable to do so. At St Mary's, two Eucharistic Ministers bring Communion to those seated in the balcony areas. See the USCCB guidelines for Eucharistic Ministers for more information.
Lectors
The primary role of the lector is to proclaim the non-Gospel readings to the people. At St Mary's, there are normally two lectors at Mass, each of whom read either the First or Second Reading. See the USCCB guidelines for lectors for more information.
Musicians
The primary role of the musician is to sing the parts of the Mass that are meant to be sung, with 'pride of place' given to Gregorian chant. This is accomplished by leading the people in the Ordinary (such as the Gloria), singing the Propers (such as the Introit), and singing other sacred music at the appropriate times (such as a motet during Communion). The secondary role is to provide beautiful music with instruments appropriate for sacred use. At St Mary's, the choir, a schola cantorum, sings at the 9 a.m. Mass, and may be accompanied by organ or other orchestral instruments. See Chapter VI of Sacrosanctum Concillium for more information.
Sacristans
The primary role of the sacristan is the care of items needed for the proper celebration of the Mass, such as the altar linens, garments, candles, and the numerous other objects used on the altar. The sacristan ensures these items are ready for use before Mass, and properly cleaned and/or put away afterwards. See this EWTN page for more information.
Ushers/Greeters
The primary role of an usher is to welcome the congregation as they arrive. They may also hand out bulletins, direct attendees to open seats, ensure the priest is made aware of any congregants that need an accommodation, take up the collection, and bring the offertory gifts to the priest.
