COVID NOTE: Because of COVID, all liturgical ministry roles are suspended to keep our celebrations safe and sacred according to the directives of the diocese of London and the ministry of health. Once we are given further direction for ministries in the Mass, we will be able to once again open these roles.
There are many opportunities for parishioners to participate during the mass. The following outlines some of these opportunities. If you wish to explore these options more closely, please contact the main church office at Phone:519-631-3052 or 519-631-3640 or E-mail: Linda Joers
by Andrea Adams, Demand Media
A Catholic church usher often performs duties before, during and after mass.
Because of its importance, the role of usher has had a long history in the Catholic Church. Referred to as porters in the Third Century, ushers used to guard the church doors against disruptive intruders. Today, ushers serve the opposite function by being the first to welcome parishioners and visitors to mass. Depending on the parish, they also assist in a variety of other ways.
Ushers are instructed to dress appropriately. Guidelines vary by parish, but erring on the side of formal as opposed to casual is generally encouraged. For example, men should wear a suit and tie, and women should wear a pantsuit or a long dress or skirt. Ushers are also asked to arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes early. Some churches ask that the ushers wear a name tag or pin.
Ushers greet and welcome mass attendees at the church entrance ways. They serve as representatives of the church, and therefore their demeanor and body language should reflect its hospitality. They take note of any known doctors or nurses in attendance, should anyone need medical assistance during the mass. Also, they assist attendees as needed with finding a seat, paying particular attention to those with special needs. During crowded services, assisting with seating is especially important.
Ushers sit at the back of the church and participate fully in the service. When late-comers arrive, ushers help minimize disruptions by asking them to momentarily stand by during the readings and the priest’s homily. Ushers are also responsible for passing around the collection baskets. During communion, they assist the eucharistic ministers by pointing out those who cannot proceed through the communion line and therefore need communion brought to them.
Once the mass is over, ushers stand by the church doors to distribute the weekly bulletin. Depending on the church and the time of year, they may prop the doors open or stand outside. Ushers field any questions from visitors and direct them to enrollment forms. They also straighten up all the pews. This task may include collecting trash, putting hymnals in their proper places, picking up articles left behind and raising kneeling benches.
The role of the Lectors for the Communion of Parishes churches is proclaiming the first and second scripture readings. This is a key role during the mass and does require some advance preparation. Depending on the church, there may be one or two Lectors required for each mass.
The Leader for each mass is responsible for communicating the flow of the mass to the parishioners. This is also a key role during the mass.
Taken from:http://www.wikihow.com/Be-an-Altar-Server-in-the-Catholic-Church
A Candidate should fulfill the following requirements:
Guidelines for Altar Servers:
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. (1)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 (GIRM 162).”
Guidelines for EMHCs:
The Family of Parishes has a group of dedicated volunteers who bring the Eucharist to Chester Street Home, Caressant Care Bonnie Place and Mary Bucke, Elgin Manor, Extendicare, Metcalfe Gardens, Valleyview, Terrace Lodge, Chartwell, Caledonia Gardens, Bobier Villa the Hospital, and those confined to their own homes. Please contact the Parish Office if you wish to become an External EMHC.