Liturgical Ministries

Participation in the Holy Eucharist by all Catholics is an incredible privilege, available to us because we are made in the image of God and have been incorporated into His Body by His Son. It is a special privilege to be able to assist in the Eucharistic celebration as server, lector, eucharistic minister or presenter of gifts, and if we accept these tasks we ought to try especially hard to live in a way which manifests the grace which we receive in the Eucharist. More people are needed in all these areas of service; please consider carefully whether you could make a contribution in one of the following ways.

Altar Servers

Servers are needed for Sunday Masses, weekday Masses and Funeral Masses. The basic tasks of a server are probably well known to you: holding the missal at the presider’s chair, setting and clearing the altar during Mass, serving him with the breads, wine and water, and with water and towel for the ablutions, and ringing the Sanctus bell. At more solemn Masses there is also the Crucifer or crossbearer, and candle bearers; at some Masses - and always at funerals - there is also the Thurifer or incense-bearer.

Eucharistic Ministers

Eucharistic ministers have perhaps the most awe-inspiring role of all - to deliver to communicants the Body and Blood of Christ. They are approved by the Pastor and generally formally mandated for their task. Eucharistic ministers are needed not only at Mass but to take Communion to the sick at home

Lectors

The Lector, as s(he) proclaims the readings is the Voice of God, for God is present in His spoken Word. Each reading needs to be prepared well in advance, and some training in speaking through the microphone is essential. Lectors also have to present the Prayer of the Faithful, which also needs careful study beforehand, especially for the pronunciation of names.

Presenters of the Gifts

Presenters of the Gifts carry the bread and wine to be used in the Mass up from the centre of the main aisle to the celebrant at the altar.