The ministry of lector is to bring God's Word to life in the midst of the assembly. A lector must love, pray, and study the scriptures. Beyond having a strong, clear voice, an ability to speak with ease and conviction, and good interpretive skills, a lector must make deliberate and careful preparation of the scripture readings. A workshop for new lectors and a follow up coaching session are required.
The communion rite is the heart and center of the Eucharist liturgy. It is the moment when we many are made one in the Lord. Those who minister Christ's body and blood to the body of Christ, the church, must be personally present to each and every person who comes to the table of the Lord. A training session is required.
The ushers greet God's people as they assemble for prayer. In addition, they seat latecomers, take up the collection, facilitate the communion procession and see to the needs of the community. Presently, this is the ministry most in need of volunteers. Men, women, youth and seniors - all are welcome. "On the job training" is provided.
The ministry of hospitality works to promote a welcoming environment for all who come to the liturgy. Hospitality ministers are friendly and outgoing, open to strangers, and willing to extend themselves to others. They are scheduled one or two times per month and need to arrive at least twenty minutes before the start of the liturgy.
The altar server assists the presider and enables the liturgy to proceed smoothly. Young people, grades 5 and up, as well as adults, may volunteer. Servers must have respect for the liturgy and reverence for the holy things used at Mass and for the holy actions in which the assembly participates. One training session begins this ministry, with extra rehearsals required for special celebrations. A training session is required.
Members of the art and environment ministry provide appropriate seasonal decorations throughout the liturgical year. This group helps with everything related to the decorations needed - from ironing to designing. There are no "regular" meetings; this ministry gathers and works seasonally.
The outside flags need to be replaced regularly because of damage from sun, wind, and rain. It takes approximately one half-hour to make one flag. Fabric, thread, and instructions are provided.
The Prayer Line is an opportunity to unite the parish community in prayer during times of need. Members inform each other by telephone of prayer requests related to death, illness, or other crisis. Any parishioner willing to pray for others and to call and be called is invited to this ministry.
Using the Children's Lectionary and materials provided, the presider presents prayers and scripture readings of the day and facilitates age-appropriate discussions. A training session at the beginning of this ministry is provided as well as a yearly "renewal" session. The assistant minister helps the children to pray by overseeing the group and seeing to individual needs as they arise. The time commitment for both ministries is once monthly during the school year depending on schedules.