Liturgical Ministries
The ministries within our Eucharistic celebrations include Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, Lectors, Altar Servers, Ushers, Interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Leaders of Song, and Musicians. All those desiring to serve in Eucharistic Ministry, Lectoring, and Altar Serving receive training provided by the Parish.
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are active, adult Catholics who wish to serve their fellow parishioners and have a love of the Eucharist. Extraordinary Ministers are ordinary Christians who model Christian living in faith and conduct in their ministry and in their daily lives.
Ministers of the Word (Lectors)
Lectors proclaim the Word of God at liturgical celebrations and Prayers of the Faithful. With deep faith and confident voice they announce the good news of salvation to their sisters and brothers in the parish. Lectors read at all weekend masses and holy days. Lector handbooks are provided that contain all the readings for the church year and may be studied at home if desired.
Altar Servers
This ministry of service during Mass is inclusively "staffed" by both boys and girls.. Two altar servers, a "Cross bearer" and a "Book bearer" are scheduled for each of the weekend Masses, and for special celebrations such as Holy Days or the special Evening Prayer Services and Masses during Advent and Lent. In addition, altar servers are often available by request for weddings and funerals. Each year new servers are invited to join and be trained in the rituals associated with serving. Response has been such that we have a good mix of new and experienced servers and therefore a "mentoring" process that seems to occur naturally out of the older servers desire to pass along what they've learned. Our servers are serious and reverent in the completion of their duties and seem to really appreciate the opportunity to be involved in their parish's ministry.
Greeters and Ushers
Ushers welcome and attend to the needs of the congregation, as well as being responsible for taking up the collection during the liturgy. Ushers are a group of dedicated men and women of all ages who faithfully greet our parishioners as they arrive for Sunday Mass and gather the offertory collection(s) into a large basket to be presented along with the gifts of bread and wine at the Preparation of the Gifts.
Liturgical Environment Commitee
In order to encourage parishioners to participate fully, consciously, and actively in liturgical celebrations Sacred Heart Parish has established a committee of parishioners who prayerfully considers ways to offer liturgy that promotes the spirituality and mission of its people. The committee provides educational input to its members so that when members collaborate about decorations, music, liturgical ministries, or seasonal celebrations it is done in acknowledgement of liturgy as the "source and summit" of our lives as Catholic Christians.
