Liturgical Ministries – Saint Anne Catholic Church

“In the celebration of the Liturgy, the full, conscious, and active participation of the assembly is the aim to be considered before all else. There is no more important work than the care and attention that we give the sacred Liturgy. Fidelity to the Liturgy, as given to us by the Church, is fidelity to Christ.”

– Pope Paul VI

To become a member of a liturgical ministry check the bulletin for scheduled training or email Linda or call the parish office.

Volunteers assisting in liturgical ministries are called to faithfully serve at a Mass on a regular basis. A volunteer assisting at Mass should be a practicing Catholic in good standing and reliable to communicate with their team members, assure proper coverage and fulfillment of the ministry as directed by the pastor.

All Volunteers must complete the Diocese Safe Environment Training Program. To sign-up for and complete this training go to: https://stpetersburg.cmgconnect.org/.

Altar Servers

The role of altar servers are to assist at the celebration of Mass and other liturgical events. Duties as an altar server may involve everything from carrying the cross or candles, holding the books used at Mass, handling incense, saying prayers, and ringing of the bells during the offertory.

Generally Sunday Masses are reserved for the children of the parish to serve. Adults usually assist with daily Mass, funerals, and other events as needed.

Children volunteer form can be found at Weekend Altar Servers

Ushers/Usherettes

Ushering is an opportunity to serve God by serving His people, and is a marvelous way to actively and faithfully participate in Church life at Saint Anne. Good ushers are “people persons” who help people coming into the church feel welcome and appreciated. General duties include: greeting everyone as they arrive; finding them a seat in the pew, particularly if they arrive after Mass has begun; passing the collection baskets; and distributing bulletins.

New volunteers must successfully pass the Level ll Background Check.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMs) are called out of their deep faith to participate in the distribution of the Precious Body and Blood at Mass and are encouraged to participate in bringing Holy Communion to the Sick of the Parish. An EM must be an adult and a practicing Catholic in good standing who completes required annual training, demonstrates reverence for the Eucharist in demeanor and dress, and maintains strong spiritual commitment to serve the Parish at Eucharistic Celebrations. Pre-Mass preparations are coordinated with the Mass Captain.

Sacristans

Under the general direction of the pastor, the Sacristans are responsible for preparation for Sunday, daily and other major liturgical celebrations of the Church. The Sacristan prepares the altar by arranging ciboria, chalices, cruets, linens, oils, candles, and books. The Sacristan also lays out the vestments and anything else needed for the celebration. After the Mass the Sacristans remove the liturgical vessels and tidy-up the altar and sacristy.

A Sacristan must be a practicing Catholic who aspires to assist the priest with liturgical celebrations throughout the year. The Lead Sacristan prepares the schedule and provides training.

Lectors (Readers)

Lectors are called out of their deep faith to proclaim the Word of God during Mass and other liturgies. A Lector may be assigned to proclaim the first or second reading. In proclaiming the Word of God, a Lector must be able to read aloud in a distinct and clear manner. Additionally, a Lector may carry the Book of the Gospels during the entrance processional.

A Lector must be a practicing Catholic who completes required annual training and maintains strong spiritual commitment to serve the Parish at Liturgical Celebrations. Teens and young adults are encouraged to participate. All Lectors receive personalized coaching during training sessions. Pre-Mass preparations are coordinated with the Mass Captain. Lectors are scheduled in advance to proclaim the Word of God on a regular basis.