Worship Ministries
Altar Servers
Throughout the celebration it belongs to the acolyte to go to the priest or the deacon, whenever necessary, in order to present the book to them and to assist them in any other way required. ~ General Instruction of the Roman Missal, § 144
Altar Servers assist the liturgical presider at the weekend celebrations of the Eucharist, at Baptisms, and at Funerals. At St. Patrick-St. Anthony, Altar Servers also act as greeters before and after Mass. An initial training session prepares candidates (who must be at least ten years old) for serving at the altar; altar servers can expect to serve at the weekend liturgy approximately every three weeks.
Altar Servers are not being scheduled at this time due to the ongoing pandemic.
Eucharistic Ministers
Through the breaking of the one bread the unity of the faithful is expressed and through communion they receive the Lord’s body and blood in the same way the apostles received them from Christ’s own hands. ~ General Instruction of the Roman Missal, § 48.3
The Eucharistic ministers of St. Patrick – St. Anthony Church distribute Holy Communion during Mass as well as at other times to parishioners who are homebound, in hospitals, nursing homes, or convalescent homes. Eucharistic ministers welcome and greet parishioners before and after Mass. On behalf of the entire parish, they extend this welcome to those to whom they bring communion. By the gift of Christ’s body that they carry with them, and by the concern of the entire body of Christ that they represent, Eucharistic ministers participate in Christ’s own ministry of hospitality and healing.
To learn more about how you can receive training to become a Eucharistic Minister, click below to fill out our ministry contact form and we will get back to you.
Lectors
When the Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself is speaking to his people, and Christ, present in his own word, is proclaiming the Gospel… In the biblical readings God’s word addresses all people of every era and is understandable to them. ~ General Instruction of the Roman Missal, § 9
Lectors proclaim the Word of God at weekend and weekday liturgies and greet parishioners before and after Mass. By skillful use of a well-modulated voice and clear diction, the lector interprets the living word of God for the gathered faith community, capturing their attention so that they may listen with the ears of their hearts and respond in faith to what they have heard.
To learn more about how you can become a Lector, click below to fill out our ministry contact form and we will get back to you.
Liturgical Dancers
Sing to the Lord a new song, a hymn in the assembly of the faithful… Let them praise God’s name in festive dance, make music with tambourine and lyre. ~ Psalm 149:1, 3 NAB
During the celebrations of Easter and Christmas, dance is incorporated into the liturgy. This expression of worship and prayer through bodily movement is choreographed by Mary Beth Griffith, parishioner, professional choreographer, and dance instructor.
Children of all ages are welcome to participate. No previous dance experience is necessary; however, children will be required to attend all scheduled rehearsals.
Watch for information about Liturgical Dance a few months before Christmas!
Music Ministers
The schola cantorum or choir exercises its own liturgical function within the assembly. Its task is to ensure that the parts proper to it, in keeping with the different types of chants, are carried out becomingly and to encourage active participation of the people in the singing. ~ General Instruction of the Roman Missal, § 63
The professional and amateur musicians in the music ministries foster congregational singing and reflective listening, promote the musical arts as an integral path to spiritual development, and create an environment that draws people into a deeper experience of faith.
Learn more about the three choirs and the many other ways our parish embraces music below.
Sacristans
Throughout the celebration it belongs to the acolyte to go to the priest or the deacon, whenever necessary, in order to present the book to them and to assist them in any other way required. ~ General Instruction of the Roman Missal, § 144
The Sacristan is responsible for helping to prepare for Mass.
To learn more about how you can become a Sacristan, click below to fill out our ministry contact form and we will get back to you.
Ushers
As for other ministers, some perform different functions inside the sanctuary, others outside… The second kind include… those who… meet the people at the church entrance, seat them, and direct processions. ~ General Instruction of the Roman Missal, § 68
Ushers are ministers of hospitality who welcome parishioners and guests at the doors of the church and who – by greeting people, helping them find a seat, or providing them with worship aids – enable individuals to become a “community and prepare themselves to listen to God’s word and celebrate the Eucharist” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, § 24).
To learn more about how you can become an Usher, click below to fill out our ministry contact form and we will get back to you.