Liturgy means the work of the people. Ministry, in the Christian understanding, is doing what Jesus did. Liturgical ministry, then, is the work of continuing Jesus' saving actions here and now. In the liturgical minister, Christ is at work.
Indeed, the Church believes in the presence of Christ in the person of his ministers. We have always known this of the priest celebrant at Mass, that Christ was present in the priest. But it is also true that Christ, who is all in all, is present in each and every minister of the Church's worship.
First and foremost, there is the liturgical ministry of all the Baptized. All are called to active participation in the prayer of the Church. There are no spectators in Christianity, only participants. The primary liturgical ministry, the continuation of Jesus' saving actions here and now, belongs to the Assembly. All are called to join in the praise and thanksgiving Jesus offers to the Father. By joining in the celebration of Mass, the Sacraments, the Liturgy of the Hours, all are liturgical ministers.
Within the Assembly of the Baptized, but never without it, there are specialized ministries: Presider, Deacon, Cantor, Musicians, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Attendants, Ushers, etc. Each ministry is a manifestation of the diversity of gifts with which Christ has graced his Body, the Church.
When the Presider presides, it is Christ who directs the worship his assembled body offers. When the Deacon assists at Mass, it is Christ who speaks the Gospel through him, and it is Christ who shows himself as Servant. When the Cantor leads the singing, it is Christ's song of praise that fills the heavens. All ministries, through earthen vessels, show forth the glory of the risen Christ.
What follows is a brief overview of various liturgical ministries at Saint Paul Parish. For information on our Music Ministry, please go to the Music Ministry page of our WebSite.
In the body of Christ there exists a wonderful variety of ministries, which are especially evident when we gather around the altar to worship God. By virtue of our baptism in Christ some of us are called to serve as ministers of the liturgical assembly.
Ministry of the Word - Lectors: The ministry of the Word is the proclamation of the sacred Scripture by those who are called Lectors. The word of God, when proclaimed, enlightens our minds and our hearts. When the Scriptures are read in the liturgical assembly, God speaks to us and calls us to respond in faith and love. The ministry of lector is of utmost importance to the life of the Church, for the lector proclaims God's living word.
Ministers of the Eucharist: This is the ministry of the Lord's Body and Blood, the ministry of those entrusted with administering the eucharist at the celebration of the Mass. Eucharistic Ministers are called to be examples of Christian living in faith and conduct. They are to always strive to grow in holiness through the eucharist they share with their brothers and sisters, a holiness which is marked by unity and love.
Ministry of Altar Servers: Servers or Altar Attendants assist the Bishop, Priest, or Deacon at the Altar during the celebration of Mass, as well as at other celebrations. By their assistance the Church's prayer is conducted with order and reverence.
Ministry of Ushering: An Usher's main responsibility is that of hospitality. In all that an Usher does - whether greeting people, seating them, passing out bulletins, etc. - people, especially visitors and new parishioners, have their first impression of this community. Through the Usher, others sense the spirit of this parish. The usher is a model of prayer and participation during the celebration of Mass.
From time to time, we will highlight a different liturgical ministry at St. Paul's. Hopefully, the information and insights offered will help you discern whether or not you might be called to a particular ministry. Remember, there are many gifts, but one Spirit. And all gifts are given for the common good. The Church needs your gifts. The Church awaits your ministry.
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