The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.
Altar Servers
Altar servers perform the liturgical function of assisting the priest by taking responsibility for many of the details in the preparation of the altar and vessels for weekend Masses and other special celebrations of the Church year. They also serve at weddings and funerals as needed. We invite both male and female servers, adults as well as children, to become a part of this ministry. Requirements for a child are that he or she be at least eight years of age, have received Eucharist for the first time and be able to understand and carry out their responsibilities appropriately and with reverence. Additional servers are needed at all weekend liturgies and for funeral and wedding masses. Training will be provided.
Greeters
Christian tradition has always held hospitality in the highest esteem. Throughout the Old and New Testaments hospitality is understood as a basic service that all Christians are obliged to extend to each other. Our parish greeters help to create a climate of hospitality for all of our liturgical celebrations by extending the warmth of welcome and helping all who gather for worship to know that their presence with us is important. Greeters serve the community before every liturgical celebration.
Ushers
Ushers have long provided the service of hospitality in our Sunday assemblies and other special liturgical celebrations. In addition to assisting the congregation with seating, taking up the collection, approaching the table of the altar for Holy Communion and taking up the collection the usher is a host who acts on behalf of the community to give directions and render assistance in order to ensure that all are comfortable as we gather together . The role of the usher is one of welcome, hospitality and guidance to all who participate in our worship. Young and older adults, men and women, are invited to share in this ministry of service and care. Training is provided by parishioners already active in this ministry.
Church Environment
One of the most vital and creative of all the liturgical ministries is that of the church environment. Because the assembly gathers in the presence of God, the climate of our liturgical celebrations and our worship as a community is one of mystery, wonder, thanksgiving and praise. Our church decorating should reflect these qualities and strive always to capture that which is most beautiful and that which helps us to more fully and completely enter into prayer. The imagination, creativity and giftedness of many people is essential to creating a worship environment that is both hospitable and prayerful. We have need of creative leaders to help enhance our church environment as well as many helpers who can assist in the creation, putting up and taking down of decorations and banners. All of those who are interested are invited to help in this ministry.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are trusted with the important duty of distributing Holy Communion to the assembly who gather together for worship at Mass, and of bringing Communion to the sick in the hospital, the homebound, those confined to nursing homes and those in danger of death. The ministry of the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion is an important one which calls for sensitivity, care and compassion in reaching out to our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ. Training is provided for those who serve at Mass as well as for those who serve in the outreach ministries to the sick and confined. Prospective Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion candidates must be baptized, confirmed, practicing Catholics, at least sixteen years of age and in good standing in the Church. If married, they must be in a valid marriage celebrated in the presence of a priest or deacon and two witnesses, unless a dispensation has been obtained. All of our weekend liturgies, funeral and wedding liturgies, as well as our outreach ministries, are in need of additional ministers.
Readers
The proclamation of the Word in the midst of the People of God when they gather for worship is the ministry that belongs to the Reader. Readers carry out this vital function during the celebrations of the Eucharist, sacraments and other rites. Training is provided to help lectors be effective proclaimers of the Scriptures. Prospective candidates must be baptized, confirmed, practicing Catholics, at least sixteen years of age and in good standing in the Church. If married, they must be in a valid marriage celebrated in the presence of a priest or deacon and two witnesses, unless a dispensation has been obtained. All our weekend liturgies and funeral and wedding liturgies are in need of additional qualified readers.
Sacristans
The Sacristan is one who is in charge of the care and maintenance of the sacristy, sacred vessels and furnishings of the church. The sacristan ensures that the altar is prepared with the appropriate seasonal, ceremonial, or feast-day colored cloths, as well as maintains the priests vestments. The sacristan's main function is to ensure that the priest has everything necessary to celebrate mass, weddings & funerals.