Liturgical Ministries

OVERVIEW

The ministry of Altar Server may be carried out by men and women, boys and girls. Altar Servers are part of a very ancient tradition in the liturgical life of the church. The Altar Server is a volunteer member of the assembly who assists the Priest and Deacon during the Eucharist and other liturgical ceremonies so that the liturgy can be conducted with grace and reverence.

Altar Servers carry the cross and the processional candles. They carry the incense and censer and present the bread and wine along with the water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people. Altar Servers assist in the washing of hands by the priest, and assist the priest and deacon as necessary. In the absence of a sacristan, the servers may prepare the altar and sacred vessels before Mass. The number of Altar Servers varies according to the nature of the celebration.

Altar Servers should be active and full participants in the celebration with the understanding that they are first and foremost members of the assembly. The Altar Server expresses this by singing, praying and keeping silence along with the rest of the assembly.

REQUIREMENTS

Ideally, servers are fully initiated Catholics. Altar Servers must have received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Holy Communion; youths who have not been confirmed may serve. Altar Severs should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and to carry them out well and with the appropriate reverence. Altar Servers will wear a white Alb, crucifix pendant and appropriate colored cincture/rope tied around the waist.

Altar Servers normally receive the Eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy. Altar Servers are expected to be appropriately prepared, committed to giving their time and talent to their parish community, and willing to serve God’s people. Altar Servers should be able to understand the Eucharistic celebration and the other sacred rites.

Altar Servers must have the full support of parent and are willing to arrive at mass at 15 minutes before mass.

OVERVIEW

The Church, through Pope Saint Paul VI in Sacrosanctum Concilium, said this about music in the life of the Church:

The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy.

Holy Scripture, indeed, has bestowed praise upon sacred song [42], and the same may be said of the fathers of the Church and of the Roman pontiffs who in recent times, led by St. Pius X, have explained more precisely the ministerial function supplied by sacred music in the service of the Lord.

Therefore sacred music is to be considered the more holy in proportion as it is more closely connected with the liturgical action, whether it adds delight to prayer, fosters unity of minds, or confers greater solemnity upon the sacred rites. But the Church approves of all forms of true art having the needed qualities, and admits them into divine worship.

Please consider participating in the liturgy using your God-given gift of music, and sharing the most treasured art of the Church.

REQUIREMENTS

● Active member of the parish

● Complete Virtus training as required by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe

OVERVIEW

The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) is a lay member of the faithful or a person in religious or consecrated life who has been deputed (appointed to a particular task) to help distribute Holy Communion. When called upon to assist, the EMHC will distribute either the host or the chalice to the faithful.

REQUIREMENTS

Those interested should are asked to contact the pastor, deacon, or EMHC coordinator. Requirements include:

· Being of at least 16 years old;

· Fully initiated into the Catholic Faith, having been Baptized, made your 1st Holy Communion and Confirmation.

· Being of good moral character

· Demonstrating a genuine reverence and respect for the Most Blessed Sacrament;

· If married, being in a valid marriage according to the prescriptions of the current Code of Canon Law;

· Completed Training at the Parish Level.

· Complete Sexual Harassment Training as required by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.