Liturgical Ministries

Participation in one of the many liturgical ministries is a powerful witness to the dignity of all baptized Catholics.  We continually need people to share in these sacred roles.  Volunteers are trained which includes both practical guidelines and background information.

Altar Servers

Altar Servers assist the priest at the altar during Mass and devotions by carrying the cross and candles in procession, holding the Missal for the priest, and setting and clearing the altar at Mass.  Youth who are in Grade 4 or older and adults are encouraged to serve in this ministry.

Art & Environment

If you have a talent for interior decorating or a green thumb, or are just interested in these areas, this is the ministry for you.  Volunteers in this ministry donate their time and artistic talents to properly decorate the Worship and Hospitality space throughout the Liturgical year.  Other responsibilities include plant care and ironing and placing banners.

Eucharistic Ministers

Eucharistic Ministers are also known as Ministers of the Holy Eucharist.  They assist the priest by setting up Holy Communion, distributing the Body and Blood of Christ to the assembly during the Mass, and cleaning up after the Mass.  Eucharistic Ministers must be confirmed Catholics at least 16 years of age.

Funeral Dinners

Funeral dinners are offered to grieving families and friends in our Social Hall after a funeral.  Parish volunteers shop for, prepare, and serve these dinners.  The family and friends of the deceased are comforted by the fellowship offered at the dinner as one part of the funeral traditions of remembering and honoring their loved one.

Greeters

Greeters welcome parishioners and guests coming for weekend Mass, social events, and prayer services.  They also provide information and assistance regarding locations in the facility for events of the day.  This is a great way to meet parishioners and for families to minister together.

Hospitality

Coffee, juice, and other refreshments are served after all weekend Masses.  These volunteers make the coffee and set up the refreshments in the Hospitality Area.  They also clean up the area afterwards, and put items away.  Hospitality is an excellent opportunity for families to become involved in ministry together.  It’s also a great way for individuals to meet parishioners.  The volunteers in this ministry may also wish to serve at special events and celebrations at the Parish throughout the year.

Lectors

Lectors are also known as Ministers of the Word.  They proclaim the scripture in the liturgical assembly and bring to life the living Word of God.  Lectors share the presence of God who speaks when the scriptures are proclaimed to the assembly at Mass and at other special liturgical celebrations.

Music Ministry

Music Ministry is one of the most important areas of service to the liturgical life of a parish.  In Colossians 3:16, St. Paul says, “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”  That is the calling of every member of the congregation.  But it is the special calling of music ministers who are asked to teach, encourage, inspire, and lead by example.

Cantors

Individual cantors (men and women) are important leaders of the singing assembly.  They direct the congregation’s participation in the Entrance and Recessional songs and lead the singing of Mass parts, especially at Masses when no choir is present.  The cantor is typically also the psalmist and serves in the Liturgy of the Word, proclaiming the Responsorial Psalm from the ambo and leading the Acclamation and Verse before the proclamation of the Gospel.  Cantors should be strong and confident singers with excellent projection, pitch, and diction.  Training is provided for those who are interested.

Accompanists – Piano & Organ

Supporting the singing congregation through keyboard-based accompaniment of organ and/or piano is equally important to vocal leadership, and provides the melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic foundation for nearly all music during the liturgy.  Occasionally, the accompanist must play quietly or improvise under the liturgical action, or have the discernment to allow for silent prayer or unaccompanied singing by the congregation.  Accompanists are needed for the various music groups, and for weekend and Holy Day Masses.

The SEAS Choir

The SEAS Choir consists of approximately 50 men and women, grouped in sections by voice type (sopranos, altos, tenors, basses).  The SEAS Choir usually sings at three Masses each month rotating between Saturday and Sunday morning Mass times, as well as on special Holy Days, including Christmas Eve, the Paschal Triduum, and Pentecost.  Repertoire ranges from Renaissance motets to gospel to modern choral works. Music-reading ability is not required – we’ll teach you!  Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the worship area.

All Generations Ensemble Choir (also known as AGE)

This choir consists of 10-15 adult and teen musicians who sing at one Mass each month.  This ensemble is not only an outlet for musical talents, but also provides young adults with important liturgical training and leadership opportunities.  Repertoire for this ensemble is usually accompanied by piano and/or guitar, and often includes bass, percussion, and other instruments.  Rehearsals are held in the worship area once a month on a Saturday morning, except during the summer.

Sacristans

Sacristans prepare the worship space and organize materials for the celebration of Mass on the weekend, on Holy Days, or at special weekday services and celebrations of the sacraments.  They launder altar linen, replace candles, and re-fill holy water fonts.  Lead Sacristans purchase hosts and wine, and clean, repair, and maintain liturgical vestments.

Ushers

Ushers are individuals who welcome parishioners and assist them with seating at Mass.  They find Mass attendees to bring the gifts of bread and wine forward at the offertory.  They also distribute collection baskets at offertory.  Ushers direct parishioners to Communion stations, distribute bulletins at the end of Mass, deposit collections in the appropriate location, and secure the building after Mass.

If you are interested in any of these ministries, please contact the Parish Office at 920-499-1546 or e-mail us at seas@seasgb.org.