Liturgical Ministries

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are entrusted with helping give the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass.

They are called "extraordinary" because priests and deacons are considered the "ordinary" ministers of Holy Communion. However, the assistance of lay ministers is needed at Mass so the Precious Blood can be offered to the assembly, and so the communion rite is not unduly long.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion must have received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist. They promise to administer the Holy Eucharist with the utmost care and reverence, and to be examples of Christian living in faith and conduct.

Extraordinary Ministers receive special training and must be commissioned by a priest. For information: emc@catholicterps.org

Lectors

The Lector’s role is to proclaim the Word of God during Sunday and also daily liturgy.  When the Word is proclaimed in Church by the Lector, it is God who speaks through this person.  One of the four presences of Christ, during the Eucharistic celebration, is in the proclamation of scripture at the ambo (the “table of the Word”).  This ministry is open to all those who have celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation. Training is necessary, and updates are available and necessary to insure the quality of the proclamation by the Lector. For information: lector@catholicterps.org

Music Ministers

The role of Cantor is that of “animator of the assembly at worship.” Today, the cantor is called to facilitate the assembly’s song during the celebration of the Eucharist.

Choir members are welcome to come sing at any of the masses with music (10 AM, 12 PM, and 7 PM on Sundays). The support of choir members is integral to our music ministry.  

Accompiansts and instrumentalists are also welcomed to the music ministry. The Music Director determines which instruments play when, and adds more or less instrumentation depending on the liturgical season and its demands. Piano and organ accompaniment is indispensible, and guitar, percussion, brass and wind instruments are also welcomed.

Sacristans  

Sacristans serve as the "Master of Ceremonies" for a Mass. They setup the chapel and prepare the gifts for Mass, take up the Offertory collection, and ensure that each Mass runs smoothly.

Sacristan Ministry is important for maintaining high-quality liturgies that are consistent week to week and helping the priest setup for Mass. 

This ministry is open to all those who have celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation. Training is necessary and can be scheduled one-on-one with the Sacristan Coordinator. For information: sacristan@catholicterps.org