PEOPLE WHO HELP US CELEBRATE MASS
"Ours is the Spirit of the Eucharist - the total gift of self."
Saint Katharine Drexel
Saint Katharine Drexel
We as the people of God are called "Church."
Next time you are at Mass, look for the many ways people help one another worship at Mass.
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PRIESTS
The Priest leads the celebration of the Mass. He takes the place of Jesus. The Priest prays with us and on our behalf for God's blessing. He enters in procession, reads the Gospel, gives the Homily, leads the Lords' Prayer, repeats the actions of Jesus at the Last Supper, blesses the People, and sends them forth at the end of Mass.
USHERS
Ushers are ministers of hospitality. They greet people and seat them in the church. Ushers take up the collection and hand out bulletins.
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READERS
Readers proclaim the Word of God at Mass. God speaks to us through His Word. We are to listen and think about what God is trying to tell us. Readers may be lay people, Brothers or Sisters, or Deacons.
GIFT BEARERS
Gift Bearers bring gifts forward on behalf of everyone gathered. Bread and wine are taken to the altar to offer the sacrifice of Jesus. The collection basket may also be brought forward.
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EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion help the priest give Communion to the people in church. They also bring Communion to the people in the parish who are too sick to come to Mass.
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MUSIC MINISTERS
Music Ministers play music and sing to help Mass be a joyful celebration.
DEACONS
At some Masses, a deacon stands with the priest at the altar and wears a long white robe. A deacon can read the Gospel, give the homily, distribute Holy Communion, invite us to offer the sign of peace, and give the dismissal.
ALTAR SERVERS
Alter Servers help the Priest at Mass. They carry the cross, candles, holy water, and incense in procession. Altar Servers also hold the books of prayer and help prepare the altar
PARISH STAFF
The Parish Staff includes lay people who help the Priest care for the Parish.
