Parish Ministries
Get Involved with Parish Ministries
Do you feel called to participate more fully in the Mass? There are roles that are exercised by lay people who place their time and talent at the service of the liturgical assembly. Others contribute to planning and organizing the liturgy, to keeping the church, vestments and vessels clean and well ordered, or to providing decorations that reflect the spirit of the liturgical feast or season.
We welcome new participants in any of our liturgical ministries.
Ushers/Greeters
Ushers welcome newcomers and regulars as they arrive for worship at both of our worship sites and assist those who may need help entering or exiting the pews. Ushers and greeters also take up the collection, select the gift bearers and distribute the bulletin at the conclusion of Mass. If you would like to be a part of this welcoming ministry, please contact the Parish Office at 708-771-8250.
Altar Servers
Altar servers are privileged to assist the priest at the altar during the Mass and other liturgical services. They carry the cross in the opening and closing processions, hold the book for the priest and assist in setting the altar during the presentation of the gifts. School and religious education students in grades 4 through 8 are invited to volunteer to serve at weekend Masses.
High school students and adults who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation also may train to serve at weekday Masses, funerals, and other occasions when children who attend school are unavailable. If your child would like to be trained as an altar server, please contact the Parish Office at 708-771-8250 or by email below.
Bereavement Ministry
The purpose of this ministry is to assist family members of a deceased person in understanding the funeral or memorial Mass, help them select especially meaningful scripture readings and music, and identify friends or family of the deceased who will participate in the Mass. The minister also invites the bereaved to share the faith story of the deceased so that the celebrant may reflect the person’s life and values in the Mass. At this painful time of loss, parish volunteers who understand and support bereaved families can bring comfort as they affirm the strength the parish community provides.
To learn more about this ministry, please contact Sarina Butler.
Lectors
Lectors stand before the congregation and deliver the first two Scripture readings during the Liturgy of the Word. A confirmed parishioner of at least high school age can serve as a lector. Training is provided and a special lector’s edition of the Liturgy of the Word serves as an additional aid to understanding each week’s readings. If you are interested in this ministry, please contact the Parish Office at 708-771-8250.
Eucharistic Ministers/Ministers of Care
Eucharistic Ministers assist the priest in distributing Communion during the Mass.
To become a Eucharistic Minister, you must be a confirmed Catholic in good standing with the Church. Some training is required for this ministry.
Ministers of Care bring the Eucharist to parishioners who are homebound, hospitalized, in nursing homes, or otherwise unable to attend Mass. A visit from a Minister of Care includes prayers, a daily Scripture reading, and the reception of Communion. Additional training is provided to those volunteering to serve as a Minister of Care.
If you would like to participate in either of these ministries, please contact the Parish Office at 708-771-8250.
Sacristans
These volunteers work behind the scenes to maintain the interiors of our worship sites and make the necessary preparations for each liturgy. They care for the liturgical vestments, altar server albs, altar linens and sacred vessels used at the Mass. They help polish, dust, and perform other light maintenance associated with the upkeep of our churches. New volunteers are always welcome and needed. If you would like to serve as a sacristan, please contact the Parish Office at 708-771-8250.
Liturgical Environment and Art
This group of volunteers prepares the two church environments to reflect the various seasons and feasts of the liturgical year. Their goal is not only to create an attractive space, but also to encourage deeper reflection on the significance of the occasion being celebrated. To become a member of these dedicated committees, please contact the Parish Office at 708-771-8250.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Adult catechists lead the children in age-appropriate prayer, readings, and reflections at the same time adults are listening to the homily at Mass. The two age groups (3-5 years and 6-8 years) celebrate this separate liturgy during the 9:30 Mass on Sunday morning. Catechists receive all necessary training and planning aids.
VIRTUS training, provided by the Archdiocese, is also required for all catechists and volunteers working with children. If you would like to train as a catechist, please contact Liz Jeep at emjeep@sbcglobal.net.
Catechists for Religious Education
Volunteer catechists support our Religious Education Program for elementary school students and the SPRED Program for children with special needs. For more information about the programs, please click this link. VIRTUS training, provided by the Archdiocese, is also required for all catechists and volunteers working with children
To volunteer as a catechist, contact the Religious Education Coordinator at 708-435-8960.