Liturgical Life

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Distribute communion at a weekend mass. Must be over the age of 18 and be a Catholic in good standing with the faith.
Commitment: Once every two or three weeks, depending on the number of volunteers available.
Training: A one-time training session is provided.
 

Altar Servers

Altar Servers are children and youth who have received their First Communion and have the privilege of assisting Father during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Servers play a role in the procession, setting the altar and the liturgy. Our ministry is open to boys and girls who have received their First Holy Communion. Altar servers attend an annual spiritual retreat to grow in faith together. 
Commitment: Once or twice a month at your preferred mass time. Frequency is dependent on the number of altar servers available.
Training: Initial training is required. Once the initial training is done, there are additional opportunities for practice as a refresher and occasional workshops as needed.
 

Adult Servers

The adult server plays an important supporting role for the celebration of Mass.  The adult server: (before Mass) prepares the vessels, the wine and bread, and other items needed; ensures that the roster of liturgical ministers are present (youth altar servers, lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion); (during Mass) is present in the Sanctuary, helping the priest and deacon, and guiding the youth servers in their duties; (after Mass) helps to clean up and set up for the next Mass. The adult server is the leader of the liturgical volunteers during Mass. Knowledge and skills required include familiarity of the order of Mass, and strong organization and communication skills.
Commitment: Once every 3 or 4 weeks at your preferred mass time, depending on the number of volunteers available. Adult servers arrive about 45 minutes before Mass and stay for about 15 minutes after Mass to clean up. 
Training: Adult servers must be at least 18 years of age, have received Confirmation, and are practicing the Faith including Mass attendance and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a regular basis. Training is provided in the form of reading material as well as in-person training in both group and one-on-one settings, and will be customized to the individual, based on his/her prior experience. The ministry co-ordinator sends frequent updates by e-mail and organizes training sessions on a regular basis.
 

Music Ministry (Adult Choir)

The choir member/instrumentalist serves the community of believers in praising God through song and is someone whose faith is the key reason for leading musical prayer within the assembly. Members of the choir share in the proper preparation of music and encourage active participation of the faithful in the singing. The faith-filled musician appreciates music as a gift from God and thus can lead the assembly in sung prayer. No audition is required!
Commitment: Choir members sing at their preferred Sunday mass time. It is expected that the choir arrives 20 minutes prior to the mass start time. The full choir sings at all parish special events, including Christmas and the Easter Triduum. Choir members are expected to attend weekly rehearsals on Thursday evenings from 7:30 – 9:30 pm September to June.
 

Music Ministry (Children’s Choir)

The children’s choir is an integral part of the parish’s liturgical celebrations. The choir members serve the community of believers in praising God through song. The faith and musical abilities of the children are nurtured in a safe and caring environment through participation in the children’s choir.
Commitment: The children’s choir sings once a month on Sundays (usually at 10 am or 12 noon) and for special occasions.
Choir members are expected to attend rehearsals on Thursday evenings from 6:15 – 7 pm September to June.
 

Sound Board Operator

Sound Ministers control the sound levels and quality for speakers and musicians during all liturgical celebrations. No technical experience is necessary! Training and mentoring are provided.
Commitment: Once or twice per month at your preferred mass time. Sound board operators are expected to arrive 15 minutes before mass time starts.
Training: Initial training and refresher training are provided once per year.
 

Wedding Rehearsal Team

Walk the wedding party through a rehearsal of the wedding.  (May require unlocking and locking of church.) Set up table, chairs, flowers and other items as required for the wedding. Attend the wedding to ensure procession is as planned, trouble shoot as necessary, clean up after wedding, put away table and other items as required.
Commitment:
Frequency of volunteering is dependent on the number of volunteers available. Weddings take place throughout the year but are concentrated in the summer and fall months. Wedding rehearsals are usually on a Friday evening and last approximately 1.5 hours. Weddings are usually on a Saturday and require a volunteer to be present for approximately 2.5 hours. (Prior to the wedding party’s arrival until after the wedding is finished.)
Training: Training is done by assisting an experienced member of the Wedding Rehearsal Team until new volunteers are comfortable to handle a rehearsal and wedding on their own.