Liturgical Ministries
“If we knew the value of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass,
how much greater effort we would put forth in order to assist at it!”
- St. John Marie Vianney, Curé d’Ars
The Parish Liturgy Coordinator serves as a resource for the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy at St. Mark Church. Responsibilities include providing in a general way for the ongoing liturgical formation of the faithful with a special emphasis on the formation of liturgical ministers.
The Coordinator assists the Pastor in all aspects of the preparation for all parish liturgical celebrations.
Goals
- To support the training and ongoing formation of liturgical ministers throughout the Parish.
- To help the faithful to recognize and promote the centrality of the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Church’s life.
Lay Ministries within the Parish
At St. Mark Church we place an emphasis on liturgical celebrations including the Holy Mass as well as other devotionals. Supporting these liturgies requires the services of a number of lay ministers, providing many opportunities for individuals to serve in these vital roles.
- Altar Servers
- Readers
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
- Ushers
- Music Ministry
If you are interested in dedicating your talents and abilities to support the liturgies at St. Mark Church, please see the bottom of this page for contact information.
The Role of Lay Ministers within the Liturgy
The following supporting statement regarding the role of lay ministers within the liturgy is from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:
"In addition to the ordained ministries there are roles in the liturgy which are exercised by lay people who place their time and talent at the service of the liturgical assembly as acolytes (altar servers), lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, cantors, choir members, instrumentalists, leaders of song and ushers. Others contribute their time and talent to planning and organizing the liturgy, to keeping the church and the vestments, vessels and appointments clean and well-ordered or to providing decorations that reflect the spirit of the liturgical feast or season."
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) makes it very clear that this variety of offices and roles is desirable and should be maintained. In fact it goes so far as to state: "All, therefore, whether ordained ministers or lay Christian faithful, in fulfilling their function or their duty, should carry out solely but totally that which pertains to them" (no. 91).
