Liturgical Roles

Catholic Church

Harker Heights, Texas

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Liturgical Roles

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC)
The candidate to become a Lay Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is selected and invited to classes for this ministry by our Pastor, Father Richard O:Rourke, MSC. Father Richard also teaches the classes for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. The classes cover a wide range of topics including:

	Reverence concerning the Eucharist
	History of the Layperson distributing the Eucharist
	Responsibility for preparing the altar for Mass
	Care of the Sacred Vessels
	Distributing the Eucharist at Mass
	Taking the Eucharist to the Sick
	Taking Ashes to the Sick on Ash Wednesday
	Distribution of Ashes at the altar on Ash Wednesday
	Preparing a Sick Call kit
	Conducting Eucharistic Services upon the absence of the Priest
	Conducting Stations of the Cross during Lent
	Conducting a Eucharistic Service in connection with the Stations of the Cross
	Participating in the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Upon completion of the class the lay person is commissioned by a Priest during the Sunday Mass at which they will usually minister. A Certificate of Authorization of an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is presented to each minister. The authorization is generally for two to three years. At the end of that time the minister will undertake a different ministry or will be given additional training.
(See "Schedules" for listing of EMHC assignments)

Lectors
Baptized Catholics are called to share the Word of God with others at home, at work, in our neighborhood and in every place we can. Those chosen by the Christian community to proclaim this word in the church’s worship, will strengthen the faith of the believers and enable them to spread the word of God more effectively wherever they live, work and play.
The Lay Ministry of Lector is a servant of the community. The Word proclaimed by the Lector is a powerful Word. Lectors are taught to prepare well and proclaim God’s word to the best of their ability. A well prepared lector can do much to enhance the celebration of the liturgy by a prayerful and powerful proclamation of the word of God. Such a proclamation can touch and move the whole assembly, serving as an instrument of God’s grace.
Lector’s at St. Paul Chong Hasang were originally instructed by Bernice Lindsay, who later became Sister Bernice Lindsay, OSB. Since that time, the instruction has been presented by Pat Dinwiddie, using a combination of Video presentations and lectures specific for St. Paul’s needs. Classes are presented twice a year or at the request of our Pastor. Pat received an instructor certificate for Lector Formation, at Ft. Hood, Texas in January 1983.
A Lector is called upon to use his/her time and talents to Proclaim the Word of God during the Liturgy of the Mass, including Holy Days and at Funerals. Lectors are also called upon to lead the Stations of the Cross, to preside at Rosary and Scripture Services at a Funeral Home, and at other times as requested by our Pastor.
What are the attributes of this ministry? A great voice is an asset and love of the word of God and enthusiasm to share it with others is a must, humility to accept the challenges that this ministry presents, the ability to arrive at services 15 to 20 minutes early, the faithfulness to prepare the "Word" you are to proclaim, and reliability to be present when you are scheduled to Lector. A great lector always prepares by reading the passages out loud.
We use a Lector’s Workbook that gives suggestions for each Sundays readings. We also have a pronunciation book.
Lectors are encouraged to study the Word of God and to attend lector renewals, retreats, missions or other spiritual instruction as a method of continuous education which will enhance their ministry.

Two Lectors proclaim God’s word at each weekend Mass. Couples may be signed up to work together or separately. Once the schedule is posted each Lector is responsible for obtaining his own substitute or may exchange with another Lector. In an emergency, when you know you will be away for a certain date, cross out your name on the Master List posted in the Church and others will sign up for your date. This team effort works very well. A list of all Lectors will be provided to you. Each new Lector will be scheduled as Lector of the First Reading/Psalm and of the Second Reading and Intercessory Prayer (Bidding Prayers), working with a seasoned Lector.
(See "Schedules" for listing of Lector Assignments)

Greeters

	Greeters meet and greet all persons coming to Mass, welcoming them at the door.
	Ushers help those who attend Mass and assist them to find seats. They also take up the collection and are present during Mass for any unique needs. They give special attention and care to visitors, newcomers, and those requiring specialized treatment because of age or handicap.

Altar Servers.
Boys and girls from the 3^rd grade on up are encouraged to serve at Mass on Sundays, holy days, funerals, weddings, and other liturgical events. Training for servers is conducted several times during the year.

Music Ministry: Choir members, song leaders, Cantors, Organists, and other instrumentalists are always needed to help the musical contribution to parish liturgies. All age groups and encouraged to participate.

Ushers. See Schedules for a the current schedule.

Liturgical Roles

Page Updated: 01-Jan-08