St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 834 S. Orange Blossom Tr., Apopka, FL 32703-6560 US - Liturgical Ministries
| Liturgical Ministries |
ALTAR SERVERS EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS SACRISTAN MINISTERS OF THE WORD / LECTORS LITURGICAL ENVIRONMENT MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY / USHERS LITURGY OF THE WORD FOR CHILDREN FLOWER DESIGNERS WEDDING COORDINATOR
Boys and girls, beginning in the Fourth Grade, may be chosen to serve at Mass. Training is given in this ministry by the coordinators. A meeting with the prospective altar servers’ parents is required. Servers must meet periodically for instructions and training. Adult Altar Servers are needed for the special ministry to the bereaved. From time to time, servers are needed during the weekday to serve at funerals.
The Eucharistic Ministers are entrusted to help and assist the priests in the distribution of “Holy Communion,” either at Mass or at any other time. Eucharistic Ministers are chosen by the pastor based on a persons presence in the commitment to the community, Christian lifestyle and ability to be comfortable ministering in a large group setting. Candidates must attend a Diocesan training workshop and be certified as well as attend two (2) hours of ongoing formation each year to continue their certification. Eucharistic ministers must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Sacristans are usually selected from among our Eucharistic Ministers. The role of the Sacristan is to make ready the materials needed for all liturgical celebrations. Sacristans need to be attuned to the flow of seasons and rites of the church.
Lectors assist the community in worship by proclaiming the Word of God. The ministry of the Lector is an opportunity for those who enjoy public speaking. Lectors are chosen by the pastor and staff for their gift of speech, willingness to study the Word and proclaim it in the community. Lectors are chosen for their commitment to the community, Christian lifestyle, and ability to be comfortable ministering in a large group setting. Lectors receive training from the staff and the Diocese.
Members on this committee provide a hospitable and prayerful environment for all liturgical celebrations and oversee the seasonal images used during our celebrations in the church and chapel.
Ministers of Hospitality greet and welcome our spiritual family and are responsible for ensuring that everyone entering the church feels comfortable and welcome. Ushers guide and assist the parishioners to their seats and direct them to the reception of the Holy Communion. Additionally, they arrange for parish families to carry up Offertory Gifts during the weekend Masses. Men, women and teens are welcome in this ministry. Training is given by the staff. Persons are chosen for their spirit of friendliness and openness in welcoming and greeting members of the community. A once a year meeting is required.
Children’s liturgy is NOT a class. The children arrive with their parents and join the assembly for the introductory rites. After the opening prayer, the priest invites the children to attend their own special liturgy of the Word. Just as adults hear the Word of God proclaimed and reflect upon its meaning, the children of the assembly also listen to God’s word. At the conclusion of the liturgy of the Word, the children rejoin their parents for the entire assembly’s celebration of the liturgy of Eucharist. Volunteers are needed to be liturgy leaders and to proclaim the Word to the children.
This ministry creates the flower arrangements on a weekly basis for the altar based on the liturgical season to enhance the liturgical environment. Anyone with the ability to arrange flowers in a pleasing way is invited to participate in this ministry. Designers are trained by the staff and must be willing to learn how to prepare flowers in a prayerful manner.
This ministry works with engaged couples to ensure that the church’s guidelines are clearly understood. The wedding coordinator works with the couple to coordinate the wedding preparations and assist at the wedding rehearsal.