MINISTRIES FOR MASS
To join any of these ministries please contact the Pastoral Associate, and arrangements will be made for your training.
LECTORS
Being a lector is a very rewarding experience. It gives a person a chance to verbally share the word of the Lord with the faithful attending the Mass. It is definitely a faith-filled experience. The Lector proclaims God’s Word to the assembly from the ambo, the table of the Word. Although the ministry is a simple one, that does not mean it is easy to do well or requires little energy or effort. The task itself is quite challenging. Not everyone is equal to it.
The Lector’s proclamation determines whether his or her service will help or hinder the hearers of God’s Word. Those who take on the the ministry of Lector are presumed to be confirmed Catholics in good standing with the Church, active members of the parish, of good faith, eager to serve and willing to engage in on-going formation. It is not presumed that they are particularly holy, exceptionally gifted, or highly skilled orators. Basic abilities, however, are required.
Prayer of Lectors:
Dear Jesus, thank You for calling me to be a lector at Your Eucharistic celebrations. Let me take this role seriously and diligently prepare myself
for it by studying the sacred texts before mass, and by striving to be a better Catholic Christian. By my physical action of reading,
I am the instrument through whom You become present to the assembly in Your word and through whom You impart Your teachings.
Let nothing in my manner disturb Your people or close their hearts to the action of Your spirit. Cleanse my heart and my mind and open my lips
that I may worthily proclaim Your word. Amen.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER OF HOLY COMMUNION
An extraordinary minister of Holy Communion in the Catholic Church is, under the 1983 Code of Canon Law, "an acolyte, or another of Christ's faithful deputed", in certain extraordinary circumstances, to distribute Holy Communion. The term "extraordinary" distinguishes such a person from the ordinary minister of Holy Communion, namely a bishop, priest or deacon. Under ordinary circumstances, only bishops, priests, and deacons may distribute Communion in the Catholic Church.
The 1983 code permits that where the needs of the Church require and ministers are not available, lay people, even though they are not lectors or acolytes, can supply certain of their functions, that is, exercise the ministry of the word, preside over liturgical prayers, confer baptism and distribute Holy Communion, in accordance with the provisions of the law." The term "lay people" does not distinguish between men and women.
HOSPITALITY MINISTERS
Ministers of Hospitality/Ushers Ministry – Ministers of Hospitality/Ushers for St. Bernard Catholic Church act as the liaisons for our parish to warmly welcome God’s people to each liturgical celebration. These ministers greet parishioners and visitors at the doors, help with seating, take up the collection during the Mass and pass out bulletins at the end of Mass. They arrange for the comfort of those in attendance, whether it is seating, lowering of shades or assisting those who have mobility issues with their equiptment.
A Prayer for Ministers of Hospitality
Heavenly Father, you have bestowed upon each of us many gifts. Those whom you have called to serve are present to show our graciousness to you and our faith as we use these gifts. We ask that you provide guidance as we enable our talents to express your love for us in our daily lives and to communicate your love to our community and our parish family. We ask that you enlighten us whenever we are called to serve this ministry and empower us with your grace and forgiveness so we may execute our responsibilities in welcoming and providing assistance to our priests, deacons and parishioners. Keep us focused on our objectives and commitment to serve in Your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Usher History The ministry of hospitality/ushers is one of the oldest ministries in the Catholic Church. During the time of our Lord and Savior, our predecessors were known as “doorkeepers,” and numbered in the hundreds. Around the 3rd century, AD ushers were known as “Porters,” used to guard the doors against intruders that may disrupt services.