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Liturgical Ministers’ Notes- May 17, 2008
All
- Proper
attire: This came up several times. Fashion and common sense don’t
always go together! The less you draw attention to yourself the more
likely that you’re dressed properly. Also, consider this “Am I showing
honor to the Lord?”
- Don’t crowd “the board”. The leader needs to be able to write on it and be visible to ministers who are looking for the leader.
- Thank you when you check in and stay available in the narthex. You never know who might be missing!
- Reminder:
You will be replaced at 10 minutes before Mass. When 4 (or more) people
are missing (yes, it happens), there’s no time to wait until 5 minutes
before to start looking.
Communion Ministers
- When you receive your vessel on the altar go immediately to your station. There’s no need to wait for everyone else.
- When
you finish with the hosts in the chapel, come and help in the front on
the pulpit side. Often the fire door stations finish early and they can
help on the organ side. Cup ministers for the chapel and fire door can
go directly to the sacristy.
- Remember that you are greeters.
- Directions
for using/purifying the new chalices. There are softer purificators in
the drawer. Take one and use it for drying your chalices, NOT the ones
you used during communion. The correct ones in the drawer are labeled.
- Should
you extend the Sign of Peace on the altar? The Sign of Peace is to be
shared within the congregation. Feel free to take a few minutes to
share with those around you before coming to the altar, but not on the
altar.
- Be sure to check your assigned station before going
in to church. Remember: Cup ministers on the pulpit side, host
ministers on the organ side.
- “The Joy of Being a
Eucharistic Minister” is a wonderful book. If you haven’t read it,
please pick up a copy in the altar servers’ room to take home with you.
Ushers
- Suggestion that you start seating people from front to back. Then the REALLY late people can slip into the back seats.
- Not
everyone listens to your directions, as you know. Don’t get into a
power struggle. If you ask someone to move in, etc. and they won’t,
just walk away. If it’s an issue of safety or fire regulations, make
father aware of the situation. We’ll get the issue of chairs addressed
from the pulpit/bulletin.
- We’ll also be doing a recruiting
article in the bulletin. If someone comes up and volunteers, try to
find them a place even if it’s not every week.
Leaders
- Don’t
be afraid to move the mike. You want to be able to see the whole
congregation and not have to stand on tip-toe or crouch down. Take a
minute to be sure the position is right and comfortable for you.
Lectors
- When
the deacon is assisting, the lectionary is not carried in or out during
the procession. You can go back and get it after Mass or leave it up
there for the next Mass.
- “The Joy of Being a Lector” is a
wonderful book. If you haven’t read it, please pick up a copy in the
altar servers’ room to take home with you.
- The following is a suggested format for preparing your readings.
a) Read the scriptures for the weekend.
b) What did you hear?
What words stand out for you?
What person do you relate to?
What do you think is the message?
c) Read the scriptures again- reflect and put yourself in the scene.
d) What is God saying to you?
Examples: How is my faith affirmed?
Which person am I like and why?
What is God challenging me to do?
What will it cost me to believe? (change in attitude, etc)
What do I have to do to change?
e) Write down any thoughts or reflections.
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