The life of our Parish centers on the celebration of the Eucharist. Active participation by the laity enhances this experience for us all. Through Baptism each of us shares the role of priest, prophet and king. Are we fulfilling some part of that responsibility? We are all called in a unique and special way to serve the Lord and one another. If you feel a call or interest to be involved in a more participatory way at Mass – please pray about participating in one of the Liturgical Ministries! No experience is needed and both training and support are provided. Scroll down for information on:
- Altar Servers
- Lectors (Readers)
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMs)
- Sacristans
- Ushers
- Music Ministry
ALTAR SERVING
Altar servers assist in a unique and special way directly at the altar. They are the key assistants to the celebrant during the entire Mass. Altar servers include boys and girls in Grades 3 through high school. New altar servers normally sign up in the fall but if you missed that time, always feel free to contact our Coordinator listed below. Training is provided separately at each church. We also invite adults to consider serving. There is room for all at this table of the Lord.
For St. Julia Church, contact parishioner Janice Carroll Hammond
For St. Joseph Church, contact our Parish staff
LECTORS
Lectors proclaim the Word of God during the Liturgy of the Word at Mass. They are also responsible to represent the community’s interests in proclaiming the general intercessions (also known as Prayers of the Faithful). Training and support are provided. If you feel a draw to try this ministry contact the Coordinator listed below.
For St. Julia Church, contact parishioner Sandra Tollos
For St. Joseph Church, contact parishioner Karen Boyce
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION (EMs)
While bishops, priests and deacons distribute the Precious Body and Blood of Christ in virtue of their office as ordinary ministers of Holy Communion, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMs) are lay parishioners who assist in the distribution of the Eucharist at each Mass. Training sessions and ongoing opportunities to deepen appreciation of this ministry are provided to those who are interested in serving in this way. If you would like to assist other parishioners by bringing Holy Communion to the homebound or those in assisted living facilities, please contact our Parish staff for more information and training!
For St. Julia Church, contact parishioner Betsy Czarnowski
For St. Joseph Church, contact parishioner Karen Boyce
SACRISTANS
Sacristans are the hidden helpers that care for the setting of the Mass. They are responsible for insuring all components: hosts, chalice, wine, candles, books, etc… are all prepared before Mass. They are also the cleanup crew that puts everything away after Mass. This is a position not visible to the people attending Mass, but it is certainly an indispensable ministry, which provides all the elements needed for Mass. Full training is provided. If you are drawn to liturgical ministries, but prefer something quiet and unseen, this may be just right for you! Contact the Coordinator below for more information.
For St. Julia Church, contact parishioner Alpheen Menachery
For St. Joseph Church, contact our Parish staff
USHERS
Ushers are the first and last people you see when you come to celebrate Mass. They are the smile of St. Julia Parish. They greet you, hand you a bulletin, pass out books, help with seating, identify people to bring the gifts forward, collect the donations and many others key tasks. Serving as an usher is a special ministry open to people of all ages. Training and support are provided. You would be part of a team and not functioning alone at Mass. Contact the Coordinator below for more information. Our needs: We need 2 ushers for every Mass at both churches. More ushers are needed in both churches!
For St. Julia Church, contact parishioner Prem Menachery
For St. Joseph Church, contact parishioner Jim Kjellander
LITURGICAL MUSIC MINISTRY
Musicians and singers of all ages are encouraged to share their talents in praise of God! Cantors (song leaders) are needed at all Masses. Choirs of various compositions and rehearsal requirements meet at different times and locations. Contact our Music Director, Brian Moll for more information about adult and children choirs at St. Julia parish.