MAIN MENU

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed  (Daniel 7:14)

The word liturgy comes from a Greek word, liturgia, meaning "the work of the people."  

In its Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, the Second Vatican Council (1961-63) restored to the lay members of the contemporary Church several ministries which had been initiated by the Church of the First Century, but excluded from lay participation or omitted entirely during succeeding generations. For the fist time in a millennium, the liturgy once again became truly "the work of the people."  

Every sacrament has its own special liturgy, in which God*s people work as ministers and participants, but the word itself has come to refer most specifically to the Mass. Actually, the Mass is a combination of two liturgies: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The first part of the Mass celebrates and proclaims Christ*s life and teaching through Scripture, or the Word; the second part celebrates and makes present through the Eucharist Christ*s Last Supper with his friends, his sacrificial death and his victorious resurrection.  

The primary ministry at every Mass is the Assembly of  people, gathered to worship God. Next is the Priest, leading and presiding.   At Our Lady of Refuge, additional  liturgical ministries include: 

Greeters who meet us at the entrance to the Church and welcome us  to the celebration of the Eucharist

Ushers who assist us in finding seats, taking collections  and helping us with any personal needs we may have during Mass

Musicians who lead us in song and praise of God during the liturgy

Altar Servers who assist the priest and deacon during the celebration of Eucharist

Lectors who proclaim the Word of God by their  reading of the Epistles during Mass

Eucharistic Ministers who distribute the Body and Blood of the Lord during the Eucharist or  bring Communion to  persons unable to come to Mass - the sick and elderly in private homes, hospitals and convalescent facilities.  

Environmentalists who decorate the Church with flowers and artistic ornamentation.  Their work helps us enter more fully into the spirit of each feast in the Liturgical Year

Sacristans/Altar Society who care for the altar lines, vestments and maintain the cleanliness of the church shrines. 

Children's Liturgy of the Word Team who help children come to know, understand and love the Word of God

Infant Baptism Team who prepare parents and godparents for the baptism of infants

Bereavement Ministers who assist families in planning for the funeral services of loved ones

To learn more about the liturgical ministries, click on the links directly above or on those listed on the upper right of this page. 

Links

For more information about liturgy and liturgical ministries, click on the following links:

Main Menu

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES