Liturgical Ministry
Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Altar Servers, Ushers
Current Needs:
Current Volunteer Needs: New volunteers are always welcome. We currently have several parishioners serving in these roles twice or more per month. Additional volunteers will be helpful, particularly during the summer season and school breaks.
Time Commitment: Mostly during Mass, but there may be some duties before or after Mass depending on the role.
Eucharistic ministers, Altar Servers, Lectors and Ushers schedule their service dates based on their personal schedules. They receive an email notification each month regarding their availability during the following month. The schedule for the following month is released at the end of each month. If unexpected conflicts arise, they are able to cancel in the scheduling system which notifies other volunteers of the opening.
Training Requirements: Training is provided for parishioners new to the role. The Pastoral Associate of Liturgy, Sacristan and other liturgical ministers are happy to assist with questions as you learn and serve in your new role!
Contact Carol Morgan: liturgy@stbarbarbara.org 360-886-2229 x 222
More Information on Positions:
Eucharistic Ministers: A Eucharistic Minister must be a practicing catholic, in a state of grace, and not conscious of an unconfessed mortal sin. A Eucharistic Minister must be fully initiated into the sacramental life of the Church, and received the Sacraments of, Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist and not prevented by canon law to serve (e.g., in a marriage not recognized by the church).
What does a Eucharistic Minister do?
• After the consecration, they distribute the body and blood of Christ to the parish community present at the mass
• They are watchful that those receiving the body and blood of Christ are respectful and honoring of communion
Lectors: A Lector Minister must be a practicing catholic in a state of grace and not conscious of an unconfessed mortal sin, have gifts and skills in public communication and reading, have a love and reverence for the Sacred Scriptures and engage in some form of regular study of them, understand the importance of this ministry and appreciate the need for study and preparation, as well as the ministry’s connection to Christian life and practice.
What does a Lector do?
• Proclaims the first or second reading during the Liturgy of the Word
• Delivers the weekly announcements to parishioners
• Leads the Universal Prayer also known as the Prayers of the Faithful
• During special liturgies may lead the faithful in prayer
Altar Servers: Altar Servers assist the clergy in celebrating the Sacred Liturgy, especially the sacrifice of the Holy Mass. An altar server must be a practicing catholic and have received the sacrament of the Eucharist. There will be a training period with an experienced altar server. Mass times to serve are on Saturday at 5 PM, Sunday at 8 AM or 10 AM. Some holy days and special celebrations may require attendance at different times.
What does an Altar Server do?
• Arrive 15 minutes before mass to prepare
• Light the candles in the sanctuary
• Lead the procession as a cross bearer or candle holder
• Set the altar for the consecration
• Receive the gifts of bread and wine
• Assist Father during the act of consecration
• Ring the bells
• After communion replace the sacred vessels
• Lead everyone out of the church at the end of mass
• On special occasions you will assist Father with holy water and holding the liturgical books
Ushers: Ushers must be a practicing catholic in a state of grace and not conscious of an unconfessed mortal sin, have gifts and skills in public communication, have a love and reverence for the church and its people, understand there are no stereotypes, acknowledge they are hosts who put a face onto the parish, and actively welcome those who arrive and begin the process of forming the congregation as a worshiping body of God.
What does an Usher do?
• Greet those entering
• Help find seats for everyone
• Assist in an emergency
• Participate in the offertory collection
• Identify someone to bring the gifts of bread and wine to the altar
• Guide the distribution of communion
• See to the safety and care of those in attendance
• Ring the church bells