Liturgical Ministries at Immaculate Conception

The celebration of the Eucharist is the source and summit of church life (Second Vatican Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy). It takes many people working together to celebrate the liturgy. While the primary liturgical ministers are the members of the assembly, there are specialized ministries that help to foster the full, conscious, and active participation of the assembly. These are listed below. If you feel that God is calling you to serve in one of these ministries, please call the parish office.

Altar Servers assist the priest at Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Among other things, they help prepare the altar for the Eucharistic celebration, assist with the collection of gifts, and lead congregational responses. Young people in the fourth grade who have received First Communion may serve as altar servers until after Confirmation at age 16. Altar server training sessions are held quarterly.

Cantors lead the sung prayer of the assembly. Cantors need to have a pleasant singing voice and some leadership ability. The ability to read music is helpful. Cantors are expected to attend monthly workshops and are encouraged to join one of the choirs.

Eucharistic Ministers or communion ministers assist with the distribution of communion at Mass. Eucharistic ministers also help with the distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday, lead communion services and take communion to those who are unable to attend Mass. Training sessions are held quarterly.

Lectors proclaim the Word of God at Eucharistic celebrations and Morning and Evening Prayer. Training sessions are held quarterly.

Sacristans along with the altar society assist in the maintenance of the worship particularly the sacristy and sanctuary. They setup for liturgical celebrations and help to clean the area afterwards.

Musicians, along with the cantor, lead the assembly's sung prayer, and to provide music at other points in the liturgy where it might be appropriate for the assembly to sing.