MINISTRIES

LITURGY/LAY MINISTRIES

Altar Servers
All children that have received their First Holy Communion and are in the 3rd grade through high school are encouraged to join in this important service and function at Mass. To get more information and to learn about serving at the Mass, contact Joe Eichmann (260-799-4411) or Judy Egolf (260-705-4577 or judylegolf@yahoo.com).

Music
Any parishioner is welcomed to cantor at Mass or to play musical instruments in companion to the music at Mass. For the music and for practices contact Beth Konger (260-693-2724).

Lectors

Lectors read the designated passages from the Old Testament, New Testament (except for the Gospel, which is typically read by a deacon or priest), and, sometimes, the Responsorial Psalm during the Liturgy of the Word. This proclamation is a sacred act, as it makes present the living Word of God to the assembly. The lectors also proclaim the Prayer of the Faithful, also called the Universal Prayer, in which the Church gathers the prayers of the world together and beseeches God to hear and answer them in accordance with His Will. 

Effective proclamation requires thorough preparation. Lectors should practice the readings beforehand, understanding the context and meaning of the texts. This preparation involves prayer, study, and reflection, allowing the lector to internalize the message and convey it with authenticity. Lectors are called to approach their ministry with reverence and dignity. This includes dressing appropriately for their role and maintaining a prayerful disposition while serving during the Mass. The way a lector carries themselves can enhance the congregation's reception of the Word.

Who can be a lector?
A person who is in full communion with the Church
At least of High School age
Who has completed their Sacraments of Christian Initiation 
Is able to read and pronounce with a clear voice
Completes an annual training, formation, and recommissioning provided by the parish

How do I become a lector?
During the Lenten season each year, we are asked to pray and discern how we can assist our parish ministries. At the conclusion of Lent, parish sign ups take place and training follows. Lectors, both current and new, are asked to attend a training session hosted by the parish. Upon completion of the training session, the new and current lectors are then commissioned at a Mass, typically in May around the Feast Day of Venerable Bede, who is the patron saint of lectors. Outside of the usual Lenten sign-ups, please contact the parish office at (260-693-9578) for more information. 

Ushers/Ministers of Hospitality

Ushers play a vital role in ensuring that liturgies are conducted in an orderly manner and of hospitality by welcoming people to worship with us.  This ministry is vital in creating an inviting and respectful atmosphere during Mass and other church events, helping to enhance the worship experience for all attendees.

Being an usher includes a variety of responsibilities. Ushers are often the first point of contact for parishioners and visitors as they enter the church, responsible for greeting attendees, assisting with seating, facilitating the offertory collection, and providing guidance during Communion. They also help with practical tasks such as distributing bulletins, answering questions, and maintaining order during liturgies. 

Who can be an usher?
Anyone, who is a parishioner, of high school age or older can join
If you are interested, please contact the parish office at (260-693-9578) for more information.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist

The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion assists the priest at the Divine Liturgy of the Mass to help distribute Holy Communion. By virtue of their sacred Ordination, the ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are the bishop, the priest, and the deacon, to whom it belongs to administer Holy Communion to the lay members of Christ’s faithful during the celebration of the Mass.

However, when the size of the congregation is such that the liturgy would otherwise be unduly prolonged, or if available ordinary ministers are somehow incapacitated, then lay members of the faithful may be designated to assist in the orderly distribution of Holy Communion as necessary.  These laypersons must be properly commissioned, and they are referred to as “extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.”  In this context, “extraordinary” implies an exception, or an extraordinary measure in unusual circumstances.

Who can be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion? 

• Men or women of high school age or older who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Holy Mass, sacred vessels, proper procedures, etc.
• Demonstrate a mature spirituality, and be “of sound doctrine and exemplary moral life. Catholics who do not live worthy lives or who do not enjoy good reputations or whose family situations do not conform to the teaching of the Church may not be admitted” to the exercise of functions such as the extraordinary minister of Holy Communion.
• Undergo formal training each year to become an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and to be commissioned, annually, on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. 

How do I become a Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion?
During the Lenten season each year, we are asked to pray and discern how we can assist our parish ministries. At the conclusion of Lent, parish sign ups take place and training follows. Outside of Lent, please contact the parish office at (260-693-9578) for more details. 

Home Bound
The shut-ins and the home-bounds are visited with Holy Communion each Sunday. If you know someone not able to attend Sunday Mass due to age or illness, you are encouraged to inform the parish office at (260-693-9578) or contact Jeryl Marshal (260-413-0183).

Altar Flowers/Church Decoration
 Please contact Helen Eichmann (260-799-4411) or Kellie Huelsenbeck (260-897-3320) if you are interested in helping with this ministry.  Donation envelopes for Mass Altar Flowers are at the entrance of the Church.