Lay Liturgical Ministry

"But you are a 'chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises' of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Pt. 2:9).

All liturgical ministers are, first and foremost, members of the Body of Christ. Through their baptism they are the "holy people and royal priesthood" whose right and privilege it is to participate in the ministry of Christ. How the lay faithful exercise this ministry in the world varies, but the fullest and most fundamental expression of it has always been "conscious, active and fruitful participation in the mystery of the eucharist" (General Instruction Of The Roman Missal - GIRM, Introduction #5).

Since the celebration of the Eucharist is the "action of the whole Church" (GIRM, Introduction #5), everyone in the assembly has "an individual right and duty to contribute their participation" (GIRM #58). Some of the faithful are called to serve God's people in a more particular way through one of the many liturgical ministries that have flourished in the Church since the Second Vatican Council. This diversity of roles, functions and ministries enriches our celebrations and assists us in our prayer. Serving in one of these ministries is both an honor and a responsibility, and those who commit to it need nurturing and support. (colsdioc.org)

Call or e-mail :

Phone:   (847) 673-1492
Fax:   (847) 673-6979
E-Mail:   parish@stpeter-skokie.org

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Liturgical Ministers, Ushers and Greeters are an integral part of every Celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Eucharist at Ss. Peter and Lambert Parish. If you are interested in joining this ministry, please contact or email our parish office at (847) 673-1492, E-Mail: parish@stpeter-skokie.org. Office Hours is Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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Archdiocese's Required Training :

• Protecting God’s Children for Adults™/Virtus Training

• Protecting God's Children for Adults is training conducted by certified facilitators on the prevention of child sexual abuse. The training makes participants aware of the signs of child sexual abuse, the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse, and five easy steps one can use to prevent child sexual abuse.

• All employees and all volunteers who work with children and young people must fulfill this compliance requirement [Book II The People of God, Part I, Policy 603.3]. Anyone employed two months or longer who has not attended Protecting God’s Children cannot continue to work or volunteer in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

• >> If you have never taken training and can not wait for our parish's training schedule, please  CLICK HERE to find and preregister for an upcoming training session and create a new account.

• >> If you had already been trained and want to check if your status is "active" or in compliance with the Guidelines of the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth, please CLICK HERE to check online.

• Read the complete topic on "Protecting God's Children" from the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth, Safe Environment Office, Archdiocese of Chicago HERE.

• If you have any questions or for moe information please contact or email our parish office at (847) 673-1492, E-Mail:  parish@stpeter-skokie.org. Office Hours is Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Ss. Peter and Lambert Parish Guidelines for Servers and Ministers

I. Guidelines for the Lectors

• Introductory Remarks

“The Word of God as proclaimed in the sacred Scripture lies at the heart of our Christian life and is integral to all our liturgical celebrations.” (Book of Blessings, 1827)

The proclamation of the Word of God is truly a ministry in the Church. Lectors bring the living Word of God to the liturgical assembly. In and through them God speaks to the gathered faithful. The ministry of the Word, therefore, is treated seriously and with great dignity. Ministers of the Word According to the ancient tradition and the teaching of the Church, the readings other than the Gospel are proclaimed by lay ministers called lectors. The practice of ordained ministers proclaiming these readings is improper. (Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass #51).

The Gospel is ordinarily proclaimed by the deacon. In the absence of a deacon, the priest proclaims the Gospel. In concelebrations, one other than the presiding celebrant proclaims the Gospel. (Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass #49, 50; General Instruction of the Roman Missal #59).

• Preparation for Reading

The Word of God is not merely read during the liturgy. It is proclaimed. Proclaiming the Word of God can be a powerfully prayerful experience for you — one that you share with the entire assembly. The key to effective proclamation lies in understanding the meaning, the lesson, which is contained within the words you are about to read.

Spend some time in prayer and contemplation during the week before you will be reading. Familiarize yourself with all three readings, so that you understand the tone and the flow of the entire Liturgy of the Word for that Sunday. Review the commentaries in your Workbook for Lectors and Readers, which will help you understand something about the purpose of the author and the historical setting out of which the passage arises.

Once you have an understanding of the content of the reading, begin to consider the tone and the pace at which it should be read. Read through the reading several times aloud. Decide where it is most appropriate to pause, and for how long. Review any words that you find difficult to pronounce (There is a pronunciation guide in the workbook. When in doubt — ask!) Become so familiar with the reading that it would  appear you know it almost by heart. This will let you feel comfortable enough to lift your eyes from the page occasionally, to make eye contact with the assembly.

• Before the Holy Mass
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass in order to have sufficient time to vest and prepare for the service.
  • Check the lectionary on the ambo to be sure that it is open to the correct readings for the day. This is also a good time to adjust the microphone to a position that is comfortable for you.
  • If there are multiple options for the readings check with the celebrant to see if he has a preference as to which readings should be used or if a shorter or longer form should be proclaimed.

• Introductory Rites
  • In the procession to the altar, when no deacon is present, the lector may carry the Book of the Gospels elevated slightly (about shoulder height). In that case, the lector walks in front of the priest, otherwise with the other ministers.
  • Upon reaching the altar, the lector makes a profound bow with the other ministers. If the lector is carrying the Book of the Gospels, the lector does not bow but goes around to the back of the altar and places the Book of the Gospels on the center of the altar.
  • Then, the lector takes a place in the choir stall with the other ministers.

• Liturgy of the Word
  • Following the opening prayer, the lector proceeds to the ambo and proclaims the first reading and returns to his/her place in the choir stall.
  • If there is no cant or, the lector may also sing or recite the responsorial psalm after the first reading .
  • After the responsorial song, the lector returns to the ambo and proclaims the second reading.
  • If the Book of the Gospels is to be used, at the conclusion of the second reading the lector closes the lectionary and places it on the shelf beneath the ambo.
  • If there is no deacon or cantor to do so, the lector may announce the intentions. In that case proceed to the ambo as the Creed is concluded, or in the case where the creed is not recited, as the priest introduces the prayer of the faithful.
  • If there is to be a second collection, that is announced only after the priest offers the closing prayer of the general intercessions.

• Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist
  • If needed, the lector should be ready to help with the presentation of gifts at the offertory.
  • Though it is preferred that individual perform only one ministry at any given liturgy, all lectors should be alert and ready to assist at the offertory or with the Eucharist if they have been trained and properly mandated.
  • At the conclusion of the Mass, the lector does not process with the Book of the Gospels. The Lectionary is never carried in procession. The lector may join in the procession at the end of Mass in the same order as in the procession to the altar.

• After the Holy Mass​​
  • After the recessional, please return to the ambo to retrieve the Book of the Gospels and return the Lectionary to its place on the ambo.
  • Please return the vestments to the appropriate place in the sacristy.

II-A.  Guidelines for the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist

• Introductory Remarks

“The Eucharistic Celebration is an action of Christ and the Church, which is the ‘sacrament of unity,’ that is, a holy people gathered together and ordered under the Bishop. For this reason, the Eucharistic celebration belongs to the whole Body of the Church. Such a celebration manifests this same Body and affects it. As to the individual members of the Body, the Eucharistic celebration touches them in different ways, according to their rank, office, and degree of participation in the Eucharist.

In this way, the Christian people, ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own,’ demonstrates it cohesion and its hierarchical ordering. Therefore, all, whether ordained ministers or Christian faithful, by virtue of their function or their office, should do all and only those parts that belong to them.” [#91 GIRM]

• Before the Holy Mass

• Introductory Rites

In the procession to the altar, Eucharistic Ministers follow the servers and the choir. Upon entering the sanctuary, the ministers go to the left (ambo) side near the choir stall and wait until the celebrant venerates the altar. The ministers bow to the altar as the celebrant genuflects or bows, and then take a place in the back row of the choir stall. The outside seat of the stall should be reserved for the lector(s).

• During the Holy Mass

Ministers should model full, conscious and active participation for other members of the assembly (listening actively, attentively, joining in the prayers, singing, attending to your posture, bowing during creed, and so on.)

• Holy Communion

The Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharistic (EME) should remain in the choir stall until the celebrant has received the Holy Communion. Once the celebrant has received, EMEs go to the side of the altar where the priest will distribute communion to them. If for any reason an EME does not wish to receive the precious blood, simply indicate that to the priest or the deacon when the cup is brought. Once the EMEs have received communion, the priest or deacon will bring them a ciborium or a chalice for distribution of the eucharist to the congregation.

EMEs should then proceed to their stations. Typically the priest and one minister will distribute the Body of Christ at the head of the center aisle. One EME should distribute the host at the head of the aisle on the north side of the church and one at the head of the south aisle. These EMEs should be alert to occupants in handicapped accessible pews on each side who may need the Holy Eucharist brought to them. Should an usher indicate that a member of the congregation seated elsewhere needs to have the Holy Eucharist brought to them, be prepared to do so after finishing distribution at your station.

If there is a choir, an additional EME may be required to bring the eucharist to them in the balcony. EMEs of the Precious Blood station themselves at the head of the north-center and the south-center aisles respectively.

In distributing Holy Communion, EMEs should make a point to establish eye contact with each communicant. Extraordinary ministers are ministers of both the Body and the Blood. They are not simply distributing items to individuals, but participating in an essential moment in the mystery of faith, a moment of inviting others and self to recognize and reverence the body of Christ in its many dimensions. This is reflected in the Church’s regulations that ministers are to announce “The Body of Christ” [not “This is the body of Christ” or some other phrase].

If a EME of the Body of Christ runs out of Hosts, that minister should go to another station for additional Hosts. If necessary, the Hosts may be broken so that a sufficient amount is available for the number of people receiving. If a minister of the cup finds that all the Precious Blood has been consumed, the chalice should be brought to the sacristy and placed on the table to be purified by the deacon or priest. Do not attempt to pour the precious blood from one chalice into another. Do not put the purificator into the cup as there will be some amount of the Precious Blood remaining. When your section has finished, please check to see if assistance is needed at another station.

After communion, the EMEs return to the area near the tabernacle. EMEs of the cup should consume the remaining Blood of Christ, or if unable to do so, ask for assistance. EMEs of the Sacred Host should hand their ciborium to the priest or the deacon who will consolidate the remaining Sacred Hosts. All the ministers wait until the Sacred Hosts are consolidated and then genuflect (or bow if unable to genuflect) as the priest of deacon genuflects when closing the tabernacle. Empty ciboria and chalices should then be taken to the sacristy where they will be purified by the priest or deacon. Purification of Sacred Vessels after Holy Communion.

The General Instruction makes no provision for laypersons to assist in the preparation and purification of sacred vessels at the Holy Mass. Several years ago, the Holy See did grant permission to the dioceses of the United States to engage laypersons (sacristans and EMEs) to assist the priest in the purification of sacred vessels at the Holy Mass. When the renewal of this permission was sought in 2006, it was not granted.

Note that there is a distinction between “purifying” sacred vessels and “cleaning” them. Purification of sacred vessels includes putting some water in the sacred vessels and then consuming the remains of the consecrated bread or wine. This action belongs to the ministry of the bishop, priest and deacon. The “cleaning” of sacred vessels, including washing the vessels after being purified may be done by a deacon or priest and also by a layperson designated by the pastor to do so.

Distinct role Liturgical documents emphasize that EMEs should not assume the roles of others such as cantor, reader, acolyte at the same liturgy at which they are ministers of the Eucharist. Nonetheless, due to a lack of other ministers the situation may necessitate that a EME be ready to assist in another capacity at a particular liturgy. However, no individual should sign up for more than one ministry at any individual service.

II-B. GUIDELINES FOR EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST (EMEs)

• Description

Extraordinary Ministers for the distribution of the Holy Eucharist are properly formed, instructed and commissioned lay persons. They could be male or female and should reflect the cultural diversity of their parish community. These ministers are appointed for a given parish community to aid in the distribution of Holy Communion at the Holy Mass. EMEs are to exercise their ministry only in their own parish or institution. EMEs should not perform any other liturgical ministry at the Holy Mass at which they serve as an EME. When the situation requires, the presider of the Holy Mass may call upon them to perform other duties such as lectors and acolytes

• Selection Criteria: In order for a person to be appointed as an EME, the following conditions must be met:
  • Be a fully initiated Catholic living in harmony with the teachings of the Church and be In the state of grace.
  • Be of sufficient age and maturity to perform the duties of an EME at the Holy Mass.
  • Be chosen and appointed by the pastor for the parish entrusted to him

• Training
  • Prior to beginning their ministry, EMEs should be trained in the meaning of their ministry and the procedures to follow.
  • EMEs should participate in ongoing theological and ministerial formation at the parish and/or Archdiocesan level.
• Commissioning

After preparation for this ministry is completed, a formal commissioning of EMEs can take place, normally at a Sunday Eucharist, by the pastor or his delegate.

An “Order for the Commissioning of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion” can be found in the Book of Blessings, Ch. 63.

• Length of Service

Since ministry is a call both from God and the community in which it is exercised, it is appropriate that the choice of ministry and renewal of the term of service be mutually agreed upon by the individual and the parish. EMEs generally will serve for a period of at least two (2) years, after which time there may be an evaluation that may lead to a determination that the minister be re-commissioned for another term, called to another ministry,or relieved of their duties. It is helpful that each parish keep accurate records of each EME’s training, ongoing formation and their term(s) of service.

• Reverence and Attire

EMEs show utmost reverence for the Holy Eucharist. This reverence is reflected in their demeanor at the Holy Mass (full, active and conscious participation in the liturgy; their attire, and the manner in which they handle the Holy Eucharist).

A neat and reverential appearance is in keeping with the minister’s role and belief in the presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. This is the reason Ss. Peter and Lambert has chosen to ask all ministers at Holy Mass to wear the black ministerial robes with the colored collars according to the liturgical season/day.

EMEs should refrain from using strong cologne, perfume or aftershave because some recipients of Holy Communion have sensitivities to these scents and because these fragrances often remain on one’s hands and can be transferred to the Holy Eucharist.

• Procedures

• Before Mass
  • EMEs should arrive at the church at least 15 minutes before the scheduled Holy Mass to both check in, and prepare themselves interiorly for their ministry.
  • If necessary, and approved by the Pastor, EMEs may be required to prepare the appropriate amount of Eucharistic bread and wine to be brought during the Offertory.
  • Note that when Holy Communion is distributed under both species, the deacon is to distribute the Precious Blood (GIRM #182)
  •  EMEs should be part of the opening and closing procession and should sit in their assigned choir stalls in the sanctuary.

• During Mass 
  • EMEs should not perform another ministry during the same Holy Mass, unless an emergency situation arises or the presider requests it.
  • EMEs are called, as is the entire assembly, to full, conscious, active participation In the Eucharistic Celebration.
  • Because EMEs are models for the ritual behavior of the assembly, they should do all the ritual gestures of the assembly with strength and reverence, and make all verbal and sung ritual responses with faith and enthusiasm.
  • EMEs should model the current church and parish practices during liturgy.

• Procedures for Distribution
  • EMEs may enter the sanctuary during the Fraction Rite, but should not approach the altar until after the presider has received Holy Communion.
  • Ordinarily no minister should go to the tabernacle to bring previously consecrated Sacred Hosts to the altar since this is reserved for the presider and/or deacon. All Sacred Hosts for distribution should be consecrated at that Holy Mass.
  • EMEs receive Holy Communion after the priest (and deacon) have received, and before the reception of Holy Communion by the assembly; as indicated by the GIRM 2002 and the US Bishop’s Conference; all should make a bow of the head while saying “Amen” when receiving both the Body of Christ and the Precious Blood.
  • EMEs are not to self-communicate either the Sacred Body or the Precious Blood.
  • After EMEs receive Holy Communion, they are given their appropriate Communion vessel by the priest or deacon. Once all EMEs have their vessels, they proceed reverently to their Communion stations.
  • In giving Holy Communion, the minister holds the host slightly above the vessel, looks at the communicant, and in a clear voice says, “The Body of Christ” to which the communicant responds “Amen”. These are the only words to be used. Nothing is to be added or subtracted, not even a name. Then the Sacred Body is placed in the hand or on the tongue according to the manner indicated by the communicant.
  • If a communicant begins to walk away carrying the Sacred Host, the EME should say in a subdued voice, “Please consume the Sacred Host now”
  • Distribution of the Holy Communion under Both Species is recommended in all celebrations of the Holy Eucharist; but it is the communicant’s option to receive from the Sacred Cup.
  • In giving the Precious Blood, the EME holds the Sacred Cup up slightly and says in a clear voice, while looking at the communicant, “The Blood of Christ” to which the communicant responds “Amen”. These are the only words to be used. Nothing is to be added or subtracted, not even a name. Generally, the communicant should hold the Sacred Cup firmly in both hands and drink from it. However, in the case of a physical disability or weakness, the EME should be ready to assist in holding the Sacred Cup
  • After the Blood of Christ has been received, the EME should wipe the rim of the Sacred Cup, inside and out, with a purificator and turn the Sacred Cup slightly before presenting it to the next communicant. The EME should be careful not to wipe in a manner where the purificator is dipped into the Precious Blood.
  • The Sacred Cup is always ministered to the communicant; it may never be left for self-communication, except in the case of concelebrating priests.
  • Intinction. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, the practice of self-intinction, is not permitted.
  • Those EMEs finishing distribution before others, can move to assist those ministers who still have communicants to serve; follow specific parish procedure in this regard.
  • It is recommended that EME of the Sacred Cup are positioned at sufficient distance from the minister of the Body of Christ to ensure a smooth flow of the Communion procession.
  • It is recommended that every parish train enough EMEs to be able to offer the Sacred Cup at every Holy Mass.

• Accidents During Distribution
  • If a Scared Host falls to the ground during distribution of Holy Communion, the EME should pick it up immediately and consume it then, or after distribution is over. It should never be put back in the vessel to be given to another communicant. The presider may instruct EMEs to reserve it and give it to him for consumption.
  • If the Precious Blood is spilled, the area should immediately be covered. It should then be blotted and washed after the Holy Mass with water and a purificator. The purificator should be rinsed and wrung out in the sacrarium. If there is no sacrarium, it should be rinsed in another vessel and the water poured into the ground in a secluded spot. 
  • In either case, do not panic, and do not embarrass the communicant.

• Procedures After Distribution
  • Once EMEs are done with distribution, they return their vessels to the altar where any remaining hosts may be either consumed or prepared to be taken to the tabernacle; any remaining Precious Blood should be consumed at the altar or the sacristy by the priest, deacon or EMEs (Norms #52). 
  • Holy Communion vessels may be taken to the side (credence) table or brought into the sacristy and cleansed after the Holy Mass, so that all may maintain a prayerful silence of word and movement after Holy Communion; the vessels should be suitably covered. 
  • EMEs should return to their places in a dignified and reverent manner, not rushing.
  • Holy Communion vessels should be purified by a priest, deacon or instituted acolyte.

• Schedule 
  • A master list of EMEs is being compiled including emails and phone numbers. Please advise the coordinator of any changes in those.
  • Every attempt is made to schedule EMEs according to their preference. Communicate to the coordinator any temporary or permanent changes in your assignment 
  • There is a printed schedule in the sacristy if you wish to check your assignment.

• Miscellaneous
  • EMEs do not wash their hands in the ablution bowl in the sanctuary either before or after distribution of Holy Communion. All EMEs are reminded to wash their hands in the sacristy or the rest room before Holy Mass begins.
  • While performing their ministry, EMEs do not bow or genuflect to the altar or Tabernacle