"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)
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: [email protected] Office Hours is Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
“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).
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.
“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]
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).
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.)
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Although formal institution into the ministry of acolyte is reserved to lay men, the diocesan bishop may permit the liturgical functions of the instituted acolyte to be carried out by altar servers, both men and women without making distinctions between the functions carried out by each. In the Archdiocese of Chicago such is the case.
Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibility and to carry them out well and with appropriate reverence. They should be fully initiated Catholics in the state of grace.”
All servers should receive proper instruction and formation before they begin to function including thorough knowledge of the Mass, its parts and meanings, the names and uses of the various objects used in the liturgy and their function during Mass and other liturgical celebrations. They should also be instructed as to maintaining appropriate decorum and attire when serving Mass and other functions. In Ss. Peter and Lambert servers wear the same ministerial robes as other ministers.
Since they are an integral part of the Holy Mass, there should always be at least one server at each Holy Mass to assist the priest presiding. On Sundays it is preferable to have two or more. Servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation. They also join in singing hymns and other chants of the liturgy.
Servers lead the liturgical procession carrying the cross and candles. The cross leads and the two candles follow.
Upon reaching the altar, the server carrying the cross will stand to the left side of the altar leaving enough room for the servers carrying the candles to stand at each end of the altar. They remain in that position until after the deacon and priest/s reverence the altar.
They then proceed to the first pew on the ambo side so they can easily assist the priest celebrant and deacon. If there is need for some Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist to sit in the first pew, servers should allow them to enter first.
Servers should be alert to respond to the needs of priests and deacon. When the priest says “Let us pray” be ready to hold the Missal in front of him. Stand directly in front of the priest so he is directly facing the people as he reads from the book. The priest will usually signal the end of the prayer by touching the Missal. The Missal should then be closed and returned to the credence table and placed on the missal stand.
If there are al least two servers, the servers will pick up the candles and stand on either side of the altar before the reading of the Holy Gospel. They will remain there until the priest or deacon signals he is ready to go to the ambo. They will then lead the priest or deacon to the ambo where they will stand on either side through the reading of the Holy Gospel. At the end, they will return the candles to their holding place and resume their places in their pew.
For the offertory, servers should be prepared to take the Missal and the chalices to the altar and then follow the priest to assist in receiving the bread and wine and carry them to the altar where the deacon and or the priest will place them in their proper position. If more than one server is present, one should take the Missal and the other assist with the gifts. If a deacon is present, typically he would carry the chalice to and prepare the altar.
Servers should bring the water and wine cruets to the altar with the stoppers removed and the handles facing the priest or deacon. After the chalice is prepared by the priest or deacon, the servers take the cruets back to the side and (if no incense is being used) return with the water cruet and the dish and be prepared to pour a small amount of water over the priest’s hands. The other will hold the unfolded towel by the corners for the priest to dry his fingers. If there is only one server, the towel should be draped over the left wrist with the dish in the left hand and the water in the right. The cruets, dish and towel may be then left on the side or on the credence table.
It is preferred not to ring the bells at the conclusion of the Sanctus but rather during the Eucharistic Prayer WHEN THE PRIEST PLACES HIS HANDS OVER THE BREAD AND WINE at the epiclesis.
At the consecration, a server should ring the bells three times each during he elevation first of the Body of Christ and again at the elevation of the Blood of Christ.
Servers may not distribute communion unless they are also Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist.
If there is a sprinkling rite during the Mass, a server may be called to assist the priest by carrying the Holy Water (bucket or aspersorium). If there is a deacon present, the deacon would normally accompany the priest. The priest will carry the Aspergilium . In some instances a branches may be used instead of the metal sprinkler.
After the final blessing, the servers will take the cross and candles again and position themselves in the same places they were upon entering the sanctuary, and then lead the ministers in the recessional after the priest (and deacon) reverence the altar.
If incense is to be used during the Holy Mass, and there are sufficient servers, the server carrying the Thurible leads the procession.
The priest celebrant may decide to incense the altar and on specific occasions may also incence a special icon or image at the beginning of the Holy Mass. Servers will be called upon to present the Thurible and boat to the priest or deacon.
In incense is to be used for the reading of the Gospel, the thurible and boat should be brought to the celebrant before the deacon receives the blessing. The server then receives the thurible back from the celebrant. The server stands behind the priest or deacon who will proclaim the Gospel ready to hand the thurible to him following the introduction of the Gospel reading. After incensing the Bood of the Gospels, the priest or deacon will hen hand the thrurible back to the server. The server remains behind the Deacon/Priest during the reading of the Gospel swinging the Thurible gently back and forth. At the conclusion of the Gospel, the Thurible is returned to its stand.
We thank you for undertaking this ministry of service to the community. Too often ushers are considered to be "...those people who take up the collection." That is the most visible aspect of the duties of the usher, but not the most important. The primary role of usher is to provide assistance to the members of the congregation and thereby facilitate the full and active participation of the laity in the Holy Mass.
In addition to the ushers, greeters are chosen to serve as representatives of the faith community in welcoming participants, especially visitors, and to encourage their full and active participation in the community of faith and the celebration of the Holy Liturgy. When both roles of usher and greeter are properly performed, the worship experience of all the faithful is enhanced. The following are our expectations for the ministers who undertake the role of usher and/or greeter in the service of the Ss. Peter and Lambert parish family.
Please take time to familiarize yourself with the building. In some instances you may need to know where the light switches are, or where a broom and/or mop may be found. If help needs to be summoned be aware that the nearest phone is in the rectory. A first aid kit is in the sacristy mounted on the wall near the water cooler.
It is expected that those who serve as usher or greeter will arrive a MINIMUM OF 15 MINUTES BEFORE MASS. The opportunity to make the appropriate first impression on worshippers is missed if the people you are there to greet and assist arrive before you do. If you are not there until after Holy Mass begins, you cannot properly do your job.
Additionally, part of the role of the usher is to be sure that everything in church is in order, i.e. doors are unlocked, lights are on, the vestibule is clean, bulletin and envelope racks are properly filled, etc. Ushers must be available to help any person who may need assistance to a seat, directions to the restrooms, or other information.
In your role as usher/greeter you are a minister of the church and should approach that job with a degree of reverence and solemnity. Your attire is an outward indication of that reverence. You are going to the Lord's House for dinner - wear what you deem appropriate for such an occasion. While no specific dress code is established, it is assumed that you would want to wear your "Sunday Best".
The ushers and greeters should position themselves by the various entrances to welcome the congregation as it arrives and to be prepared to offer assistance. This ask is not accomplished if all the ushers are gathered together and engaging in private conversation. We want to encourage you to develop friendships with your fellow ministers and we recognize the importance of camaraderie, however we must keep in mind that the responsibility to minister to the broader congregation must take precedence in the minutes before the Holy Mass begins. Prior to teh Holy Mass the ushers should also select and ask members of the congregation if they would bring up the gifts at the appropriate time.
The right-center rear pew is reserved for ushers. While you do have the task of tending to the needs of the congregation, you are also a participant in the Liturgy. Therefore, though you would be expected to assist people in finding seats in the minutes immediately after mass begins; you also have a right and responsibility to actively listen to the proclamation of the Word of God. Toward that end, you would be expected to remain in your pew attending to the Liturgy of the Word as it is proclaimed rather than be seating people at that time.
The offertory collection is taken up immediately after the celebrant seats himself following the Prayer of the Faithful. The ushers first proceed down either side of the center pews, and then down either side of the outside pews. If there is a second collection, it should be taken up after communion when the celebrant seats himself. The collection is to be immediately put in the tamper-evident bags provided and sealed. The bag is then to be taken to the rectory or to the safe in the sacristy. At no time should anyone be alone with the collection out of sight of other ushers or congregation.
About the time the celebrant takes communion, the ushers should process up the aisle to the communion stations. After the ushers receive, they go down the aisles to assure an orderly flow to the various communion stations. The ushers should be particularly attentive to the needs of any disabled members of the congregation and inform the Eucharistic ministers if any persons need the Eucharist brought to them in their pews.
The last impression may be as lasting as a first impression. That is why it is important that the ushers and greeters are stationed at each of the exits at the conclusion of Mass to hand out bulletins and express a kind word of parting. The ushers may also be needed to provide assistance to those members of the community who need help.
When possible, the ushers and greeters should check to see that the church is returned as much as possible to a state of readiness for the next service. The doors between the vestibule and church should be closed and the outside doors should be closed unless the weather dictates otherwise. Bulletin racks should be restocked as necessary. The pews should be checked for forgotten articles of clothing, books, toys, etc. If time allows, missalettes should be returned to the holders and discarded bulletins and the like removed from the pews.
At the Last Supper Jesus himself provided the example of hospitality as service when he washed the feet of the Apostles. When you offer your service as an usher and/or greeter, you are responding to Christ's example. View your ministry as an act of prayer, an attempt to witness to the living Christ. In so doing you will begin to see the face of Christ in the faces of those whom you serve.