Liturgical Ministry

Gathered at the table.  Sent forth into the world.

LITURGY is the pinnacle of the Catholic experience, where we are nourished by Word, Eucharist and Fellowship, and then commissioned to build God’s kingdom of justice and compassion on earth.  Old St. Pat’s is committed to hosting Liturgies that welcome, inspire, and challenge all who gather.  We seek to celebrate the rich beauty of our Catholic tradition, and in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, to encourage the full, conscious and active participation of all gathered.

The Church needs you.  Good Liturgy depends on your spirit, participation and service.  We would be delighted—honored, even—if you would share your gifts with Old St. Pat’s as a Liturgical Minister.  Please contact Krista Kutz at kristak@oldstpats.org or 312.798.2367 to learn more about training, scheduling and serving in any of ministries listed below.

• Hospitality Ministers embody the mission of Old St. Pat’s to foster a warm community that welcomes and values each person.  These volunteers greet the gathering assembly, assist with seating, take up the collection, distribute worship aids and bulletins, and straighten up the church for the next celebration.
• Eucharistic Ministers, by assisting the priest in distributing Holy Communion to the assembly, nourish the assembly with the gifts from the sacred table.  This ministry is open to all Catholics who have been fully initiated with the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
• Lectors bring God’s Word to life at Mass, as they proclaim the Scriptures and lead the Prayers of the Faithful.  They devote time to preparing and reflecting on the readings in advance, so that they may be proclaimed with familiarity, reverence and love.
• Mass Coordinators are experienced liturgical ministers entrusted with coordinating the many volunteers who assist at a particular Liturgy.  They check-in volunteers at the usher’s closet, identify members to bring up the gifts, facilitate the collection, and work with the Liturgical Coordinator and Sacristans to ensure the Liturgy runs smoothly.
• Sacristans prepare the church for celebration of Mass, oversee the care of liturgical vessels and vestments, and assist the presiding clergy in the sacristy.
• Altar Servers are sixth, seventh and eighth graders who assist at the 9:30 Liturgies.  They perform tasks such as lighting candles, preparing the altar, and holding the presider’s ritual book, or Sacramentary.

The celebration of Mass is the action of Christ and the People of God—ministers and assembly…

Every member of the liturgical assembly gathered by Christ has a part to play in the action of the whole… The participation of all is demanded by the nature of the liturgy and, for the faithful, is their right and duty by reason of their Baptism.
-Pastoral Introduction to the Order of Mass,

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, #4.

At Old St. Pat’s, we understand that the spirit of our worship depends on an engaged laity…on you.  You are called by your Baptism to be a minister and celebrant of Liturgy.  How will you respond?