Sacred liturgy is where God and his people come
together in a perfect union. To this end, each
member of the Liturgy Ministries has an
important role to play. Our commitment is
reflected in the way we welcome members of our
community, prepare the liturgical environment,
sing our songs of praise, proclaim the Word of
God and partake in the Body and Blood of Christ.
Altar Guild
The role of the Altar Guild is to create an
environment appropriate for the celebration of
our liturgy. The care and beautification of the
sanctuary and its environs is a labour of love.
They are the simple tasks of the everyday
household, given greater significance because
they are done for the house of God and for His
people.
FAQs
What are the duties involved?
- Laundering and ironing of small linens.
- Dry cleaning and laundering of priests’ vestments and altar cloths.
- Sanctuary cleaning
- Floral arrangement
- Brass polishing
- Rectory chapel care
- Feast day set-ups
Is training provided?
Training is provided by experienced ministry members.
What sort of commitment is expected?
Floral arrangements and sanctuary cleaning are done on a rotational basis, currently once every nine weeks. Small linens are a two month responsibility each year. Other jobs are done as required.
Coordinator: Bridget Bird 604-228-9180
Altar Servers
Altar Servers play a very important role in the
liturgical life of our church. They assist the
priest at Eucharistic celebrations and other
services such as funerals and prayer gatherings.
They must develop an understanding of the rites,
know the order of procession and the names of
the implements used in worship. Baptized
children who have received the Eucharist may
join at the fifth grade or higher.
FAQs
Is there any training?
Training and preparation is carried out by the Altar Server Coordinator and aided by two teachers from Our Lady’s School. For children who are not at OLPH School, announcements about training schedules are made in the parish bulletin.
What is expected of an Altar Server?
Be familiar with the sacred rites, the order
of processions, tasks during liturgical
celebrations, funerals, weddings and other
Sacraments.
You need to be in the sacristy at least 15
minutes before Mass. If you cannot serve when
scheduled, you are expected to find a
replacement. Experienced servers are encouraged
to help train new members.
Coordinator: Kate Carr 604-730-5640
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE eucharist
As a Eucharistic community taking the Body and
Blood of Christ to those who cannot join us
physically at the table is a privilege. Our
mission is to take Christ from the table to the
hearts and homes of those who cannot be with us
with the utmost of care and reverence.
FAQ:
How old must I be?
All Eucharistic Ministers must be 21 or
older.
What is the training like?
A new Eucharistic Minister must attend an
hour-long training session in which you are
prepared for Communion in both forms. You will
be taught the order of procession and the
correct procedures for distribution, storage and
cleansing of vessels.
How often will I be scheduled?
Usually once every 3 or 4 weeks and always at the Mass you usually attend.
Hospitality Ministry
The primary role of the Ushers
is to welcome all who gather for Mass and ensure
the surroundings are conducive for the
celebration of Mass. Your job is also to make
newcomers feel welcome, hand out the bulletin or
other materials which need to be distributed, as
well as facilitate the weekly collection.
The 8:30 Coffee Crew is also
part of the Hospitality Ministry. Members make
coffee and serve refreshments after this Mass to
give parishioners an opportunity to meet
newcomers and other parishioners.
FAQs:
What is expected of an Usher?
Ushers are expected to be at Mass 15 minutes
early to greet parishioners, hand out the
bulletin and make sure the church is ready for
the Eucharistic celebration. When offering boxes
and tax receipts are issued, you are expected to
help parishioners identify their boxes and
envelopes. Newcomers should be welcomes and
helped with registration. If convenient, they
should be introduced to the pastor. After Mass,
lights and fans must be turned off, the pews
tidied and the doors shut.
How is the collection handled?
First, find out if there are one or two
collections to be taken, then make sure the
baskets and bags are ready. After taking the
collection, all contributions must be gathered
and brought forward by two ushers as an
offering. This should then be deposited into the
safe box in the sacristy.
How do I join the 8:30 Coffee
Crew?
If you enjoy meeting and introducing new
people, you would be a great addition to this
group. Members also make coffee and serve
refreshments. If you would like to find out
more, please contact the Coordinator.
Coordinators:
Ushers - Gerry Macken 604-222-1369
8:30 Coffee Crew - Liz McLaughlin 604-733-5956
Ministry of the Word
Scripture tells us that God's
Word is living and active and has the power to
transform lives. As such, it needs to be
proclaimed not simply read aloud. It is the
Lector's responsibility to give voice to God's
Word. In order to do this effectively, lectors
are expected to attend workshops and keep up
with changes in form and procedure.
FAQs
How do I know if I could be a good Lector?
A lector is one who is willing to ground their lives in the Word of God.
Vocal project, a sense of confidence, maturity
and love of Scripture are some of the basic
requirements. Prayer and preparation is
necessary to ready oneself spiritually for the
task.
What does a Lector do?
During the year, workshops are held to
improve your skills as a lector. You are
expected to attend these to improve your skills.
The first Lector is responsible
for enthroning the Book, proclaiming the First
Reading, presenting the Prayer of the Faithful
and then recessing with the book at the end of
the Mass. He or she stays in the sanctuary
during Mass. The second Lector is responsible
for the next reading and sits with the
congregation, stepping up only when it is time
for the reading.
What is the preparation involved?
Go over the readings a few days before you are scheduled. There are web sites with information to aid you in this preparation. Look up the meanings of words you do not know.
Being present when scheduled or finding a
replacement when you cannot be there is
absolutely essential.
Coordinator:
Roger Poirier 604-224-0426
Music Ministry
The mission of the Music Ministry is to
praise the Lord and sanctify his faithful people
by using your God-given talents to enhance
liturgical celebrations and other sacred
assemblies. By doing this, the Ministry aims to
nourish the faith lives of the assembly and
achieve fuller, more active participation at all
our celebrations.
FAQs
Do I need a background in music?
It is not essential but you have to be able to carry a tune!
Will I get any training?
Workshops are held periodically but training
comes from being part of our regular weekend
worship and attending the weekly practices.
Acclamations, responsorial psalms and chants are
unique forms of music used mostly in liturgy.
Experienced musicians guide novices with these.
What sort of commitment is involved?
Because music is so vital to parish life, we
welcome those who are willing to make the
commitment to be part of our weekly practices
and Mass gatherings in the spirit of good
stewardship.
When do the Choirs practice?
Most choirs practice an hour before mass starts. The
Sunday 8.30am choir practices on a weekday evening.
Contact: Sarah Bowker 604-916-6701
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