From The Pastor’s Desk
During the month of December we are high lighting ministries in the celebration of the Eucharist. As I train and teach new altar servers, I explain how important their service is to the worshipping community. In fact all ministers at mass are assisting the celebrant in leading the people in worship. All ministries are important and need to be approached as such.
When people walk into a church they need to be welcomed, not just looked at, but truly greeted and made to feel welcomed. Greeters and ushers are the first people that are seen when someone enters a church.
As I train new lectors and review with experienced lectors, the first thing I tell them is what you put into a microphone is what comes out of the speakers. If you speak soft your proclamation will be soft. As I age I am more aware of sound or the lack of sound than ever before. We should not need to follow along in the book because we cannot hear, unless we truly have a hearing problem. Proclaiming the Word of God is just that, proclaiming the WORD OF GOD. It is not reading. Lectors should not apologize for what they are proclaiming.
The altar servers help the celebrant lead the people in worship. They are constantly in front of the congregation during the liturgy. They have an important function assisting the priest, thus they need to be attentive to what is happening. Fr. Joseph and I have a different styles, but the servers function is the same regardless. If we want something different then we will tell them and if they are being attentive the liturgy will continue smoothly.
Extra Ordinary Eucharistic Ministers assist the priest in the giving forth of the Body and Blood of Christ. This ministry is not to be taken lightly. They are participating in my priesthood. They are an extension of me to the people, and I am extension of the Bishop to the people. We all hold our ministry from the bishop. Giving the Body and Blood of Christ to the people must be done reverently and prayerfully.
Musicians are also a ministry in which whether vocal or instrumental, help the celebrant lead the people in worship. Music has been a part of worship from the days of Jewish worship in the temple in Jerusalem. They used all types of instruments along with songs and chants. Today we are only following a 3000 year tradition.
In the name of St. Agnes Cathedral Parish I want to thank all those who are involved in any ministry which assist me in the celebration of the Eucharist. I also invite anyone to think about a ministry here in the Cathedral.
RECTORY CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE December 18, 19 and 20 at 7:30pm each night