Liturgy
Special Roles for the Laity: Altar Servers | Lectors | Extraordinary Ministers
Music and Choirs: Adult Choir | Kinderchoir | Music Angels
Special Roles for Laity
Altar Servers
The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. Altar servers also set an example for the congregation by actively participating in the liturgy, including hymns, responses, etc.
Lectors
The Lector Ministry allows those who participate to serve the parish as Ministers of the Word. This is a great opportunity to reflect on the words and ideas of our faith-- a chance to understand more fully why we believe Christ is with us and why God is present in our lives.
The only skill required is the ability to read aloud, with feeling and meaning, after having taken the time and effort to understand the ideas behind the readings so that they can be effectively proclaimed for all to grasp.
The reward is that as the lector prepares to read, s/he uses the time of preparation to reflect on the readings for the week, and attains a deeper and clearer understanding of what the “words” signify. The Lector Ministry can be a deeply satisfying challenge and a joyful expression of faith.
Extraordinary Ministers
To understand why one should become an Extraordinary Minister, it is important to reflect on these words from the Extraordinary Minister Handbook: “Yours is a share in the work of the Lord’s Spirit who makes of us one bread, one body, the cup of blessing. Yours is a work of ministering Christ’s body and blood to the body of Christ, the Church. Yours is service at the Lord’s reconciling table. You minister holy food to holy people in the holiest of all communions.”
Those who serve as Extraordinary Ministers should make strong faith, a sense of awe, and inclusiveness of others the foundation of their ministry. Training is required to become an Extraordinary Minister.
Music and Choirs
St. Mary’s has three choirs, all directed by our
Music Director, Ms. Jo Noonan. All rehearsals are held on Wednesdays in
the music room of the old school building.
Adult Choir
St. Mary’s Adult Choir meets on Wednesday evenings from 7:00–8:30 PM. Anyone of high school age and above who loves to sing is welcome. The adult choir performs at the weekly 10:00 AM English mass.
Kinderchoir
Kinderchoir is a choir for children from Kindergarten to Third Grade. Rehersals are held from 3:00–3:45 PM. Kinderchoir sings once a month at the 10:00 AM Family Mass held on Sunday Mornings in the church basement.
Music Angels
The Musical Angels of St. Mary’s is a choir for children from Fourth through Eighth Grades. Rehearsals take place from 5:30 – 6:30 PM. This choir also performs once a month at the 10:00 AM Family Mass.
St. Mary’s is always seeking new voices and
instrumentalists to share in our musical praise. To learn more
about joining the choirs, or to schedule musical accompaniment for
weddings or funerals, please email
Ms. Noonan
or contact her at the parish office: 630-231-0013, ext. 230. Private
lessons in piano, voice, guitar, violin, viola and cello are also
available.
