Liturgy
Special Roles for the Laity: Altar Servers | Lectors | Extraordinary Ministers
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.
