Liturgy Ministries
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Altar Servers are youth (boys and girls, 9 and older, in fourth grade) who assist the presider at liturgy by holding the Roman Missal or Presider Binder; setting the altar at the presentation of the gifts; and carrying the cross or candles when needed. Training is provided. Servers are scheduled approximately once a month. More information from the Altar Server Q&As.
Contact: Kathleen Aschmann, kathleenaschmann@verizon.net Children’s Liturgy of the Word Ministry involves study of each Sunday’s scriptures. Children are dismissed as a group from the 9:00 am Sunday Mass to the Parlor Lounge to read and listen to the readings from the Children’s Lectionary. Click here for more information. Contact: Joan Sheppard. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) are Catholics in good standing, twenty-one years of age or older, who assist with the distribution of Holy Communion at Sunday and Holy Day parish liturgies. They are enrolled by the diocese and attend training sessions within the diocese and in the parish. They also take Communion to sick and homebound members of our community. Contact: Ruth Eshun (571) 214-8399, reshun42@gmail.com; Dan Fleming (703) 407-9400, danieljfleming@aol.com Funeral Liturgy Planners are adults who assist grieving families in planning and coordinating all of the details related to the funeral liturgy, such as choosing the scripture readings and musical selections. The Planners also help to ensure that everything runs smoothly at the actual liturgy. This is a very personally rewarding ministry of outreach and hospitality to individuals and families in their time of need and grief. Contact: Pamela Beggan (703) 360-9016, pamelabeggan@hotmail.com Lector Ministry consists of teens and adults who study and prepare the sacred scriptures in advance, and proclaim these at the liturgies on Sunday, Holy Days, and special occasions. Initial training consists of a six-hour workshop and an annual two hour refresher workshop. Lectors are scheduled to read at Mass about once a month. Contact: Mike Rimmington Liturgical Art & Environment Ministry is responsible for decorating the church for the different liturgical seasons through the creative design and use of appropriate banners, hangings, floral arrangements and other special seasonal decorative features which honor the sacred space. This ministry oversees the extensive decorating for Christmas and Easter and is in need of creative individuals who would like to lend a helping hand and some physical assistance. The ministry meets seasonally and as needed to plan and coordinate. Contact: Anne de Dios, anne.dedios@verizon.net Liturgical Ministries Committee assists the Director of Liturgy and Music to communicate the needs and coordinate the actions of the various parish liturgical ministries (English and Spanish). The Liturgical Ministries Committee meets seasonally, and is primarily composed of the coordinators of each liturgical ministry. Other interested liturgical volunteers are welcome to participate. Contact: Anne Shingler (703) 780-4055, a.shingler@gs-cc.org Sacristans prepare all the physical needs of the liturgies. They set up the bread, wine and water, candles, altar cloths, vessels and ritual books used for liturgy. They assist the altar servers and EMHC as needed. In some instances they help with the laundering needs of the liturgies. Open to all members of the parish interested in serving in this “behind the scenes” ministry. Sacristans are also needed to assist with other liturgical rites, including baptisms, funerals and weddings. Our Sacristan ministry is overseen and supported by the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Contact: Ruth Eshun (571) 214-8399, reshun42@gmail.com; Dan Fleming (703) 407-9400, danieljfleming@aol.com Usher Ministry consists of adults and teens who welcome parishioners as they arrive for liturgies and provide physical assistance as needed. They also hand out worship guides beforehand, distribute bulletins after liturgies, and take up collections as needed. They may also find someone to carry the cross and the gifts of bread and wine during Mass. Ushers help create a tone of hospitality for the whole parish, and usually commit to serving at one Mass a weekend. Contact: Mary Hellwege (703) 768-2287, mmhmay@aol.com Church Wedding Assistants are adults who assist a bride and groom with the special details of their wedding liturgy. They assist with the wedding rehearsal and ensure that essential details and setup are handled at the wedding celebration. Volunteers serve about three to five weddings per year. Contact: Susan Doyle |
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