MinCoor

LITURGICAL MINISTRY COORDINATOR

The liturgy coordinator is responsible for making sure that everything is in place before the liturgy begins. This minister pulls all the pieces together to assure a smooth flow and order to the liturgy.

QUALIFICATIONS

The liturgy coordinator should:

  • have a general understanding of each of the liturgical ministries
  • get to know the people who are involved in each ministry
  • be detail-oriented
  • have a calm and reassuring manner
  • be a good problem solver and motivator

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Make a note of any needed substitutes that you are made aware of (by phone call) before liturgy.
  • Arrive at the church at least 20 minutes before the start of liturgy.
  • Stand in the back of the church near the sacristy.
  • Copy the names of the ministers onto the checklist.
  • As liturgical ministers arrive, check them in on the checklist and brief them on any special aspects of the liturgy (Baptisms, sprinkling ritual, etc.) Do not go to ministers’ seats to check them in; they will come to you.
  • Assign Eucharistic ministers for special assignments
    • 2 GIFT BEARERS (Unless someone else has been asked; if so you will be told)
    • 2 MINISTERS OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD
    • Be sure these EMs understand what they are to do.
  • Recruit someone to carry the processional cross at the beginning and end of the liturgy. You may do this yourself if you wish. Be sure the cross bearer knows what to do.
  • If any ministers are missing, recruit and brief substitutes.
  • Note any “no-shows” on the checklist.
  • During the collection check to be sure someone has gone back to bring up the gifts.

ADULT ACOLYTE

The acolyte is responsible for making sure that the parts of the liturgy flow smoothly and that the various liturgical ministers work together to carry out their responsibilities. The acolyte may have to give cues and guidance to help inexperienced ministers carry out their ministry and gain confidence.

QUALIFICATIONS

The acolyte should:

  • have an excellent overall understanding of the parts of the Liturgy and the roles of each minister
  • have common sense and good judgment
  • be able to adapt and think on his/her feet
  • be able to offer guidance gently but effectively
  • have a reverent, inviting, and respectful demeanor

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Check in with the Liturgy Coordinator at least 20 minutes before the start of liturgy.
  • Check the Sacramentary to see if it is marked correctly for that weekend.
  • Be sure the microphone is on the altar next to your chair and turn it on.
  • Review the Prayer of the Faithful petitions.
  • In the Entrance Procession walk with dignity on the presider’s right.
  • At the base of the altar steps make a deep bow along with the presider. Walk up the steps on the right side. Walk behind the presider to stand on his right facing the assembly. Venerate the altar table when the presider does so.
  • Stand to the right of the presider wherever he goes.
  • Signal the server to bring the Sacramentary to you when the presider wants it.
  • Standing slightly in front of the presider and to his right hold the Sacramentary open to the correct page.
  • At the end of the prayer close the Sacramentary and return it to the server.
  • Take your seat next to the presider’s chair. If there is a Children’s Liturgy remain seated while the presider addresses the children.
  • After the Creed pick up the Book with the General Intercessions. After the presider introduces the Intercessions, read them to the assembly.
  • As the collection is taken up, signal the servers to bring over the Sacramentary, the chalice, and the vessels with water and wine.
  • Place the Sacramentary to the left of the corporal at a slight angle.
  • Hold the cruets with the wine and water while the presider pours the wine and water into the chalice.
  • Hand the vessels of water and wine to the servers to take to the side table.
  • Open the Sacramentary to the correct page showing the Prayer over the Gifts.
  • If necessary, remind the servers to walk with their candles to the back of the church to lead the procession with the gifts.
  • Stand back or sit until the gift bearers bring up the gifts (bread, large flagon of wine and the collection basket) directly to the altar table. They should come around the altar table to place the gifts on the altar. Help them center the gifts on the altar table. Handle all vessels with respect.
  • When the gift bearers leave the altar table area the presider will come to the altar table. Hand the vessel of bread to the presider who will show it to the assembly along with the cup of wine.
  • During the Eucharistic Prayer stand slightly behind and to the right of the presider. Your hands may be kept at your side or folded.
  • When the presider kneels or bows make a deep bow.
  • During the Lord’s Prayer hold your hands outstretched.
  • Share the sign of peace with those around you.
  • After the sign of peace bring over the tray with the cups from the side table and begin to prepare the Eucharist for the communion service.
  • During the “Lamb of God” all the EMs will gather in the sanctuary. One EM will pour the Precious Blood into the cups while you place the body of Christ into the plates. A second EM will place the cups on the two sides of the altar table.
  • Set aside one large piece of sacred bread to be broken by the presider. Divide the sacred bread among the four plates. (Be sure there are four.) Place about five white wafers in each plate, visible on top.
  • When the presider returns to the sanctuary he will invite the assembly to Communion with the words “This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are we who are called to his supper.” All respond “Lord I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.”
  • The presider will receive the Body of Christ and the Precious Blood from the chalice; then give the Body of Christ and the Precious Blood to you to receive.
  • Take up the chalice and a purificator and follow the presider. He will distribute the Body of Christ to those in the sanctuary and you will distribute the Precious Blood. You will start on the choir side in the front and end up on the pulpit side in the front.
  • Place the chalice on the altar table and take up a cup.
  • The presider and you will then proceed directly to your stations to give communion to the assembly standing to the right of the presider. Both you and the presider descend the altar on your right (the pulpit side).
  • The EMs will take up their vessels and proceed to their stations.
  • After everyone in the assembly has been served communion, hand your cup to any EM to place on the side table. Go up the steps to the altar, pick up the chalice and purificator, and place them on the side table to be removed with the other vessels.
  • Pick up the Sacramentary from the table and return to your chair.
  • Hold the Sacramentary for the presider during the Communion Prayer.
  • Be seated during the announcements.
  • Stand for the final blessing and dismissal by the presider.
  • When the presider venerates the altar table do the same.
  • Proceed to the base of the altar steps with the presider. He goes down one side of the steps; you go down the other side. Don’t forget your songbook.
  • Make a deep bow toward the crucifix with the presider and other ministers.
  • Walk alongside the presider singing enthusiastically as you process to the back of the church.
  • After liturgy check in the chapel to be sure that the EMs have consumed the sacred species and returned the vessels to the sacristy.

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