Ministries: General Reflections and Guidelines

GENERAL REFLECTIONS AND GUIDELINES

Jesus Christ is the high priest at every Eucharist we celebrate.

At the Eucharist we remember the life, sufferings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We call this the memorial of the paschal event or paschal mystery.

In the Eucharistic memorial, Jesus Christ is the sacrificial offering made to God.

As baptized members of the Church we are invited to participate in this offering by engaging fully in the ritual. The call to “active, conscious participation in the liturgy” is really an invitation to embody the paschal mystery. It is our mystery.

We participate by praying together, listening to God’s Word, singing hymns, canticles and litanies, walking in processions, and making certain gestures as well as sharing in the body and blood of Christ.

The liturgy is not a private prayer. Nor is it really the time for saying private prayers. Rather it is the work of the whole Church.

Being a liturgical minister is a beautiful way of participating in this paschal event.

Because hospitality is a key ingredient at the liturgy we are expected to treat one another with dignity and respect. All liturgical ministries are asked to carry out their roles in a manner that exemplifies this notion of hospitality.

As liturgical ministers you are asked to remember to do the following.

Honor your assignments. If you cannot be present please call someone ahead of time to take your place.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before the liturgy is scheduled to begin. Ministers of hospitality should arrive at least 20 minutes early.
Dress properly. Your attire is a way of respecting the members of our parish as well as our guests.
Walk gracefully and handle all liturgical books and vessels with respect.
Practice. Practice. Practice. Pray. Pray. Pray.