Ministries

To sign up to be be a Lector, Usher, Altar Server or Eucharistic Minister for a particular Mass, please click here or on the ministry below.

Anyone participating in a ministry or parish organization must have completed all of the Safe Environment program of the Diocese of Rockford. Please sign into virtusonline.org. Click on FIRST-TIME REGISTRANT. Then begin the registration. Select "Rockford, IL (Diocese)" when prompted. When asked for the password "2train!" Then follow the directions given.

Lector:

The function of proclaiming the readings is by tradition not presidential but ministerial. Therefore the readings are to be read by a reader, but the Gospel by the Deacon or, in his absence, by another Priest. If, however, a Deacon or another Priest is not present, the Priest Celebrant himself should read the Gospel, and moreover, if no other suitable reader is present, the Priest Celebrant should also proclaim the other readings as well.

After each reading, whoever reads it pronounces the acclamation, and by means of the reply the assembled people give honor to the Word of God that they have received in faith and with gratitude. (GIRM, nos. 57-59)

Eucharistic Minister:

In every celebration of the Eucharist, there should be a sufficient number of ministers of Holy Communion so that it may be distributed in a reverent and orderly manner. Bishops, priests and deacons distribute Holy Communion in virtue of their office as ordinary ministers of the Body and Blood of the Lord. (1) When the size of the congregation or the incapacity of the bishop, priest, or deacon requires it, the celebrant may be assisted by other bishops, priests, or deacons. If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, "the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose. In case of necessity, the priest may also depute suitable faithful for this single occasion (GIRM 162)."

Usher:

In general, ushers carry the responsibility for the following:

Seating those assembled for Liturgy and especially taking special efforts to seat the faithful during the natural breaks in the Mass.
Attending to the needs of the disabled through such things as holding doors open, or locating non sloped areas places for wheelchairs and walkers.
Making sure that the gifts of bread and wine are in their proper places before Mass and asking members of the assembly to bring forth the gifts at the Offertory
Checking the worship space to make certain that it free from clutter
Assisting in the Rite of Preparation:
1. Circulating the collection receptacles (there should be a sufficient numbers of ushers to facilitate the collection in a timely and orderly fashion)
2. Adhering to the Guidelines from the Diocese of Rockford Office of Finance specifically pertaining to the collection of monies during the Mass.
3. Assisting in the Offertory Procession
Assisting the handicapped in receiving Holy Communion as well as facilitating the Communion procession. However it is not necessary to stand at each row while that row goes to Communion, which has the appearance of “keeping track” of who goes and who does not receive Holy Communion.
Offering the parish bulletin to the faithful as they exit the church GREETERS In general, greeters carry the responsibility for the following:
1. Opening doors to make sure the entrance into the church is welcoming to all
2. Giving full attention to the gathering assembly by offering a “Good Morning” (keep in mind that the sense of touch can be sometimes more powerful than words. A handshake or a hug can speak volumes.)
3. Smile, which not only magnifies your true inner sincerity and sensitivity, but is an international sign of welcome to all the faithful.
Ensuring that the collection is placed in the tamperproof money bag, sealed and placed in the drop safe.
Ensuring that the lights are off, candles are extinguished and the doors are locked after Mass.

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