ALTAR SERVERS
As what Saint Pope John Paul II said to the Altar Servers in 2001:
“The Altar server occupies a privileged place in the liturgical celebration. The Altar server(s) present (themselves) to a community and experiences firsthand that Jesus Christ is present and active in every liturgical act. Jesus is present when the community comes together to pray and render praise to God.
Jesus is present in the Word of sacred Scripture. Jesus is present above all in the Eucharist under the signs and bread and wine. He acts through the Priest who, in the person of Christ, celebrates the holy Mass and administers the sacraments. Therefore, in the liturgy, you are much more than simple “helpers of the Parish Priest”. Above all, you are servers of Jesus Christ, of the eternal High Priest. Thus, you , altar servers, are called in particular to be young friends of Jesus. Be determined to go deeper and cultivate this friendship with Him. You will discover that in Jesus you have found a true friend for life.”
Altar servers usually arrive 15mins prior to the start of the mass. Their role is to assist the Celebrant (the Bishop or the Priest) and the whole community in the celebration of the Mass. They can be the Cross bearer or the candle bearers. The Cross bearer holds the Roman Missal for the Priest so that the Priest can read it, holds the cross during procession of gifts, and rings the bell during Eucharistic prayer. The candle bearers hold the candles when the Gospel is read and assist the Priest with the water and wine, ciboria, bowl/water to wash the Priest’s hands. They return all vessels to the credence table and clear the altar after Communion.
If your child is in GR3 (who has received the Sacrament of First Communion) and above and is interested to join, please fill-out a volunteer form (pg1 and 4) and a Photograph/Video consent form for minors and return them to the parish office. Altar server training is being conducted periodically.
VOLUNTEER FORM
BAPTISMAL MINISTRY
The Baptismal ministry at St. Benedict Parish allows you to be part of a child’s first step in their journey to becoming a Christian.
This ministry lets you to be involved both in the Baptism Preparation meeting and assist the Priest/Deacon during the ceremony.
Baptisms at St. Benedict Parish are being held every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 1:30pm. The Baptism preparation meeting is on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7pm.
Each volunteer will be given a schedule and will be grouped in Teams. New volunteers will have an opportunity to observe meeting(s), ceremony(ies) and learn what is required before joining a Team.
If this ministry is for you, please complete a volunteer form and submit it to the parish office.
VOLUNTEER FORM
CHILDREN’S LITURGY
Junior Leaders – 14 to 17 years of age. Adult Leaders – 18 years old and above.
Our Children’s Liturgy program leads young children of our parish through a child friendly version of the readings and gospel at our weekend masses. The children gather in the Nursia room, sing a few songs ( if needed) and then continue through a simplified and friendly version of the Mass and the gospel. The program runs for about half an hour . The leader’s job is to lead and ensure the children have a friendly and enjoyable time at Mass.
If you would like to join this fun and amazing ministry, please contact our pastoral assistant at 289-878-3118 or email : PastoralAssistant
VOLUNTEER FORM
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion (Eucharistic Ministers) assist the Priest in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. Some ministers also take Communion to the sick and elderly. New ministers are invited to participate in a workshop. Please contact the parish office if you would like to join this ministry.
MINISTERS OF THE WORD
Ministers of the Word (LECTORS) are individuals who want to proclaim the word of God at mass. New ministers are required to complete a program of formation . Please contact the parish office if you would like to be a part of this ministry.
VOLUNTEER FORM
MINISTRY OF HOSPITALITY
Hospitality is an important ministry for St. Benedict Parish.
Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers) usually arrive 15 to 20mins before mass. They provide a warm welcome and greet parishioners and visitors as they enter our church and the pleasant goodbye as they hand out bulletins at the end of Mass. Ready to lend and offer a hand, help to seat parishioners, take up the collection, organize the offertory procession, coordinate the flow of the congregation, provide guidance and assistance as needed during mass and special events.
If you feel you would enjoy this ministry and would like to share your time, please contact the parish office.
VOLUNTEER FORM
