When the faithful of our community gather, we become a visible sign of the Body of Christ. During this “sacrament of unity” the whole Body of the Church is involved in many different ways. Many of the important liturgical functions of our celebrations are entrusted to the laity, who are drawn from the community, trained by the parish, and entrusted with the sincere devotion and decorum expected of them by God’s people. Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, Altar Servers, Ushers and Greeters, and Music Ministers all exercise a genuine liturgical function and are an integral part of our celebrations.
Liturgical Ministries at St. Elizabeth
Altar Linen Society
These volunteers wash, iron, and help care for sacred linens used at Holy Mass. The time commitment is low, but the work is extremely important. If you are interested in helping, please contact the parish office.
Altar Servers
This ministry is open to boys and girls once fully initiated into the Church through Confirmation and First Holy Communion in 3rd grade. Altar servers serve at all weekend liturgies, school Masses, and special celebrations throughout the year. Altar servers assist with the missal and other books, carry the processional cross and candles in procession, assist at the altar, and more. The main task of the server is to model liturgical prayer with grace and reverence. Altar servers become familiar with the liturgy and take on more complicated roles as they become more experienced. Altar server training sessions are offered throughout the year with the expectation of regular attendance.
Art & Environment
Art & Environment
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs)
The ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are priests and deacons. When needed, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (any needed “extra” beyond the ordinary) assist with the distribution of Holy Communion. To be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, you must be a Roman Catholic, at least 16 years old, who has received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. If married, you must have received the Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church. The parish then needs to demonstrate the need to the diocese and the pastor request a “Mandate” to commission you as an Extraordinary Minister for a period of time (usually a three year period.) Ministry formation and training sessions are offered throughout the year with the expectation of regular attendance.
Greeters & Ushers
Ushers or hospitality ministers help make people feel welcome, help find available seats, take up the collection, and ensure its safekeeping. They recruit a family or group of individuals who will bring forth the bread, wine, food for the poor, hand out bulletins or other material, assist those who need special help, and answer questions. These tasks provide a wonderful opportunity for families to minister together. Ministry formation and training sessions are offered throughout the year with the expectation of regular attendance.
Music Ministry – Organist, Choir, and Cantors
Our music ministry sings praise to our Lord and enriches our services with God’s word in Song. Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, Bass, families, friends, and students ages 12 and up are invited. Come join our choir family. Cantors or even substitute cantors are needed to sing at one of our three weekend services and/or Holy Days. We would love to have some instrumentalists join us too! If you’re interested let Cathy know or leave word at the parish office. Read more about our choirs, organ, and organist/director.
Lectors (Readers)
The spirit of the parish community is nourished through the effective proclamation of the Word of God. The lector clearly and understandably proclaims the Word to the assembly. Lectors must feel comfortable standing in front of the assembly, have good oral communication skills and the ability to read effectively. Lectors are called from the assembly and minister to and with the assembly. Lectors are expected to attend continuing ministry formation and training sessions throughout the year.
Sacristans & Junior Sacristans
Sacristans
Ministry Scheduling
Ministry Scheduler Pro
We use Ministry Scheduler Pro for all Altar Server, Lector, and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion roles. Anyone who needs to request a substitute may do so using the system, and an iPad is available in the sacristy to check in for your role, or to see if any remaining subs are needed when you show up for Mass. Thank you for your service!
Click here to view your schedule or change your profile.
Volunteer Overview of the Web Terminal
Click here to view your schedule or change your profile.
Volunteer Overview of Updating Your Profile
Click here to view your schedule or change your profile.