|
|
| Liturgy, from the Greek leitorgia, means "public service" or "the work of the people." Liturgy refers to our service of God and God's service of us; these two are brought together in our service of one another. Worship, from the Old English weorthscipe, means "to honor and love God" or "a set of religious forms by which this love is expressed." Sunday Liturgy is integral to our daily lives. Good liturgy depends
on our "rehearsing" our faith and our liturgical actions
and words throughout the week. We practice our faith through all
our activities: Ministry of the Assembly (Congregation): The celebration of the Eucharist is the action of the whole church. It is the assembly who carries out the liturgy, under the leadership of the presiding celebrant (priest). Each of us needs to be present to accomplish our ministry; this is our right and duty as Catholic Christians. We minister to one another by welcoming one another, acknowledging each other with a smile, sitting together, and paying attention to each other. We move, sing, pray, stand, and listen – together, as one. In this way we build up each other's faith and challenge one another to conversion. When we are faithful to this ministry, we live out the unity for which Jesus prayed in the Gospel of John (17:20-23). While every Catholic Christian serves in the ministry of the assembly, many are also called to special liturgical ministries in further service of the assembly: The Liturgy Committee is a group of parishioners who join others
in visioning and implementing our desired outcomes for our parish
liturgies. Each member is responsible for a particular aspect of
our liturgical life. Members receive training in liturgy and work
together as a team. Each member has a special interest and/or expertise
in liturgy. The Environment and Art Committee assists in designing, creating, and installing appropriate liturgical environments for seasons and feasts. Altar Servers assist the presider during Mass by taking part in processions, holding the Sacramentary, helping at presentation of the gifts, and carrying the cross when needed. Servers participate in an initial training program and an annual formation session. They serve at one or two Masses monthly. Coordinator: Susan DeCamp, 301-622-1122 Liturgical Music Ministries Cantors/Psalmists: are leaders of sung prayer and animators of the community’s
worship. Individual cantors (with accompanists) lead music at holy
day liturgies and other special occasions, as well as when an ensemble is not available. The psalmist (or "cantor of the psalm") proclaims the responsorial psalm after the first reading an can sing the Gospel Acclamation and verse. The cantor and especailly the psalmist should have a skilled solo
voice with a facility and correct pronunciation and diction in addition to a deep sense of prayerfulness and reverence for the assembly’s
sung prayer. Ongoing formation in music study is required. private The Children’s Choir (grades 3 - 8) leads the assembly in
prayerful song at 8 to 10 liturgies a year. They rehearse weekly
(currently on Wednesdays after school). Children’s choir members
have a love of singing and an ability to be reverent at liturgy. Various Adult
Choirs sing at one liturgy each Sunday and rehearse
for an hour or two each week. The choir’s role is to lead the
assembly in sung prayer by alternating or reinforcing the sacred
song of the congregation, or by enhancing it with the addition of
a musical elaboration. The choir also sings alone pieces that are
more musically demanding. Though the ability to read music is helpful,
it is not required. Choir members possess a clear voice and a good
ear. The Youth
Ensemble leads the assembly in prayerful song at one 6:00
liturgy a month, and for a Christmas Midnight Mass and Good Friday
Living Stations of the Cross. They rehearse twice a month. Singers
and people who play various musical instruments are welcome to join. Youth
Drama Participants assist with and participate in Christmas
Midnight Mass and Good Friday Living Stations of the Cross. Practice
times vary. Youth who are interested in drama (acting, costumes,
props) or tech support are welcome to join. Instrumentalists play piano, organ, guitar, woodwind, brass, string
and percussion instruments at our Sunday liturgies and at other times.
They play as frequently as they can, but at least monthly. In general,
at least five years of experience on your instrument is necessary. Communion
Ministers assist with distribution of Communion and clean
vessels after the liturgy. They serve approximately every 2-3 weeks.
Initial training and ongoing formation is required. Communion Ministers
need to have a special love and reverence for the Eucharist and be
at ease in this public setting. Catholics in good standing who have
received the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and
Eucharist) are invited to serve. Lectors/Readers proclaim the scripture readings and lead the General
Intercessions on Sundays and at other liturgies throughout the year,
with reverence and understanding. They serve approximately every
3 weeks. Initial training and ongoing formation is required, as well
as personal time spent in study and reflection on scripture. Lectors
have a love for God’s Word and desire to study it more deeply.
They need to have a clear speaking voice and the ability to feel
at ease speaking in front of people. Altar
Linen Caretakers clean and press purificators and corporals,
and wash towels in preparation for the Sunday liturgies. Each person
is scheduled for one week every 2-3 months. Linen caretakers need
a caring eye for detail and knowledge concerning laundering and pressing. Vestment
And Altar Cloth Caretakers arrange for cleaning and pressing
of vestments and altar cloths. They serve on an as-needed basis.
This ministry requires an eye for detail and knowledge of laundering
and pressing. Ushers help seat parishioners and see to their comfort and safety.
They also recruit and instruct those who will take part in the Preparation
of Gifts procession. They pass baskets at collection time, ensure
an orderly flow at communion time, and provide assistance in emergencies.
Ushers serve as often as they are able to, usually one liturgy every
2-3 weeks. They need to arrive 15 minutes early. Ushers receive initial
training and come together occasionally for meetings and ongoing
formation. They should have a love for good order and an outgoing
personality. Greeters warmly welcome parishioners and guests as they arrive for
Sunday liturgy. They hand out worship aids when needed. Greeters
serve one liturgy every 2-3 weeks. They have an outgoing and warm
personality and a deep sense of the presence of Christ in all people.
Communion Ministers to the Homebound bring Communion
to and pray with homebound parishioners regularly. They also notify
a priest when sacraments are needed. Members of the Nursing Home Ministry visit Springbrook
Nursing Home and Sunrise Assisted Living Center weekly to conduct a
Communion Service, pray the rosary, and lead other prayerful activities.
They assist the priest once a month during Mass at the nursing home. The Charismatic Prayer Group gathers on a weekly basis to sing praise
and to worship God. They pray for people within and outside of the
group. They pray for healing and other special needs. The Living Rosary is prayed during the months of October and May
on Monday through Friday at 6:00 p.m. Adoration
Of The Blessed Sacrament takes place in the Visitation
Chapel beginning after the 8:30 a.m. Mass on the first Friday of
every month, and finishing at 8:00 a.m. the next day. Parishioners
may sign up for one-hour periods in order to ensure continuous coverage. Members of the Bereavement Ministry provide spiritual support to parishioners after the death of a loved one. They also prepare an annual prayer service for families who have lost a loved one in the previous year. Bereavement ministry members need to have an empathetic personality and a desire to be of service to those experiencing a loss. Coordinators: Maryanne Dulski and Susan DeCamp, 301-622-1122. Arimatheans assist in preparations for funeral liturgies by setting
out vessels, bread and wine, lighting altar candles, serving as communion
ministers, preparing the incense, being part of the procession, etc.
Arimatheans serve on an as-needed basis; arrive at least 30 minutes
before the funeral to set up; be present at the funeral and stay
after for 20 minutes to re-set space; initial training session and
additional training provided when necessary. Funerals usually take
place on weekday and Saturday mornings. Those who serve need to have
a caring eye for detail and a desire to help “behind the scenes.” St. John the Baptist is in the process of forming a Stephen Ministry group. Stephen Ministers provide ongoing individual support for people who are dealing with a personal loss, such as death of a loved one, loss of job or relationship, or serious illness. For more information, contact Deacon John Cermak, 301-622-1122.
contact Webmaster |