The Liturgy Committee is a standing parish committee responsible for the promotion of active participation in parish worship. The committee is composed of the Pastor, Liturgical Ministry coordinators, Music leaders, and others involved in Parish Liturgy, who meet periodically to review and plan parish worship that reflects the continuity of celebration throughout the Liturgical year. The committee makes decisions, regarding aspects of the Liturgical life of the Parish, which are based on underlying principles of Liturgy and Theology.
Altar servers are a vital part of the liturgical ministry. They serve the priest before and during Mass. Altar servers also assist in celebrating the liturgy during Mass by actively participating with the congregation in the responses and singing of hymns. This ministry gives altar servers a deeper understanding of both the mechanics and spirituality of the Mass.
Responsibilities
Lead the procession into Mass
Hold the Lectionary for the celebrant
Serve as cross-bearer or candle bearer
Ring the bells at the Consecration of the bread and wine
Clear the altar after the Eucharist
Lead the procession out of Mass
Altar servers may be youth or maybe youth or adults. Youth servers should have made their First Eucharist.
This is a Parish-based Mistry that responds to the immediate practical needs of a bereaved family. Once the Parish Office has been notified and a date for the funeral has been set, the Bereavement Team is notified.
Shortly afterwards, the team contacts the bereaved family to arrange a convenient time to meet with them to assist in planning the Funeral Liturgy. The team helps family members to select Scripture Readings, appropriate hymns and the General Intercessions according to Archdiocesan Funeral Guidelines.
If the family wishes a Vigil Service, the team will arrange this. The team also assists the family and presider during the Funeral Mass.
The purpose of the Church Environment Ministry is to create an environment in the church that enhances the prayer and worship experience of the congregation and creates a sacred space for the celebration of the liturgy.
Responsibilities
Consults with the pastor/liturgy committee on issues related to preparations of the church for liturgical celebrations.
Coordinated the decoration of the church for daily/weekly Mass, for special liturgies/events throughout the year, e.g. First Communion, and in preparation for liturgical seasons, e.g. Christmas, Easter.
Plans the use of flowers, seasonal decor, or other decorations to enhance liturgical celebrations.
Sets up, maintains, and disposes flowers, etc. on a regular basis or as appropriate
Decorates the church for special events/holidays, removes decorations when appropriate, and ensures reasonable decorations and other items are safely stored.
Eucharistic Ministries are called to administer the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ to the congregation at all Masses. Through their role in the Liturgy, they are a means through which others encounter Christ and are called and strengthened to become like him.
Responsibilities
Distributes Holy Communion at all weekend and weekend Masses.
Ministers are scheduled for all weekend Masses and special Liturgical Celebrations during the Church calendar year. A special schedule is prepared for weekday Masses and funerals.
Eucharistic Ministers are fully initiated (Baptized, Confirmed, and registered in the Parish).
Exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is not only a very old devotion in our Church but one that highlights the fundamental mystery of the Holy Eucharist– that our Lord is truly present, body and blood, soul and divinity in the Blessed Sacrament.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be held Tuesdays from 1:00 - 5:00 pm.
Those who serve in the capacity of the Gift Bearer Ministry do so in the name of the entire assembly at the Mass.
The gifts of which signify all the gifts of our lives that we offer to God are brought forward to the table of the Lord as we begin the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Just as the Bread and wine represent all our gifts, the Gift Bearers represent the entire Christian Community gathered together to give praise and thanks to God.
The unleavened bread and wine that you carry will be consecrated to become the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Treat it with reverence and respect.
Hospitality has three components:
greeters, ushers, and collectors. Hospitality Ministers "
put a face on the Parish." They welcome people to Mass. Their greeting should help worshipers have a positive experience of the Church and its people and ensure Mass is a prayerful experience.
Hospitality is one of several Ministries of St. Piux X Parish dedicated to making Mass a community of thanksgiving. It is a rewarding ministry, where one is able to meet and greet parishioners at a personal level. Many friendships have developed through this Ministry.
The Ministers of the Word or Lectors participate in liturgical celebrations by proclaiming sacred scripture during Mass on weekdays, weekends, and all major seasons and feasts in the liturgical calendar. The lector's proclamation of the word of God should bring God alive for the congregation. Readings are proclaimed audibly with clarity, conviction, and understanding of the Word of God.
Lectors may also be requested to participate in special occasions, i.e. reconciliation services, funerals, and other parish liturgical events.
The Music Ministry creates an atmosphere of celebration and reverence to God through music for the weekend Masses and other liturgical celebrations. The Music Ministry leads the congregation in praise and worship of God by assisting them to express their gift of faith through music which reflects the message of the Gospel.
The Music Ministry consists of the choir, cantors, organist/pianist, instrumentalists, and active participants in the congregation. The choir leads the singing at 11 am Sunday Mass, seasonal liturgical events, i.e. Christmas, Easter Tridium, and other special liturgical events throughout the year.
The Sacristy Guild plays a major role in the preparation of the Sanctuary and Sacristy for the celebration of Mass and liturgical events at St. Pius X Parish.
The Guild consists of three groups
Those who prepare for these liturgical celebrations,
Those who maintain the sacred vessels, e.g. cleaning, polishing, used during Mass and other liturgical celebrations, and
Those responsible for the maintenance of vestments and linens, e.g, laundry, sewing, and repair.
The Sacristy Team for weekend Masses is responsible for the preparation, purification, and washing of chalices, ciboria, and cruets. They check the consecrated hosts and if needed, ensure liturgical books are ready, and light the altar candles. After Mass, they clean up and prepare for the next Mass.
Members of the Sacristy Team are responsible to ensure an adequate supply of all items needed, i.e. hosts, sanctuary lamps, oil cans, baptismal candles, wine, and other special items needed for major liturgical celebrations throughout the year. Required items are ordered and picked by the Parish Staff.