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. 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.
The Priest & Deacon are ordained ministers; the Priest is the single indispensable minister for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The Deacon, when present, has specific functions pertaining to his role in the celebration, and these must be observed.
Lay Liturgical Ministers exercise a “genuine liturgical function. They ought, therefore, to perform their roles with the sincere piety and decorum demanded by so exalted ministries and rightly expected of them by God’s people” (CSL 29).
All liturgical ministers exist for the service of the Body of Christ, the People of God, the assembly gathered in God’s name. Although serving in any of these ministries should be a source of joy and satisfaction for individual people, these ministries exist for the benefit and service of the Church and not for individual or personal piety, spiritual growth, or status. As such, these ministries are regulated by Church and Liturgical law and are submitted to the authority of the Bishop and the local Pastor (USCCB).
At St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, these liturgical ministries strive to be modeled after the example of service of Jesus Christ in the Washing of the Disciple’s feet at the Last Supper. (John 13: 1-15). Serving at the Liturgy is an act of self-giving, not self-seeking; an act of love that must be continued in the ordinary of our lives for the glory of God. Therefore, “The faithful should not refuse to serve the People of God in gladness whenever they are asked to perform some particular service or function in the liturgical celebration.” (GIRM 97)
Ministers of Holy Communion should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their demeanor, their attire, and the manner in which they handle the consecrated bread or wine.
The Lector is instituted to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, with the exception of the Gospel. He may also announce the intentions for the Universal Prayer and, in the absence of a psalmist, recite the Psalm between the readings. If you would like to serve St. Anthony Parish as a Lector, please call the parish office during office hours at 439-0124 x114.
This group of volunteer men & women (Ages 14 and above) serve at each Mass to welcome and greet our parishioners as well as serve their special needs if necessary. Additional duties are to serve as security during Communion and clean and lock up the church after the Masses. We join our fellow parishioners in listening to the Word of God while practicing in this ministry of hospitality. If you would like to join the Usher Ministry, please contact Parish Office during office hours at 439-0124, ext. 106.
Altar Server Ministry
Boys and girls from the 5th through 12th grades are invited to join this ministry. Training classes and registration are accepted once a year.
If you would like to serve St. Anthony Parish as a Eucharistic Minister, please call the parish office during office hours at 439-0124 x114
