Liturgical Ministries

Liturgical worship is primarily the work of the assembly. All of the faithful gathered at Mass participate in the act of worship
and by his/her presence help to truly create a communal celebration!  Some of the faithful feel called to
further participate in the Mass through specific ministries. There are a variety of Liturgical Ministries at Our Lady of Grace Parish. 
Each of these ministries provides an important service in assisting in the worship of the community.

All of those 18 years of age and older, who want to serve in a Liturgical Ministry are required to complete
all State and Diocesan Safe Environment Clearances and Trainings prior to ministry training and serving.

For further information or to inquire about serving in a particular liturgical ministry,
you may contact Marisa by email  or at the parish office at 724-838-9480 x 3004

Sacristan

A Sacristan arrives early to make the necessary preparations for the Eucharistic Celebration by setting up the sacred vessels and other necessary items. Once these preparations have been completed, the Sacristan ensures that enough liturgical ministers
are present to appropriately fulfill all of the liturgical roles (i.e. Lector, EMs, Servers).
Following Mass, the Sacristan remains to take care of the vessels and other items used. Formal training by the parish is required.

Altar Servers

An Altar Server carries out the important role of assisting the Presider in preparation for and at Mass. Any baptized individual who has received the Sacrament of the Eucharist (1st Holy Communion) may become an Altar Server.  Formal training by the parish is required.

Adult Servers for Funeral Masses

Adult Servers assist with Funeral Masses, which take place primarily on weekdays, in setting up the Sanctuary
and assisting the Presider at Mass. Formal training by the parish is required.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 

An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) is an individual that assists in distributing the Body and Blood of Christ to the faithful, both during Mass and to the sick and homebound,  in the absence of a sufficient number of priests or deacons. An EMHC may also assist in the distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday. Formal training by the parish and commissioning by the Pastor are required.

Holy Communion to the Homebound

The community gathered at worship on the weekends extends the gift of Holy Communion to our brothers and sisters
who cannot be present for the Mass. Some Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion take Holy Communion
to the sick and homebound, as well as to those in our assigned nursing and personal care homes.

Lectors

 A Lector carries out the important role of proclaiming the Word of God to the gathered community at Mass, during the Liturgy of the Word. The Lector may also lead the Universal Prayer or Prayers of the Faithful. Formal training by the parish is required.

Hospitality Ministers

Hospitality Ministers (HMs) serve to foster a Spirit of Welcome for all who enter and worship with us by opening doors, greeting people at the entrance, handing out worship aids, and assisting attendees when needed. HMs are aware of the needs of visitors, the elderly, and those with special needs. Responding with a warm and friendly disposition, and the ability to work in a team environment, is a must.

Cantors

A Cantor is an individual with a pleasant, projecting voice, good presence, and a good ear for music.
The cantor is not a soloist, but assists the community in song. The main role of the cantor is to lead in the Responsorial Psalm.
An informal audition is required along with attendance at regular rehearsals. 

Premiere Choir  

 The Premier Choir sings regularly on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Mass, October through the Christmas Season,
and February through the Easter Season. The Choir consists of a few formally trained singers as well as those who have had
no training, but enjoy singing and have a good ear for learning music quickly. Regular rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

Memorial Choir  

 The Memorial Choir sings for funeral and memorial Masses held at Our Lady of Grace.
It consists of adults providing support through the sung Word of God to those who are burying their loved ones.
These liturgies normally take place on weekdays and occasionally on a Saturday morning.

Youth Musicians

We welcome young musicians, instrumentalists, and singers, in grades 6-12, to participate in the music ministry whenever Youth Masses are scheduled. Dates and times for these Masses are published in our bulletin with contact information.