ALTAR GUILD members launder the small altar linens and keep the candle equipment in proper condition. We also do whatever else is requested to keep God's house neat. Two people are currently scheduled per month with everyone serving once or twice a year. Volunteers are always welcome as people's schedules change.
ALTAR SERVERS regularly assist the priest during weekend Masses and Holy Days of Obligation. You may also be asked to serve on special occasions such as Confirmation and Stations of the Cross. This requires attending training sessions to learn the parts of the Mass. The most important function, however, is to be a role model for the congregation by showing reverence and participating in the prayers and singing. The ministry is opened to youth 10 years of age or older.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION (EMHC) are responsible for distributing the Eucharist at Liturgies and/or taking the Eucharist to the sick.. The pastor commissions them to serve for a renewable three-year term. Attendance at an orientation workshop is required. Those who serve at Sunday Mass are usually scheduled two to three times a month. Those who serve the sick take Communion once a week to one of two nearby facilities for the sick, frail, and elderly, or they may visit people in their homes as needed.
LECTORS proclaim the Word of God during Mass. It is Christ who speaks when Holy Scripture is read aloud in the Church. We serve at least once a month. Initial training is required and each person receives a workbook to use in preparing the readings.
MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY (USHERS) serve God and the community by welcoming people as they arrive to worship, seating them, taking up the collection, tidying up Church to prepare for the next service, and distributing bulletins after Mass. We also assist with special in-pew activities such as the Archbishop's Appeal. We encourage entire families to be involved as well as individuals. This ministry is an especially good way for youth and young adults to be involved. Ushers are expected to arrive 20 minutes before Mass and serve on average one Mass per weekend. Initial training is on-the-job with a refresher meeting once per year.
LITURGICAL ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE enhances the mood for worship through beautification of the physical atmosphere and coordinates with the Liturgy Committee. We also order and maintain the flowers and plants in the Church. There is always a need for people willing to work especially during Advent, Christmas, and Easter.
LITURGY COMMITTEE of St. John Neumann is composed of the Pastor, Deacons, director of music and a representative from each of the ministries on this page. They promote prayerful liturgies through careful planning and evaluating of liturgical celebrations. This is done during monthly meetings held September through May.
MUSIC MINISTRY
St. John Neumann Parish has several choirs, all of which welcome new members. Cantors are always needed.
The adult choir rehearses Thursday evenings at 7:30pm and sings at the 11:15am liturgy on Sundays and at special liturgies on Holy Days. Adults and teens are welcome as are players of wind and string instruments.
The children's choir is for those presently in grades 3-7 (grade 2 if the child can read). Practice is every Thursday at 5pm and the choir sings at one weekend Mass every month and on Feast Days as scheduled.
The handbell choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 7:30pm. Teens and adults interested in playing do not need to “know” music. We'll teach you everything you need to know. They play for special liturgies like the Easter Vigil.
For people who wish to serve the Church through music, but have no musical skills to offer, there is also a steady need for people to collate worship aids and sort and file music as well as other clerical-type chores which present themselves during the year.
SACRISTANS are responsible for the smooth functioning of all Liturgical celebrations. You can serve from one to several liturgies per month depending upon your individual schedule. Training is done on an individual basis.
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