Lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, servers, readers, cantors, and members of the choir exercise a genuine liturgical function. They ought to discharge their office, therefore, with the sincere devotion and decorum demanded by so exalted a ministry and rightly expected of them by God’s people.
-cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 29
Therefore, lay ministers within the Catholic Church and her litigies is a serious spiritual responsibility and public witness which requires those ministers be practicing Catholics in good standing with the Holy Catholic Church in both public and private life.
We are always grateful for those who give their time in service to St. Denis. If you are interested in any of these liturgical minsitries, please contact the parish office (admin.stdenis@gmail.com). Training is required for all of these ministeries and provided by St. Denis Church.
Click here for current schedules for lay ministries.
Lectors
Lectors are commissioned by the pastor to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, with the exception of the Gospel. They may also announce the intentions for the Universal Prayer and, in the absence of a psalmist, recite the Psalm between the readings.
Diocesan regulations for this ministry can be found here.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMC’s) are commissioned by the pastor and certified by the bishop to serve in assisting the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and in brining Holy Communion to the sick and homebound.
The parish’s need for EMC’s must first be determined by the pastor based on legitimate needs. Those to be deputed should be mature in faith and be known to other parishioners as exemplary Catholics. They must also be fully initiated Catholics having received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, eucharist).
Diocesan regulations for this ministry can be found here.
Altar Servers
Boys and girls from 3rd grade through high school are able to serve as altar servers and assist the priest at Mass on Sunday, Holy Days of Obligation, weddings, funerals, and other liturgies as needed.
Sacristans and Altar Guild
Sacristans and members of the altar guild assist in preparing the church and sanctuary for Mass and other liturgies, cleaning altar linens, and cleaning the church.
Ushers
Ushers assist in greeting, seating, offering facility information, maintaining safety, and taking up the offertory at all weekend liturgies and on Holy Days of Obligation.
Training is required and provided.