Liturgical Ministry

Ministry Opportunities

Getting Involved in the Liturgy

Parish members are encouraged to join in the celebration of the liturgy in a special way by becoming part of the Liturgical Ministry. Adults and High School youth are welcome to participate as Altar Assistants, Readers (Lectors), Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Greeters, and Ushers. Children in 5th grade and older are welcome to become Altar Servers and are encouraged to continue serving throughout Middle School and High School. If you are interested in joining one of these ministries, please fill out the corresponding form below. Training sessions are held periodically, and dates will be posted in the Bulletin.

Liturgical Minister Schedules

Ministry Scheduler Pro is our online, web-based scheduling system. Liturgical ministers may access the system to view their schedule by clicking the button below.

Altar Assistants

Help prepare the way of the Lord by setting out the items needed for the weekend, weekday, school, and/or funeral masses. Assist the Ministers of Holy Communion during distribution of the Sacred Body and Precious Blood, and purify and wash the vessels at the end of Mass. Candidates must have received all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) and must already be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

Readers (Lectors)

Greeting the assembly and the proclamation of the scared scriptures are essential parts of each Sunday’s worship. Those who proclaim the Word assume a task that entails a personal time commitment for study and prayerful preparation. Candidates must have received all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation). Reader Formation Workshops are held every two years, but we welcome you to join this ministry at any time.

Spanish Readers (Lectors)

Is Spanish your native language, or do you speak it fluently? Spanish Readers proclaim the Word at our Sunday 5:00pm bilingual (Spanish-English) Masses. This entails a personal time commitment for study and prayerful preparation. Candidates must have received all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation). Please consider joining this vibrant and growing ministry.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is entrusted by the bishop with “administering the Eucharist, with taking communion to the sick, and with it as viaticum to the dying.”1 Candidates must have received all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) and must complete the formation process leading to Commissioning. Extraordinary Ministers are formally commissioned every two years; however, you may join this ministry at any time. Extraordinary Ministers also serve as Greeters at all of the weekend Masses.

Greeters

Welcoming the Body of Christ as we enter the Church is an important first impression. A warm welcome and pleasant smile can set the tone for the whole celebration. If you are a “people person,” this is the perfect ministry for you. Be the face of Christ to others.

Ushers

St. Francis ushers “open the door” to the experience of fellowship with our Church community. Ushers are parishioners who assist with seating, select gift bearers, gather our gifts during Offertory, help direct members during communion, and are especially attentive to the needs of the elderly, those with disabilities, and families with small children.

Altar Servers

All baptized Catholics in 5th grade and older who have received their first Holy Communion are welcome to serve at Mass. This is a great privilege, and your desire to help is a great encouragement to our whole St. Francis family. We look forward to having you help, and by your good example to lead our community in prayer and worship.

If you are interested in becoming an Altar Server, then you are invited to contact Fr. Seamus Kettner at frseamus@stfrancisa2.org or (734) 821-2100. You may also submit the Altar Server Registration Form, available for download by clicking the button below.

Helpful Resources for Altar Servers

Altar Server Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing to Serve at Mass

Item and Photo Guide