Liturgical Ministries
Called to Serve, Called to Worship
The celebration of the Holy Mass is at the heart of our parish life. Throughout each celebration, parishioners generously give of their time and talents to assist our priests and serve the wider parish community.
Our Liturgical Ministries provide opportunities for parishioners to take an active role in the celebration of Mass. Among these ministries are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Lectors, each of whom has an important role in helping our parish celebrate the liturgy with reverence, dignity, and prayer.
These ministries serve at Masses throughout St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, providing opportunities to serve at any of our parish churches. Parishioners are welcome to learn more about serving in these ministries regardless of which of our churches they normally attend.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the priest and deacon in the distribution of Holy Communion during the celebration of the Holy Mass. Through this ministry, they help ensure that the Eucharist is distributed reverently and efficiently to the faithful gathered for worship.
Extraordinary Ministers may also assist in bringing Holy Communion to parishioners who are unable to attend Mass because of illness, age, or other circumstances. This important service helps keep homebound members of our parish connected to the Eucharistic life of the Church and reminds them that they remain an important part of our parish family.
Serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is a special responsibility and an opportunity to serve Christ and His Church. Ministers are expected to approach this ministry with reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament, a spirit of service, and a commitment to participating in the liturgical life of the parish.
Training
Those wishing to serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion participate in training before beginning their ministry.
Training is offered twice each year, approximately once towards the early spring and again toward the end of the summer. Training dates and times may vary from year to year and will be announced as they are scheduled.
Training gives new ministers the opportunity to learn about the responsibilities of the ministry and the proper procedures for serving during Mass.
Lectors
Lectors have the privilege and responsibility of proclaiming the Word of God during the celebration of the Holy Mass.
Through the readings from Sacred Scripture, lectors help the faithful hear God’s Word and reflect upon His message. The ministry of lector is an important part of the Liturgy of the Word and contributes to the prayerful celebration of the Mass.
Serving as a lector involves more than simply reading a passage aloud. Lectors are encouraged to prepare carefully for each assigned reading so that they understand the Scripture they are proclaiming and can communicate it clearly and reverently to the congregation.
A well-prepared lector helps the entire parish community hear and receive the Word of God. Lectors should therefore approach their ministry with faith, reverence, reliability, and a willingness to serve.
Serving as a Lector
Lectors are scheduled for Masses throughout the year at the churches of St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish. Those who are assigned to a particular Mass are asked to arrive with sufficient time to prepare for the celebration and review the readings and any other responsibilities associated with their assignment.
Whether someone has served as a lector for many years or is considering becoming involved for the first time, this ministry offers a meaningful way to use one’s gifts in service to God and the parish community.
Interested in Serving?
If you are interested in becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion or a Lector, or if you would like more information about either ministry, please contact:
Cathy Amento
Email: camento46@yahoo.com
Phone: 203-430-1856
We welcome parishioners who feel called to serve in these important liturgical ministries. Your time, talent, and willingness to serve help strengthen the worship and community life of St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish.