Liturgical ministry is an excellent opportunity to fulfill our baptismal call of service to one another. We can use our gifts and talents given to us by God to enhance the liturgies in our parish. Whether participation is through “behind the scenes” preparation and planning or through a public role of service within the Mass, serving in these ministries help our liturgies to be truly life-giving celebrations. Please prayerfully consider joining one of these ministries.
Eucharistic Ministers
Your call to serve as an Extraordinary Minister requires that your demeanor and attitude reflect the sacredness of the actions you are performing; reflecting the love of God and your faith as you exercise this ministry. Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion are entrusted with the responsibility of assisting the priests in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ. They must be registered parishioners, at least 16 years of age, be Confirmed and living in accordance with the beliefs of the Catholic Church. Please email Susan Yates for more information or call 845-641-8988
Lectors
A Lector has the honor to proclaim the Word of God, lead the congregation in the Prayer of the Faithful, and make Announcements at Masses. A good, clear speaking voice is required, Proclaiming the Sacred Scripture is different from other kinds of public speaking. not only do Lectors need to be effective communicators, but they need to absorb and express the spirit of the Liturgy as well. Therefore, they must have a willingness to take the time to prepare for the readings. They must be practicing, Confirmed Catholics and living in accordance with the beliefs of the Catholic Church. Please email Susan Yates for more information or call 845-641-8988.
Music
Those involved in the music ministry take part in the choir and work closely with the music director to prepare for the liturgy and the seasonal music throughout the year. Those individuals that play musical instruments or like to praise God through music are encouraged to join. Visit our music ministry page for more information.
Altar Servers
Boys and girls who have made their first communion and are in the 3rd grade or above are welcome to participate in this special ministry.They serve the community by assisting the priest during the celebration of Eucharist and other liturgical celebrations including those during Holy Week, Christmas, First Communion and Confirmation. Altar servers normally cover about 4 weekend masses during a three month period. They also serve at special liturgies Schedules are provided for three month periods and families are asked to choose their mass preference which makes it easier to coordinate altar serving with other commitments. Training of new altar servers is conducted in September and notice of upcoming training is published in the parish bulletin and announced at mass several weeks beforehand. Interested Adults are also needed to assist at daily morning Mass. For more information, please contact Deacon John Shelton.
​
Ministers of Hospitality
Ministers of Hospitality provide a spirit of welcome to our liturgical celebration as they greet our faith community at the entrance to the church before each Mass. These men, women and young adults age 16 and up assist with seating, recruit members of the congregation to carry the gifts in the Offertory Procession take up collection and direct both the Offertory and Communion processions. After Mass they distribute the weekly bulletin and tidy up the worship space, so that the area always is neat and inviting. All are welcome in this ministry. For more information, contact Sister Marie Colette 609-371-0499, Ext 16.
Lazarus
The Lazarus Ministry provides prayerful and loving assistance to parishioners who are mourning the loss of a loved one. A Lazarus Minister meets with the family to help them prepare the funeral liturgy. Other ministry members provide support for the family during the Mass. They will assist if needed as Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Cross bearers and altar servers. Our aim is to bring the bereaved family special comfort, assistance, and hope on behalf of our parish family. Time commitment for this ministry varies based on scheduled funerals. We average close to 80 funerals a year. If you would like to learn more about the Lazarus Ministry, please email Maryann Munson.
​
​
​
​