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Ministry Scheduling Software:
We are pleased to announce that we are putting into place a new system that will make scheduling much easier for everyone! Using this online system you'll be able to specify exactly what times do and do not work well for you to serve. You'll also be able to check your schedule from anywhere and easily find a substitute when you can't make one of your scheduled dates. For information and help on how to use this system, please use the links to watch a short video or refer to the printable guide.
https://secure.rotundasoftware.com/l/web-terminal/login/saintsjohnandpaul
Username will be the first initial of your first name and your full last name.
(example: John Smith would be jsmith)
If you do not know your username or password, try using the Forgot your username or password? link. If you are still experiencing problems, contact Angie Weigand at aweigand@sts-jp.org or (724) 935-2104 x252.
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Altar Servers & Master Servers
Altar Servers celebrate the Mass from a privileged perspective, assisting in the Church’s celebration of Eucharistic sacraments. They assist in the following roles:
- Leading the procession into the sanctuary while carrying the Crucifix and candles
- Presenting the Sacramentary to the Presider for text and prayers
- Escorting the gifts to the altar
- Setting the altar
- Presenting the wine and water to the Deacon/Priest
- Presenting the water, bowl, and towel for the washing of the hands
- Ringing the bell during the consecration
- Leading the ministers at the end of Mass
Altar Serving is a great opportunity to share a faith commitment with the entire community of Saints John & Paul Parish in a very active and defined way. In addition to weekend masses, Altar Servers serve at daily Mass and parish weddings as needed. Servers can expect to serve one Mass every 7-8 weeks.
In accordance with Diocesan policy, both males and females are invited to assist as Altar Servers. To be an Altar Server, you must at least be entering the 5th grade. You must be in the 9th grade and have served for three years to be considered for a Master Server. Adult servers are needed for funeral liturgies.
For general and training information, contact Deacon Jim Olson at jolson@greatgrouping.org or (724) 935-2104 x262.
New and current ministers can use the Liturgical Ministries Information Form to update their Mass preferences or contact information.
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Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers assist with the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ to the gathered assembly. Participating in the Mass as a Eucharistic Minister is a share in the work of the Lord’s Spirit who makes of us one bread, one body, the cup of blessing, which we bless. You minister holy food to holy people in the holiest of all communions. Come to your work from your personal prayer, praying that the Lord will heal your brokenness as you break and pour out yourselves for others. Remember the purity of the gifts you minister and how great is your need for the Lord’s mercy. Let it make you one with all that is living; let it help you revere all those whom you serve. Let your service at the Lord’s Table make of your life a table of mercy and welcome for all you know and meet.
Diocesan regulations require that Eucharistic Ministers be practicing Catholics over the age of 18 in a valid marriage or single.
For general and training information, contact Deacon Jim Olson at jolson@greatgrouping.org or (724) 935-2104 x262.
New and current ministers can use the Liturgical Ministries Information Form to update their Mass preferences or contact information.
Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick & Homebound
Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick & Homebound share the Eucharist, the most profound expression of our faith, with sick and homebound parishioners.
Are you in need? Contact the Parish Office at info@sts-jp.org or (724) 935-2104
To volunteer, contact Deacon Jim Olson at jolson@greatgrouping.org or (724) 935-2104 x262.
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ReadersReaders proclaim the Word of God, primarily at Saturday, Sunday and Holy Day Masses, but also at weekday Masses, funerals, and special liturgical services, such as the Holy Week Triduum. Two readers are scheduled for Sunday Masses. A volunteer system is used for other assignments. If a deacon is not present at the liturgy, the reader will recite the Prayers of the Faithful. All readers are expected to use the practice books purchased by the parish to rehearse before each assignment and are required to attend one training session per year. There are three to four sessions per year.
Serving as a reader helps the individual to develop a deeper understanding of scripture. When proclaiming, the reader should strive to help the congregation hear the Word of God as the author of the selection intended for it to be heard. Using the suggestions in the practice book and meditating on the selection’s meaning for one’s own life help to achieve this goal. Thus, proclaiming scripture serves as a way to deepen one’s own relationship with God.
As a reader, you can expect to be assigned once every four to six weeks.
Both adults and young people of high school age who have received Confirmation are invited to be readers.
For general and training information, contact Deacon Jim Olson at jolson@greatgrouping.org or (724) 935-2104 x262.
New and current ministers can use the Liturgical Ministries Information Form to update their Mass preferences or contact information.
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Sacristans
Prior to Mass, a Sacristan prepares for the Eucharist. This includes marking the correct passages in all of the books used in the Mass. The Sacristan also places cruets, chalices, and hand towels on the credence table in the sanctuary as well as preparing the cups and ciboria. Finally, the Sacristan makes sure that the Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, and Alter Servers are signed in or finds replacements for those who do not show up. At the conclusion of Mass, the Sacristan removes the items from the credence table and purifies the cups and ciboria. Serving as a Sacristan helps the individual develop a deeper reverence for the Eucharist.
Adults who have a desire to assist in the preparation of the altar and other sacristan duties must meet with the approval of the Pastor and complete training in order to be a Sacristan.
For general and training information, contact Deacon Jim Olson at jolson@sts-jp.org or (724) 935-2104 x262.
New and current ministers can use the Liturgical Ministries Information Form to update their Mass preferences or contact information.
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Ushers
The Liturgical Ministry of Ushering serves the parish by assisting in the preparation of the church for Mass, greeting parishioners as they enter the church, taking up the collection during Mass, releasing pews for communion, and distributing bulletins following Mass. Ushers are also the first source of aid and assistance in the event of an emergency.
As an usher, you get a different perspective of the Mass. You get to see parts of the Mass that others may miss. The service to the parish brings you closer to God through works. Additionally, as an usher and greeter, you get to meet many of the parishioners. You also build bonds with the other ushers with whom you serve.
All confirmed members of the parish are welcome and encouraged to participate as an usher. We have men, women, and children who usher at various Masses. Ushers are asked to arrive twenty minutes before Mass and asked to stay five to ten minutes after. Ushers may sit with their families as long as they come to the back to assist with the collection and releasing of pews for communion. On occasion, ushers are asked to assist with special Masses either instead of or in addition to their regular Mass. You must attend usher training once per year.
For general and training information and schedule updates and changes, contact Larry Mueller at larrymueller@yahoo.com or (412) 951-0447.
New and current ministers can use the Liturgical Ministries Information Form to update their Mass preferences or contact information.
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