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 5^th grade. You must be in the 9^th 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.

 

Readers 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.

 

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.