Liturgical
Celebration of the Liturgy is the singular most important activity that any parish does all week.
Nothing else that a parish does is more significant.
To celebrate the Liturgy well takes the coordinated effort of many people across the Church: Priests and deacons, liturgy planners, liturgy directors and directors of liturgical music, lectors and cantors, servers and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Church documents speak about those who minister in service of the liturgy -- they speak about the need for formation, and our own Archdiocesan policies speak about the need for liturgical ministers to be well trained as well as the need for continued formation or training renewal.
Nothing else that a parish does is more significant.
To celebrate the Liturgy well takes the coordinated effort of many people across the Church: Priests and deacons, liturgy planners, liturgy directors and directors of liturgical music, lectors and cantors, servers and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Church documents speak about those who minister in service of the liturgy -- they speak about the need for formation, and our own Archdiocesan policies speak about the need for liturgical ministers to be well trained as well as the need for continued formation or training renewal.
Ministry of Eucharist
In every celebration of the Eucharist, there should be enough Ministers of Holy Communion so it may be distributed in a reverent and orderly manner. Bishops, priests and deacons distribute Holy Communion in virtue of their office as ordinary ministers of the Body and Blood of the Lord. (1) (SSV, (2) 27).
When the size of the congregation or the incapacity of the bishop, priest or deacon requires it, the celebrant may be assisted by other bishops, priests, or deacons. If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, “The priest may call upon Extraordinary Ministers to assist him, i.e., formally instituted acolytes or even some of the faithful who have been commissioned per the prescribed rite. In case of necessity, the priest may also commission suitable members of the faithful for the occasion (GIRM 162).”
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion receive sufficient spiritual, theological and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence. In all matters, such Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should follow the guidance of the diocesan bishop (IBID).
All ministers of Holy Communion should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their demeanor, attire and the way they handle consecrated bread or wine. Should there be any mishap — as when, for example, the consecrated wine is spilled from the chalice — then the affected “area ... should be washed and the water poured into the sacrarium [GIRM, 280].” (THLS, 29).
If you are interested in becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, see the form at the bottom of this page.
When the size of the congregation or the incapacity of the bishop, priest or deacon requires it, the celebrant may be assisted by other bishops, priests, or deacons. If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, “The priest may call upon Extraordinary Ministers to assist him, i.e., formally instituted acolytes or even some of the faithful who have been commissioned per the prescribed rite. In case of necessity, the priest may also commission suitable members of the faithful for the occasion (GIRM 162).”
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion receive sufficient spiritual, theological and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence. In all matters, such Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should follow the guidance of the diocesan bishop (IBID).
All ministers of Holy Communion should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their demeanor, attire and the way they handle consecrated bread or wine. Should there be any mishap — as when, for example, the consecrated wine is spilled from the chalice — then the affected “area ... should be washed and the water poured into the sacrarium [GIRM, 280].” (THLS, 29).
If you are interested in becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, see the form at the bottom of this page.
Ministers of Care
Ministry of Care to the sick is a pastoral ministry of caring for those who are hospitalized, in nursing homes or confined to private homes. This ministry is provided by trained and certified lay men and women, ordained deacons, vowed religious sisters and brothers and priests within the Archdiocese of Chicago. Ministers are trained and formed to conduct pastoral visits with time to listen and pray about the concerns of the sick or shut-in person and to share Eucharist with them.
Qualities of a Minister of Care to the Sick.
Ministry of Care to the Sick is a service offered to people at vulnerable and painful times in their lives. The person who cares for the sick and shut-in needs to have specific qualities and gifts, including a listening presence, compassion and empathy, a non-judgmental mindset, confidentiality, commitment and follow-through, prayerfulness, a gentle demeanor and commitment to continuous training and spiritual development.
Serving as a Minister of Care is not volunteering; it is a ministry. As such, it’s important that Ministers not act on their own, but on behalf of the Church.
Qualities of a Minister of Care to the Sick.
Ministry of Care to the Sick is a service offered to people at vulnerable and painful times in their lives. The person who cares for the sick and shut-in needs to have specific qualities and gifts, including a listening presence, compassion and empathy, a non-judgmental mindset, confidentiality, commitment and follow-through, prayerfulness, a gentle demeanor and commitment to continuous training and spiritual development.
Serving as a Minister of Care is not volunteering; it is a ministry. As such, it’s important that Ministers not act on their own, but on behalf of the Church.
If you are interested in helping our parish in any of the Liturgical functions, please sign up and include your area of interest.