Orientation and Training For more information, please contact: The orientation and training of an Sacristan aspiring sacristan is designed to Dave and Kathy Martz remove any uncertainty or concern 303-683-9524 Ministry and to encourage and support [email protected] participation in the Pax Christi [email protected] Sacristan Ministry. The orientation is brief. It provides an over-view of the routine sacristan duties and identifies the resources available to the sacristan in support of his/her ministry. The training is about a two hour practicum on the routine procedures for unlocking the Church, setting up for Mass and securing the Sanctuary/Church following Mass.

The Pax Christi Sacristan Handbook provides guidance for the routine sacristan duties for weekend celebrations and most special occasions. The Sacristan Handbook, available in the Sacristy, is a great check list for confirming that all is Pax Christi Catholic Church ready for the celebration of the 5761 McArthur Ranch Road Mass. The Pax Christi Sacristan Littleton, CO 80124 Handbook also becomes the 303-799-1036 property of each sacristan. www.paxchristi.org The Joy of Being a Sacristan The Mission and Duties of the Sacristan

Please pray about joining the Pax Simply stated, the mission of the Sacristan Ministry is to be the guardian of the Christi Sacristan Ministry. Sacristans Church, prepare the Church for Mass, assist the Celebrant and other liturgical play an important and spiritually ministers, and be of service to the church assembly. rewarding behind-the-scenes role in our liturgy. They arrive early to prepare The prerequisites for being a sacristan: the Church for Mass and assist the • One must be a confirmed and practicing Catholic, and registered parishioner Celebrant and other liturgical liturgists, • One must be approved by the Pastor or Parochial Administrator as needed. • One must wish to serve God There is something, both humbling As a sacristan, one has three main duties: Security (of the Church and most and joyful, about being a sacristan. important, the Eucharist), Mass Set-Up and Clean-Up, and to assist the celebrant Most of what the sacristan does is and liturgical ministers. You will serve all three roles each time you are a sacristan. unnoticed by the church-goers, but the sacristan’s duties are essential to the A brief explanation of duties: beauty of the Mass. What a great way to be more in touch with the Liturgies 1. A sacristan is responsible for assuring proper treatment of The Blessed of the Word and Eucharist! Sacrament before, during and after the Celebration. You are also responsible for keeping the Tabernacle secure. Time Commitment 2. At every Mass, you are responsible for setting up for both Liturgy of the Word Sacristans are needed at all weekend and Liturgy of the Eucharist, which means placing and marking the Holy Books, Masses, Solemnities and Holy Days of preparing and placing the cruet, chalices, ablution cup, linens, oils, candles, Obligation. Sacristans normally serve ciboria, offertory and incense when appropriate. at the Mass of their choice, but sacristans should also help cover 3. A sacristan also will assist the Celebrant and other liturgical ministries (Ushers, Masses when other sacristans can’t Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and Lectors) before Mass, as cover their normal Mass. Sacristans needed, to prepare for the orderly conduct of the Mass. typically serve once or twice a month. Generally, the time commitment is an hour before Mass and less than one half hour after Mass.