Blue Hills Collaborative Job Description

Job title Volunteer Sacristan, Most Precious Blood Parish

Reports to

Job purpose

The sacristan is responsible for the care of the (preparation room for celebrations) and the sanctuary (area around the ).

Duties and responsibilities

 The sacristan, always under the general direction of the clergy, undertakes the overall preparation of liturgical celebrations, including all that is needed for special days such as , Palm Sunday, etc.  The sacristan ensures the availability of anything needed for each celebration, such as clean , , , ciboria, clean linens, oils, processional crosses, and candles  The sacristan, in harmony with the pastor, also makes sure that the vestments, liturgical vessels and decorative objects are kept in good condition and, if necessary, sent for repair  The sacristan ensures that the things necessary for worship are always available. There should be a ready supply of fresh hosts and of duly authorized wine, sufficient clean purificators, corporals, hand towels, and charcoal  The sacristan is responsible for making sure that those who wash the altar linens do so according to the indications of the missal and that the water for the first wash is poured down the sacrarium or to the earth. The sacristan also takes care of burning old linens and other objects that are no longer suitable for liturgical use  In cooperation with the custodian, he or she also makes sure that the sanctuary lamp is always lit, that the altar cloths are changed regularly, and that the stoups are clean and replenished frequently  The sacristan at Most Precious Blood will work closely with the parish custodian to coordinate the overall care of the church  The pastor may also decide to entrust other responsibilities to the sacristan. This might include coordinating others who help with the general decor of the church, such as cleaners and flower arrangers. The sacristan might also maintain the practical dealings with external agents such as funeral directors and photographers so that decorum is maintained at all times

Qualifications

In order to carry out these duties, the sacristan needs to have a fairly good idea of the intricacies of the Mass and the liturgical calendar.

Working conditions

Work hours are flexible, and sacristan need not be present for liturgical celebrations, as long he/she can ensure that the sacristy and sanctuary are properly prepared for all liturgical

celebrations. Masses takes place at 9:00 am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in the chapel

and Sunday at 9 am in the church, as well 5:30 pm on Saturday in the chapel and 5:00 pm Sunday in the church, in addition to all other seasonal masses.

Physical requirements

 Ability to lift boxes as heavy as those filled with 12 bottles of wine  Ability to climb small step ladder to reach light items  Ability to carry items between car and sacristy, when necessary

Direct reports

Some volunteers are already in place. Sacristan may, and is encouraged to, recruit additional volunteers to accomplish duties.

Type of Position/Remuneration

This is a volunteer position, not a paid position.

Approved by: Fr. Ronald Coyne Date approved: 3/29/16

Reviewed: Stephen A. May