The Ministry of Sacristan / The Ministry of Ushers / Ministers of Hospitality

Num. 3: 5-9 “Now the Lord said to Moses: „Summon the tribe of Levi and 1 Cor. 13: 1-13 “If I speak in human and angelic tongues, but do not present them to Aaron the , as his assistants. They shall discharge his have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal…..Love is obligations and those of the whole community before the meeting tent by patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, love is not pompous, it is not serving at the Dwelling. They shall have custody of all the furnishings of the inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick meeting tent and discharge the duties of the Israelites in the service of the tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over Dwelling. You shall give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they have been wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all set aside from among the Israelites as dedicated to me.” things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

…The sacristan sees to the preparation for a celebration…carefully arranging the books needed…laying out the vestments…He/she should ensure the “For these ushers, that their presence may make all who enter this observance of quiet in the and vesting room. The beauty of the always feel welcome in God’s house, we pray to the Lord.” place for liturgy is celebrated is of great importance…the spotless condition Book of Blessings, 1853 of the floor, walls, images and articles used or seen in a service….norms of noble simplicity….and artistic excellence are to be observed. Ceremonial of Bishops, 37-38  How does my ministry as a minister of hospitality / usher help

The acolyte is instituted to serve at the altar and to assist the priest and me grow in holiness? . In particular, it is his responsibility to prepare the altar and the sacred vessels and, if it is necessary, as an extraordinary minister, to  How does it affect my living relationship with God? With others? distribute the to the faithful. In the absence of an instituted acolyte, lay ministers may be deputed to serve at the altar and assist the priest and  I believe the spirituality of the usher / minister of hospitality the deacon; they may carry the cross, the candles, the , the bread, ______. the wine, and the water, and they may also be deputed to distribute Holy Communion as extraordinary ministers. GIRM, 98-100

“For these sacristans, that the preparations they make for the celebration of the liturgy may remind us to prepare our hearts for worship, we pray to the Lord.”

“For these altar servers, that the light of Christ may shine in their hearts, we pray to the Lord.” Book of Blessings , 1853

 How does my ministry as a sacristan/ altar server help me grow in holiness?  How does it affect my living relationship with God? With others?  I believe the spirituality of the sacristan/ altar server______.

The Ministry of Reader / Lector Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Is. 50: 4 “The Lord has given me a well-trained tongue that I might Luke 24: 13-35: They had recognized him in the breaking of the speak to the weary a word that will rouse them.” bread.

Is. 55:10 – 11 “For just as from the heavens the rain and snow come John 6: 24-35: Anyone who comes to me will never be hungry; anyone down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it who believes in me will never thirst. fertile and fruitful, giving seed to him who sows and bread to him who eats, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not John 6: 41-59: I am the living bread come down from heaven; whoever return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for sent it.” the life of the world….Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. “It is necessary that those who exercise the ministry of reader…be truly suited and carefully prepared, so that the faithful may develop a warm and living love for Sacred Scripture from listening to the sacred readings.” Lectionary for : Introduction, 55 In this ministry, you must be examples of Christian living in faith and conduct; you must strive to grow in holiness through this sacrament of When the Scriptures are read in the liturgical assembly, God speaks unity and love. Remember that, though many, we are one body to us and calls us to respond in faith and love. The ministry of reader, because we share the one bread and one cup. then, is important to the life of the Church, for the reader proclaims God’s living word. Book of Blessings , 1837 As ministers of holy communion be, therefore, especially observant of the Lord’s command to love your neighbor. For when he gave his “For our readers, that with deep faith and confident voice they may body as food to his disciples, he said to them: “This is my announce God’s saving word, we pray to the Lord. “ Book of Blessings, commandment, that you should love one another as I have loved 1842 you.” Book of Blessings, 1875

“Everlasting God, when he read in the synagogue at Nazareth, your  How does my ministry as an EMHC help me grow in holiness? Son proclaimed the good news of salvation for which he would give up his life. Bless these readers. As they proclaim your words of life,  How does it affect my living relationship with God? With others? strengthen their faith that they may read with conviction and boldness,  I believe the spirituality of the Extraordinary Minister of Holy and put into practice what they read.” Book of Blessings, 1833 Communion ______.

 How does my ministry as a lector help me grow in holiness?  How does it affect my living relationship with God? With others?  I believe the spirituality of the lector ______.