Liturgical Ministries
Music Ministry
About: The music ministry is comprised of and welcomes singers and instrumentalists of all ages and levels of musical experience. We consider the ministry not to be one of performance but one of service to our Lord, His Church, and His people through the gift of leading the congregation through sung prayer. Each person’s individual ability to sing becomes integrated with the others to be offered as a whole in praise and thanksgiving. The choir sings a broad range of Catholic liturgical music from traditional through contemporary.
Time: Choir sings every week through the year at alternating Masses. The choir sings for the main liturgies at Christmas, Easter Triduum, Solemn Sung Vespers, special feasts and liturgies. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evening from 6:30pm – 8:00pm.
The hand bell and chime choir rings at one Mass about every 4-6 weeks both with and without the choir. Rehearsals are head on Wednesday evening from 6:30pm-8:00pm.
Coordinator: Christine Carpenter 717.642.9865.
Note: If you enjoy singing or playing an appropriate instrument we would love to have you join us.
Altar Servers
About: This ministry is open to male and female youth who have the distinct honor of serving the priest at Mass and other liturgical services, such as Benediction.
Time: Altar Servers are needed at all Masses and other liturgical services as scheduled.
Coordinator: Dave Sanders 717.334.9724.
Note: The young man or lady should have a desire to serve Christ, and at minimum be in the 4th grade.
Ushers
About: This ministry welcomes the parish community to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. They seek parish members willing to take the Offertory gifts to the altar, and they collect the monetary gifts for donation.
Time: Ushers are needed at all Masses.
Coordinator: Tom Tippett 717.642.5734.
Note: Open to anyone. A friendly and cheerful personality is an asset.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
About: Specially trained men and women who have the distinct honor of helping the celebrant distribute Holy Communion at Masses. A short training period is required. Men and women who are called to this ministry must be at least 17 years of age and a senior in high school.
Time: Eucharistic Ministers are needed at all Masses. If you would like to become a Eucharistic Minister you can fill out the following application.
Coordinator: Dennis Ranney 717.642.8681.
Note: Training through the Diocese for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion is required.
Extraordinary Ministers to the Homebound
About: This special ministry brings the Holy Eucharist into the homes of our parishioners who are unable to attend Mass due to illness. They also assist the priest with hospital visitations offering Holy Communion to Catholic patients and residents in convalescent centers.
Time: Extraordinary Ministers are always needed.
Coordinator: Harriet Maull 717.642.5045.
Note: The Diocesan training for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion is required. Contact the parish for more information 717.642.8815.
Lectors
About: Lectors have the honor of proclaiming the Word of God during the Mass. Through this important ministry, the congregation hears the inspired readings of the day that leads to the reading of the Holy Gospel.
Time: Lectors are needed at all Masses.
Coordinator: Sharon Ranney 717.642.8681.
Note: This ministry is open to high school students and adults alike. A strong clear, voice is an important requirement. There is a short training period involved, which is done through the parish.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process by which adults, and children (seven years of age and older) become members of the Catholic Church. The process includes prayer and reflection, study of the Catholic faith and way of life, and special rites and rituals along the way.
Initiation into the Catholic Christian life is not merely a matter of learning the teachings of the Church, but is an incorporation into a living community of faith, represented by the local church. The goal of Christian initiation is the living of the Christian life. Conversion needs to accompany and precede reception of the sacraments. The Rite of Christian Initiation is a process comprised of different stages of formation: show the Christian way of life, cultivate a practice of prayer, demonstrate sorrow for personal sins, do good works, and take on an active part in the community life of the Church.
Liturgical rites are essential elements of the Christian Initiation process. They gradually incorporate the candidate for initiation into the full sacramental life of the Church, and are the means of grace which enable them to live as Christians in the world. These rites are celebrated in the midst of the church community, and according to the norms set forth in the RCIA. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults includes the norms and all the ritual celebrations of initiation for the following groups:
1. Unbaptized Adults
2. Unbaptized Children of Catechetical Age ( 7 and older)
3. Baptized but Uncatechized Adults (Catholic or Non-Catholic)
Preparing for Confirmation and Eucharist
The RCIA formation process of initiation and conversion is centered on the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Its steps and periods are designed for the welfare of candidates, whose progress in faith it is meant to serve. Although its principles and structure may give inspiration to other processes and programs in the Church, the RCIA process itself must maintain a clear identity, and should not be asked to take on tasks for which it was not intended. This would include Catholics returning to the practice of their faith, or other adult formation programs. Their experiences of the Church, their questions, and their pastoral needs are different from those of catechumens and candidates, and require a different pastoral response on the part of the Church.
Coordinator: Donna Butt 240.529.2470.
