If you are interested in becoming a liturgical minister, please contact Adalia Popoca at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Extraorinary Minister of Holy Communion

In every celebration of the Eucharist, there should be a sufficient number of ministers of Holy Communion so that 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) 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., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose. In case of necessity, the priest may also depute suitable faithful for this single occasion (GIRM 162)."

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should receive sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence.

All ministers of Holy Communion should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their demeanor, their attire, and the manner in which they handle the consecrated bread or wine. (Role description shared from the USCCB).

Lector

The reader reads from the ambo the readings that precede the Gospel. In the absence of a psalmist, the reader may also proclaim the Responsorial Psalm after the First Reading. In the absence of a Deacon, the reader, after the introduction by the Priest, may announce the intentions of the Universal Prayer from the ambo. (Lector description shared from USCCB).

Usher

Our St. Mary ushers attend a regularly scheduled Mass based on preference. Ushers stand at the back church entryway to greet and seat parishioners and visitors as they arrive. Ushers are responsible for escorting individuals to their seats, if needed, or directing them to empty seats. Ushers should assist with special seating or accommodations for parishioners that need it. Finally, ushers collect tithes at the appointed time during the Mass.

Cantor / Choir Vocalist or Musician

A cantor is an experienced singer who, while remaining a part of the congregation, leads the people’s singing of the liturgy – that is, the formal, public worship of God. The cantor is not a soloist. The cantor, on the other hand, sings with the congregation. By beginning each hymn with a firm, clear voice, at a reasonable pitch and an appropriate tempo, he indicates the melody, pitch and rhythm to be used, enabling all those present to sing together. (There are a few points in the services at which the cantor does sing alone.) First and foremost, the cantor must be a man or woman of prayer. Liturgical singing that is not prayer is a useless endeavor. The cantor should strive to develop and foster an active prayer life and a regular rule of prayer. The cantor must have a voice that is adequate to be heard in church, to carry a tune, to sing tunefully, and to lead the singing of the congregation, while being neither a soloist nor a follower. The cantor must have a knowledge of the liturgical services – both the text and music of each service, and the basic theology and meaning behind the service. (Description shared from Archdiocese of Pittsburgh)

If you are interested in participating in our choir, please click HERE

Mass Coordinator

Our Mass coordinators serve as a point-person for a designated Mass. MCs are responsible for preparing the altar for the celebration of Holy Mass, selecting a family at Mass to serve as gift bearers during the offertory procession, and finding substitutes for any liturgical ministers who do not show up. All training will be provided and MCs are able to select their preferred Mass time.

Altar Server

Servers carry the cross, the processional candles, hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary. Servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation. They also join in singing the hymns and other chants of the liturgy. (Shared from USCCB).  Individuals may become Altar Servers beginning in the third grade, and after the reception of First Holy Communion.

Adorer

Weekly adoration is a beautiful way to express your faith and friendship with Christ. Our Adoration Chapel is open 24 hours a day, accessible by code (obtain from the parish office). We invite you to come to spend time with Jesus away from the noise of our day-to-day lives. If you are interested in being an adorer, there is more information HERE.