Liturgical Ministries

Altar Servers

Who Can Serve?

• 5th to 12th grades (ages 10-18)
• Take responsibility for their own life of faith – both in and out of Church.
• Adults are welcome to serve at the altar.

What Are the Duties?

• Prepare the altar before Mass
• Participate in the opening and closing processions
• Hold the Sacramentary (book) during prayers
• Escort the Eucharistic gifts to the altar.
• Assist the presider, deacon, and other ministers as necessary.

Preparation and Training

Any boy or girl of the Catholic faith who has received First Eucharist may train for this ministry. Training is required and scheduled throughout the year. Youth must attend an informational meeting and a parent or guardian must also attend.

It’s a Commitment!

Altar servers unable to serve their appointed time must try to find a replacement by referring to the phone list provided with each schedule.

Altar Server Handbook

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC)

The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) are lay men and women who assist the celebrant with the distribution of Communion at Mass (Saturdays and Sundays, Holy Days, and Daily).

EMHCs may also assist with certain special rites, such as distribution of ashes.

As part of the 72 Disciples ministry, EMHCs take communion to those parishioners who are unable to attend Mass. The frequency of visits depends on the need of the parishioner.

Who can be an Extraordinary Minister?

Individuals must be fully initiated in the Church and at least 16 years of age. A short training session is required, and requires commissioning from the Archdiocese.

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion Handbook

Lectors

Lectors participate in the celebration of Mass (daily, weekend, and major feasts of the year) by proclaiming the Word of God (with the exception of the Gospel) to heighten the community’s attentiveness to sacred scripture. They have a love for scripture and the ability to proclaim it publicly. These individuals also lead the Prayer of the Faithful, and are also called on to read for special liturgical services.

Lectors must be able to devote the time necessary for study and practice of the scripture readings.

Who can be a lector?

A clear, strong voice and the ability to communicate with sincerity and feeling are required. Individuals must be fully initiated and at least 16 years of age. A short training session is required and must be attended prior to becoming a lector.

Lector Handbook

Ministers of Hospitality

General Guidelines

• Dress Code: Sunday formal attire is required.
• All practicing Catholics are invited to participate in this ministry.
• Please arrive at least 30 minutes before Mass and serve at the same Mass every Sunday, with the exception of holidays.

Before Mass

• Upon arrival, sign-in in the sacristy.
• Straighten the missalettes and song books. Make sure there are bulletins on each table near the church exits.
• Stand by any entrance of the church. Welcome people to church, especially newcomers. Our goal is to warmly welcome every individual and therefore greeters are asked to keep themselves free from longer conversations or their own personal discussion during this time.
• Invite and give directions to those who will carry the wine and ciboria to the altar. The number of people needed will vary depending on the number of ciboria. Those carrying the gifts should proceed to the back of the church at the beginning of the Prayer of the Faithful.

Sacristans

Sacristans support the priest and other ministers in preparation for Mass by setting up all items required and being available during Mass should a need arise. These individuals also return all items to their proper storage following Mass. Sacristans serve on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holy Days, as well as for weddings, funerals, and other Masses that may be scheduled for special reasons.

Who can be a Sacristan?

Individuals must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation and be in the 9th grade or above. Previous experience as an Altar Server is helpful, but is not required. Training is provided for all Sacristans.

We have a need for more Sacristans!

St. Mark parish has a special need for Sacristans right now and we encourage anyone who is interested or who would like to learn more to please contact the parish office for more information. In particular, we are in need of Adult Sacristans to serve at funerals on weekdays.

Serving as Sacristan is a wonderful way to participate more fully in the life of the church. Please prayerfully discern if the Lord might be calling you to serve in this special way!

Sacristan Handbook

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is an opportunity for children in Grades K–5 to celebrate the liturgy where the Word of God is proclaimed and explained at their level of understanding. The leaders, adult and teen volunteers, use the Lectionary for Masses with Children to proclaim the Word to the gathered children and then offer a brief interactive reflection.

This ministry is celebrated weekly at the Sunday 9:00 a.m. Mass. Parents are welcome to attend with their children.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word Catechists

These catechists are individuals who proclaim the Word of God and teach a lesson on the Gospel of the day in a format suited to children ages 5–10. Schedules are made and assigned on a rotating basis by the Religious Education Office. If you have questions or are interested in volunteering, please contact:

Jennifer Juzwiak
Director of Faith Formation
410-744-6560, EXT. 234
[email protected]

Mary and Martha Altar Society

Altar Society’s mission is to give reverent and willing service to our Lord by caring for St. Mark’s Sanctuary and its furnishings. Members of the Altar Society assist the sacristans in the care of liturgical articles, the Sanctuary and the Sacristy. We help keep the Church tidy and decorate the Church at Christmas and Easter.

Our work supports the Celebrant at all Sunday and Special Celebration Masses.

Altar Flowers

Parishioners may devote altar flowers as memorials to remember a special birthday or anniversary, or to honor a loved one, whether living or deceased. The intention will be presented in the St. Mark Church bulletin.

These freshly-cut flower arrangements will be placed in the Sanctuary of the Church. There is a stipend of $75 per flower arrangement.