Liturgical Ministries
Welcome! Liturgical ministry is an excellent opportunity to fulfill your baptismal
call of service to one another. Our liturgies should utilize the talents and gifts that
God has given this community to the fullest extent. Whether participation is through
“behind the scenes” preparation and planning or through a public role of service within
the Mass, parishioner contributions help our liturgies to be truly life-giving
celebrations. Please prayerfully consider joining one of these ministries. Liturgy Coordinator, Julie Hall,
jhall@olmc.org
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Altar Servers
Altar Servers offer service to God and the community by assisting the priest during mass. The ministry is open to all youth of the parish who have made their First Communion and whose parents believe they are ready and responsible enough to be trained. Training in the specifics of the ministry is provided throughout the year. Servers are assigned on a rotating schedule.
Arts & Environment
This team works behind the scenes to transform our Worship environment for the different seasons. Help
is always needed. We are always looking for artists of various medias to help envision new ideas and work
on our various projects throughout the year.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
This liturgical ministry is responsible for distributing the Body and Blood of Christ at the weekend
Masses and other times Mass is celebrated. Training in the specifics of the ministry is provided
throughout the year. Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion may serve at any Mass they attend.
Gift Bearers
Individuals, families, parish groups, you are invited to carry the gifts in the Offertory Processions. Celebrating a memorial, birthday, anniversary, new job, baby, or home? Be a part of the liturgy in thanksgiving representing all of God’s blessings to us. Sign up on the Gift Bearers poster in the Commons for the Mass time and date of your choice or contact the lead usher prior to Mass.
HOPES Team
Helping Other People Express Sorrow (HOPES), The Hopes Team assists with funerals before, during and after the liturgy. They prepare the worship center for the funeral, serve during the funeral in whatever capacity is needed (Eucharistic Minister, Usher, Lector, Altar Server, etc.) and arrange a reception in the Commons for those gathered after the funeral (baking, setting up, cleaning etc.).
Hospitality
These ministers invite fellowship to continue after each Sunday morning liturgy. They extend hospitality
to the community by providing coffee, donuts, and a smile. There are normally at least two ministers assisting
in setup and clean up before and after each liturgy. The ministry is a wonderful opportunity for families
to minister together.
Intercessory Prayer Writers
Intercessory prayer writers prepare the General Intercessions for our weekend liturgies. Prayers are
written following specific guidelines with support from various publications, coordinators and most
especially the Holy Spirit. This is an invisible, yet essential ministry. Writers tend to be those who
enjoy prayer, Scripture reflection, and are comfortable putting their thoughts in writing. This ministry
is time-flexible and can be performed at home; ideally this would be on a 6 - 8 week rotation.
Lectors
Lectors proclaim the Word of the Lord during the Liturgy and lead the Penitential Rite and the General
Intercessions. A lector must have a passion for Scripture; an ability to interpret and understand
Scripture; and, sufficient public speaking skills to proclaim the Word to the assembly. Training in the
specifics of the ministry is provided throughout the year. Lectors are assigned on a rotating schedule.
Linen Ministry
These ministers clean and press the altar linens and purificators used each week in our liturgies.
This is another invisible, yet essential ministry. The cloths used at the altar in the Eucharistic
celebration are to be treated with the care and respect due to those items used in the preparation and
celebration of the sacred mysteries. Accordingly, guidelines are provided for their cleaning. This
ministry is time-flexible and is performed at home; ideally this would be on a 6 - 8 week rotation.
Mass Coordinators
Mass Coordinators are needed to help liturgies flow smoothly. Their oversight ensures that the church
and its ministers are prepared for the celebration. An ability to multi-task is important for this
ministry. Training occurs through “hands-on” ministry as new members to the group assist experienced
Mass Coordinators to learn the specifics of the ministry. Mass coordinators can expect to be scheduled
to serve about once per month.
Music Ministry
The Music Ministry provides music for all of our weekend liturgies as well as Holy Days, Weddings, Funerals and other special occasions. The music ministry at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel currently includes three choirs, cantors and instrumentalists. Visit the Music Ministry page for more information.
Sacristans
Sacristans work behind the scenes. They prepare the worship spaces for the celebration of the sacraments
each week by polishing, light cleaning, and watering plants. Sacristans can expect to work for 1-2 hours,
every four to six weeks. They are usually able to work one day that fits their schedule, daytime or evening, on
Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.
Ushers
Ushers work in teams of at least six serving twice a month, either the first two or the last two weeks
of each month. As ministers of hospitality, ushers welcome folks and help them to feel comfortable in the
worshipping environment. They open doors, greet, hand out bulletins, assist with communion traffic flow
and ensure that Gift Bearers are available for service. Monetary gifts are collected and food baskets
prepared. Assistance is given to folks as needed or during emergencies. Cross Bearers are usually ushers.
Women, senior youth, young Adults, men, and Confirmation candidates are welcome to serve. Training is
provided. Watch for information in the bulletin or contact any lead usher to volunteer.
Wedding Coordinators
Wedding Coordinators share in a festive day and function in a dynamic liturgical environment to
coordinate many different facets of a wedding celebration. Working closely with the bridal couple, they
help liturgies flow smoothly, checking that the church and Worship Center are accessible and properly
prepared and making the wedding party feel at home. They accommodate any special requirements from the
Priest and help with the rehearsal the evening before the wedding.
Wine Ministry
Parishioners in the Wine Ministry provide wine for use in our liturgies. The specified wine is
purchased from a local store and delivered to the church each week. The schedule rotates on a quarterly
basis, so each member of the ministry provides the wine for four weekends each year.