NORTH EASTON MASSACHUSETTS
Our beautiful church is a prized treasure in our parish, but it needs continuing care to keep it in the condition we all desire. A group of parishioners come together every other week from 8:30 until noon for the purpose of maintaining and caring for the sanctuary area. Tasks include dusting, vacuuming, and sweeping the interior of the church as well as laundering linen and other items. We welcome men and women to continue this important work.
Altar Servers
The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. This is done through specific actions and by setting an example in the liturgy by their actions, singing of hymns, responses of the people, looking alert and sitting or standing at the appropriate times. Servers carry the cross, the processional candle(s), 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 or deacon 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. Training is provided by the parish priests. Servers can expect to serve approximately twice a month. We welcome all boys and girls, who have received First Holy Eucharist and who have entered grades four and above.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
The Children's Liturgy is for children grades K through 5 to hear the gospel message in their language/vocabulary during the school year. They are invited during the “adult reading” to go to the sacristy at the right of the Altar during the 8:00 a.m. Mass and to the parish hall during the 10:15 a.m. Mass on Sundays. Volunteer leaders are needed for approximately fifteen minutes during mass to read to the children and discuss the week's message using a simple guidebook. Leaders supervise the children during readings, a question/answer period and prayers. There is minimal preparation required and no teaching experience is necessary. We welcome men and women to serve as Children's Liturgists in this important ministry. Parents are always welcome to attend with their children.
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
Greeters and Ushers
Greeters welcome people as they come into the church for Mass and foster an atmosphere where all feel at ease. At the end of Mass, they are there to say goodbye, see that everyone, who wants one, has a bulletin and to answer questions. Your time commitment is the time you are at Mass. Ushers collect the weekly offerings. Ushers and greeters are scheduled at the Mass they prefer to attend approximately once each month.
Lectors
A Lector is a minister of God's Word. A “reader” is not merely a person who reads at Mass, but one who helps God to be present to others in the proclamation of the Word. Readers are needed for Saturday and Sunday masses, for Holy Days and for some funerals and other celebrations. Parishioners with some experience in public speaking, clear diction and pronunciation are welcome. Training is available as needed.
Liturgical Decorating Committee
We usually use the word “decorations” to mean balloons and streamers and other colorful materials that create a mood of festivity at celebration. Liturgical decorations are used to foster a mood sometimes of festivity and at other times of penitence or anticipation, but always of dignity and hospitality. Seasonal decorations help set the mood for liturgy. We welcome anyone who is interested in decorating our beautiful church, making it fit for worship during the church seasons. Volunteers are needed to assemble decorations before the holiday season and to help hang the prepared decorations. Any amount of time you have is welcome.
Liturgical Planning Committee
The purpose of the Liturgical Planning Committee is to enhance the spiritual life of our parish through the preparation and coordination of its liturgical celebrations. The mission of this committee is to work together to discover ways in which the Trinity can become more alive and real in the lives of the assembly, (e.g., Sunday liturgy, Sacred Triduum, Holy Days of Obligation, Communion Services, etc.) with the leadership of our parish priest. This Committee is comprised of volunteers, registered in the parish, and who maintain a current understanding of the Church's liturgical documents and instructions.
Wedding Ceremony Coordinator
The Wedding Coordinator assists couples in planning the details of their Wedding Liturgy. This person guides the couple in reviewing the marriage guidelines as well as setting the date for and directing the rehearsal. The coordinator is responsible for contacting altar servers, securing the marriage license, connecting the couple with the musician and cantor who will participate in the ceremony, assist with prayer selection and collect any fees. They are present on the day of the wedding to attend to any details such as decorations, programs and receiving lines. We welcome members of our parish community who are interested in helping couples plan a liturgically responsible, joyous and distinctive celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage
Liturgical Services
