Liturgy
Adult Servers
Adult servers assist the priest at funeral Masses. They also participate in the set-up and take-down for funeral liturgies. Contact: Joanne Sanders at (630) 289-5400 ext. 217.
Altar Servers
Purpose/Mission Statement
"Servers exercise a genuine liturgical function. they ought to discharge their office, "therefore, with sincere devotion and decorum..." (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy #29)
Art and Environment
Purpose/Mission Statement
"As common prayer and ecclesial experience, liturgy flourishes in a climate of hospitality; a situation in which people are comfortable with one another, either knowing or being introduced to one another; a space in which people are seated together, with mobility, in view of one another as well as the focal points of the rite, involved as participants and not as spectators." (Environment & Art in Catholic Worship #11) To support the ritual activity of the liturgy through the artistic expression of color, form and texture.
Baptismal Ministers
Purpose/Mission Statement
"The people of God, that is, the Church, made present by the local community, has an important part to play in the baptism of both children and adults. Before and after the celebration of the sacrament, the child has a right to the love and help of the community." (Rite of Baptism for Children #4)
Bereavement Ministry
The Bereavement Ministry provides support to those who are grieving. During the first year of a loved one's death, our community sends Care Notes and cards as a way of offering consolation. A bereavement minister is assigned to a bereaved person for a period of 12 months or so, meeting with that person and offering a compassionate ear. Contact: Deacon Kevin Koster at (708) 533-6862.
Catechist
To teach and witness the Good News of Jesus Christ to our children so that they learn to respond to God in faith, prayer, behavior, community and discipleship, and to develop their own personal faith and Catholic identity by teaching the Scriptures, traditions, rituals, doctrine, sacraments and values of the Catholic Church, following the Guidelines of the Diocese of Joliet and the principles of Liturgical catechesis.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Purpose/Mission Statement
A separate Liturgy of the Word for Children allows the young people of our community to listen to God's word and ponder it meaning in a way suited to their abilities and their interests. As stated in the Directory or Masses with Children: "great care" needs to be taken so that "children do not feel neglected because of their inability to participate or to understand what happens and what is proclaimed in the celebration." (#17)
Christian Worship Commission
The Christian Worship Commission consists of ministry chairpersons, a liaison to Parish Council, and the Director of Worship. Together, this group oversees worship in the parish through ongoing evaluation of present practices and implementation of improvements.
Extraordinary Ministers
Purpose/Mission Statement
To assist the presider in the distribution of the Eucharist to the assembly in order to maintain the unity (communion) of the moment. Extraordinary ministers are permitted when "the number of the faithful requesting Holy Communion is such that the celebration of the Mass or the distribution of the Eucharist outside Mass would be unduly prolonged." (Instruction on Facilitating Sacramental Communion in Particular Circumstances)
Flower Ministry
Working closely with the Art and Enviornment ministry, these individuals set up and care for all seasonal flower arrangements and all green plants in both the worship space and the narthex. Contact Joanne Sanders at (630) 289-5400, ext. 217.
Lectors
Purpose/Mission Statement
"Readers exercise a genuine liturgical function. They ought, therefore, to discharge their office with sincere piety and decorum demanded by so exalted a ministry and rightly expected by God's people. Consequently, they must all be imbued with the spirit of the liturgy...and they must be trained to preform their functions in a correct and orderly manner." (Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy #29)
Liturgy Planners
Purpose/Mission Statement
Liturgy planners prepare the liturgical seasons so the assembly will deepen their faith and go forth "to love and serve the Lord." These ministers make seasonal decisions for the environment and movement, as well as some music and prayers. These decisions are always rooted in Sacred Scripture.
Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers)
Purpose/Mission Statement
As we read in Paul's letter to the Hebrews: "Do not neglect to show hospitality, for by that means some have entertained angels without knowing it." (13:1-2)
Pastoral Care
In carrying compassion and communion to the sick, the homebound and the hospitalized, ministers of care unite those people to the parish at large. In addition, pastoral care ministers provide quality time and companionship to those who most need it.
Contact the Liturgy Office ext. 217.
Sacristans
Purpose/Mission Statement
"The beauty and utility of a place of worship can be sustained only by an ongoing, careful attention to its upkeep through regular maintenance." (Built of Living Stones #219)