Liturgical Ministries
Altar Servers: Altar Servers are boys and girls trained to play an important role in the celebration of the Eucharist by assisting the priest at Mass in service to the Lord and the church community. This ministry is open to those in grades 4 to 8 and adults who have made their First Holy Communion. In addition to assisting at the weekend masses at St. Mark, they are called upon at special feast days, funerals and weddings. They are encouraged to serve at evening weekday Masses as well.
Altar servers assist the priest by carrying the cross and candles in procession, holding the book of prayers and assisting with the preparation of the gifts of bread and wine. Their reverent and efficient service enables other ministers to attend to their roles while the liturgical actions unfold with calm order and appropriate decorum. As members of the assembly, who are visible to all, the Altar Server should be a model of good liturgical participation.
Click below to watch the video: The Altar Server
Altar Society: The Altar Society members are responsible for looking after and cleaning the Sanctuary, the altar linens, vestments and sacred vessels.
Children’s Liturgy: Children’s Liturgy of the Word allows elementary age children the opportunity to experience the Sunday readings at a level more easily understood. By experiencing the Liturgy of the Word in this manner, they will more readily be able to make those readings their own and, therefore, benefit more from participation in the Eucharistic Celebration. In order to accomplish this goal, children are dismissed from the larger assembly by the celebrant after the greeting and gather in the church hall led by the Presenter. Then, the catechist proclaims the Readings, Responsorial Psalm and Gospel.
The children are then called back to the Church and welcomed back with the Presentation of the Gifts. The Children’s Liturgy runs from September to June with a small team of helpers. Those involved in this ministry set up materials required for the lessons and help the children interpret the lesson material under the direction of the Children’s Liturgy Teacher. The Children’s Liturgy is held during the mass on Sunday at 9:00 am. Because this ministry involves working with children, screening is necessary.
Choir - Sunday 9:00 a.m. Mass
Choir Practice: Mondays from 7:30 to 9:00 pm (in the Church)
“We are many parts, we are all one body. And the gifts we have we are given to share”
…. Liturgical Musician Marty Haugen.
A Choir’s role has great importance in the Parish's Liturgy. The 9 AM Sunday Mass share in the proper performance of the music and encourage the active participation of the faithful in the singing at the Liturgy.
Our blend of contemporary, folk and traditional music using guitar, keyboard, glockenspiel, flute, drums and percussion instruments are used to help encourage the congregation to sing in joy before the Lord. Downloadable SATB music recordings are available for new choir members to aid in learning melody and harmony parts. Youth and Adults of all ages are always welcome.
Come and try us out and be part of our dynamic, fun and faith-filled Worship Team and experience our Ministry of Music. It will feed your soul. For further information, please call the church office.
Choir - Sunday 11:00 a.m. Mass
The St. Mark's Choir sings at the 11:00 a.m. mass on Sundays and special Solemn Feasts. The choir is comprised of full parts and sing traditional hymns, sacred choral music, and contemporary liturgical songs.
- There is no requirement for a formal music training, just able to commit to weekly choir practices.
- Rehearsals are on Thursday at 7:30 pm in the church.
New members are always welcome. Come and join this dynamic choir and develop your music talent as you participate in the church music ministry. For more information, please contact the church office.
Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers: The liturgical ministry of Eucharistic minister is an active and vital part of worship here at St. Mark. Men and women chosen to serve as Extraordinary Ministers make a commitment to assist the Priest in the distribution of the Holy Eucharist to the congregation. You have been called to one of the most beautiful ministries the Church has to offer. Your ministry is in relationship to the community whenever we gather as an assembly for our Eucharistic Liturgy (Mass). A prayer life devoted to the Eucharist is a key objective to this ministry. The Eucharistic Minister must be a practising Catholic in good standing, faith-filled member of the community, and approved by the Pastor. You are expected to arrive 15 minutes before mass and stay a few minutes after for cleaning the vessels in preparation for the next mass.
Lectors: Lectors have the important role of reading and proclaiming the Word of God during the celebration of the Eucharist. They also introduce each Mass and read the general intercessions on behalf of the community. It is important that someone in this ministry is willing to devote some private time during the week to the study of Scripture, especially to the Scripture to be read on the weekends. Preparation ahead of time is essential.
Liturgical Decorating Committee: The committee members help to prepare and decorate the church for the liturgical seasons and feasts. Through the beauty and simplicity of our liturgical environment, our worship is greatly enhanced.
Ministry of Hospitality (Greeters): The Ministers of Hospitality have the important role of greeting both parishioners and visitors to our Sunday Eucharistic celebrations. This ministry requires that you arrive early in appropriate attire and wear a nametag. A cheerful disposition and a willingness to help others are essential in order to make all feel welcome to our parish.
Ushers: The Ushers assist worshippers to their seats. They ensure that the gift bearers are present, they assist with the movement during Communion and ensure the flow of human traffic during special events. They also collect the monetary offering of the community, distribute the bulletins and provide necessary assistance for parishioners with special needs.
