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Lay Ministries

ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you are interested in learning more about opportunities as a liturgical minister at The Grotto, please contact Elizabeth DeChristopher at edechristopher@thegrotto.org.

THE GROTTO LAY MINISTRY

“All the baptized need to understand that part of their duty regarding the Liturgy is to accept some responsibility for the Liturgy, to place themselves and their God-given talents at the service of the liturgical community whenever possible. Whether one brings up the gifts at the Presentation; reads the Word of God; assists with the distribution of Communion and brings the Eucharist to those unable to be present at Mass; serves at the altar; provide music that augments the joy, solemnity, and festivity of the celebration; or serves the assembled community as an usher, he or she is contributing to the worship of the community and fulfilling the responsibility that comes with Baptism.” 

– USCCB Liturgical Participation Article Copyright 2010

The Grotto, as a shrine, must be dedicated to promoting the faith of the pilgrims by centering on a mystery of the Catholic faith, a devotion based on authentic Church tradition, revelations recognized by the Church, or the lives of those in the Church’s calendar of saints.  A national shrine should nourish the spiritual lives of pilgrims by being a center for worthy and exemplary celebrations of the liturgy, especially celebrations of the Eucharist and penance (c. 1234). With this, a sufficient number of liturgical ministers should be available to provide adequate pastoral care for pilgrims, especially for various language groups.

The Grotto Lay Ministry is divided into four liturgical ministries:

The Ministers of the Word (Lectors)

The Ministers of the Altar (Altar Servers)

The Ministers of the Eucharist (Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist)

The Ministers of Hospitality (Greeters/Ushers)

The Ministers of the Word (Lectors)

When we gather together to celebrate the Mass, God is increasingly present in the assembly, the presider, the scriptures, and the Eucharistic bread and wine. The first part of the mass, the Liturgy of the Word, focuses on the scriptures. The lector is the servant of the Lord who brings them to life for all to hear.

The lector proclaims the Word of God to the assembled faith community. Men and women who accept the call to this ministry are presumed to be people of faith and lovers of Scripture, eager to serve the Christian community and willing to engage in ongoing formation and education.

The Ministers of the Altar (Altar Servers)

When we gather together to celebrate the Mass, God is increasingly present in the assembly, the presider, the scriptures, and the Eucharistic bread and wine. The first part of the mass, the Liturgy of the Word, focuses on the scriptures. The second part, the Liturgy of the Eucharist is the high point of the mass celebration.

An Altar Server must be very familiar with the Mass. They must understand why the Mass is important, and what happens during the Mass. Also, they must understand and be prepared to carry out the commitment that is required of them. They need to know and understand the principles of devotion, dedication, and discipline.

The Ministers of the Eucharist (Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist)

When we gather together to celebrate the Mass, God is increasingly present in the assembly, the presider, the scriptures, and the Eucharistic bread and wine. The first part of the mass, the Liturgy of the Word, focuses on the scriptures. The second part, the Liturgy of the Eucharist is the high point of the mass celebration.

The purpose of the Eucharistic Liturgy, as well as all Sacraments, is to make us holy, to build up the Body of Christ, and to worship God. The Liturgy “nourishes, strengthens and expresses faith.” (CCC 1123)

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should receive sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence. In all matters, they should follow the guidance of the diocesan bishop (Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds for the Dioceses of the United States of America, NDRHC, no. 28). When recourse is had to Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, especially in the distribution of Holy Communion under both kinds, their number should not be increased beyond what is required for the orderly and reverent distribution of the Body and Blood of the Lord. In all matters, such Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should follow the guidance of the diocesan bishop (IBID).

The Ministers of Hospitality (Greeters/Ushers)

When we gather together to celebrate the Mass, God is increasingly present in the assembly, the presider, the scriptures, and the Eucharistic bread and wine. The first part of the mass, the Liturgy of the Word, focuses on the scriptures. The second part, the Liturgy of the Eucharist is the high point of the mass celebration.

The Ministry of Hospitality is truly a service to the Church and should be treated seriously and with great dignity. Therefore, Ministers of Hospitality should have an understanding of the Liturgy in order to be effective in providing the faithful with the proper environment.

Ushers and Greeters are called to be Ministers of Hospitality. They are entrusted with promoting a sense of welcoming and belonging to all the faithful assembled for worship. They are the first point of contact for the communal celebration of the Liturgy. Ministers of Hospitality serve the entire community in a very active way. By freeing each person of their own personal impediments to the Mass through a welcoming atmosphere, ministers of hospitality take an active role in enabling each person to come to a freer expression of God in the Liturgy.

LAY MINISTRY FORMATION

Lay persons who permanently or temporarily devote themselves to the special service of the Church are obliged to acquire the appropriate formation required to fulfill their function properly and to carry out this function conscientiously, eagerly, and diligently. (Can. 231 §1)

The four areas of formation—human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral— that provide a framework for the formation of deacons and priests provide a framework for lay ecclesial ministers as well.

Lay Ministry Formation Series: Liturgical Calendar

The Lay Ministry held its latest formation session on August 14. The topic for this formation was the Liturgical Calendar. The event was attended by 22 Ministers from different ministries. All of them had the opportunity to get to know each other as this was the first time the Lay Ministry had assembled in person since the pandemic restrictions were lifted. With God’s grace, the event was a success and this was followed by the Rosary and Mass at the Chapel of Mary.

ACTIVITIES

Stay tuned.