Liturgical Ministries

Lectors

Lectoring is the ministry of "proclaiming the Word" at Mass and other liturgical occasions. In this role, lay men and women participate in that portion of the Mass in which God's message is spoken to His people. At Mass and at other sacred functions, lectors proclaim scripture. They also lead the Prayers of the Faithful.

Lectors are given a period of training prior to their ministry where parish practices are explained in detail. The requirements necessary to be a lector include:

• Good articulation and a strong voice to proclaim Sacred Scripture.
• A good, Catholic manner of living.
• Must be a regular communicant.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Those who are chosen to be Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion must be at least in their senior year of high school, known for a good Catholic manner of living and for service to the parish and the community. Ordinarily, they should be persons who have resided in their parish of registration for some time and, therefore, are known to the pastor and people of the parish. The mandate of the Bishop continues in force until decided otherwise by the pastor, or the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion; or if the person leaves the parish or institution, that then ends the mandate. All those to be mandated must attend a Diocesan Training Session for Extraordinary Ministers. They will then attend a training session conducted by our Parish in our own parish procedures regarding the distribution of Holy Communion within our Masses.

This ministry also provides the Blessed Sacrament to our homebound parishoners. Those interested in serving in this capacity should call the Parish Office.

Sacred Music Ministry

Sacred music should assist the assembled believers to express and share the gift of faith that is within them and to nourish and strengthen their interior commitment of faith. Through this ministry, sacred music can unite the worshipping community in a prayerful celebration of God's presence among His people.

Seven Sorrows Parish has two choirs:

Children's Choir:

Open to all the Youth of the Parish in grades two through eight. This choir sings for Christmas and Easter. Rehearsal is held on Monday evenings for approximately four weeks prior to Christmas and Easter. Dates will be announced.

Adult Choir:

This choir sings at the 11:30 a.m. Mass on most Sundays (at 9:30 a.m. Mass on the fourth Sunday of each month) from September through May. They also participate in special liturgies throughout the year such as Forty Hours, Holy Week and the Thanksgiving Community Service. They practice on Thursday Evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the gym.

Altar Servers

One of the ministries of the Church involves the liturgical role of servers who assist the priest at the altar during Mass and other devotions. This ministry is open to young people in grades 5-12. The altar server learns to appreciate the Mass and integrate a spirituality that comes from the responsibility of assisting the parish community. They assist at weekend Masses, Funerals, Weddings and Stations of the Cross and participate in the procession during the Forty Hours Services. Children desiring to be altar servers must be enrolled in Seven Sorrows School or attend CCD classes regularly. Mandatory instruction classes are held in the fall. An annual outing is held each summer for all altar servers.

Ushers

The men and women who serve as ushers assist in the Mass by helping to seat people, directing the procession at the preparation of the gifts, collecting the offerings, directing the communion procession, and distributing the parish bulletins. They choose a family to bring the gifts to the altar at the Offertory.