There is a lot of work to be done for the kingdom of Christ, but few people willing to do the work (Matthew 9:37). So don't be afraid to simply start serving; there is a place for you. As you serve, trust that God will equip you, guide you, and give you joy for the work. Find delight in doing the things He has planned for you (Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:17, 23).
If you are interested in any of these opportunities to serve, contact the office or Fr. Freddie.
There are many different ways to serve God by serving others. Here are a few:
Altar servers:
An altar server is a lay assistant to a member of the clergy during a Christian liturgy. An altar server attends to supporting tasks at the altar such as fetching and carrying, ringing the altar bell, helps bring up the gifts, brings up the book, among other things.
Servers carry the cross and the processional candles. They hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar. They carry the incense and censer and present the bread and wine along with the water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people. Altar servers are not limited to children. Adults can also serve. This can be a very rewarding opportunity for a father or mother to serve alongside their son or daughter.
Eucharistic Ministers:
It is a gift to be a Eucharistic Minister--to share the Body and Blood of Christ with another.
The administration of Holy Communion during the Mass is truly a ministry. It is the ministry of bringing the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ to the People of God. It is also the ministry of witnessing to faith in the real presence of Christ in the action of sharing in the Eucharistic meal of Christ’s sacrifice. The ministry of the Eucharist should, therefore, be treated with utmost dignity and reverence.
Lectors:
A lecotr proclaims the Word of God during Mass. When the Sacred Scriptues are read in church, God himself speaks to his people, and Christ, present in his word, proclaims the Gospel (USCCB). All Christians are, by definition, proclaimers of the good news. Because we were baptized into Christ’s life, mission, death, resurrection and ascension, we announce to the world be our very existence that “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.” Some among us are called to minister the Word directly, to ensure that we will continue to hear God’s love spoken anew each time the sacred book is opened. These special people are called lectors
Sacristan:
The sacristan, always under the general direction of the clergy, undertakes the overall preparation of liturgical celebrations, including all that is needed for special days such as Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday.
Many of the Sacristan’s duties are related to taking care of the Sacristy (hence the name Sacristan) and the sacred items in the Sacristy. This is the secure area of the church which serves as a holding room for the sacred items used in the Holy Mass. It is usually a small room off to the side of the altar.
The sacristan thus arranges the books needed for the celebration, marking all of the divisions. He or she sets out anything else needed for the celebration, such as cruets, chalices, ciboria, linens, oils, processional crosses, candles and torches.
Music:
From the opening hymn to the closing hymn, music helps enhance our worship. Music allows a part of our hearts to speak to God in a different way than when we speak words. There are many ways to be a part of the music ministry at St. John Vianney from participating in congregational singing to leading the congregation in song as a cantor. Perhaps you play a musical instrument and would be willing to share that talent to make holidays such as Christmas and Easter more musicall dynamic.
Greeters:
Greeters are the first persons you will encounter when you enter the church. The welcom of the greeter sets a tone of love; it reminds people that they are entering a special time of worship, where they will experience God, and God's love. A warm greeting reaffirms to each person that they belong--that everyone is important to the body of Christ.
Ushers:
Ushers are an extension of the welcome throughout the Mass. Ushers assist parishioners or visitors with needs that may arise during the Mass. Ushers take up the collection and represent each person in the pews as they bring that collection forward and present it to the celebrant. Ushers guide the flow of the faithful as they come forward to receive the Precious Body of Christ.