Liturgical Ministries

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Liturgical Ministries
- LITURGY COMMITTEE
  The members of the Liturgy Committee meet monthly with the Pastor and clergy to assist with planning all details pertaining to upcoming liturgies at St. Peter Parish. Following the liturgies, evaluations are conducted. The committee also oversees the scheduling and training of liturgical ministers.
  
  MUSIC MINISTRY
  The Music Ministry at St. Peter Parish strives to do both through the execution of sacred, beautiful and universal music for the celebration of the Liturgy. The Music Ministry also promotes and participates in other events, such as concerts and evenings of praise and worship. Click here to visit the Music Ministry page.
  USHERS
  Members of the Usher Ministry serve at weekend and special Masses, picking up the Collection, seating people and assisting as needed.
  
  HOSPITALITY
  Hospitality Ministers welcome parishioners and visitors alike at our Masses with a friendly smile, assist those in need, help with special liturgies and other events in church, distribute the parish bulletin at the end of Mass, and ensure that the church is left in order after the Masses.
  
  ALTAR SERVERS
  Altar Servers assist the celebrant and the entire worshipping community during the celebration of the liturgy of the Mass, during special liturgies, and during the celebration of sacraments.
  
  LECTORS
  The role of the lector is to proclaim the word of God at Mass in the scripture readings that precede the gospel reading. The lector may also read the General Intercessions as well as the Missal antiphons.
  
  EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
  The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion distribute Holy Communion, either within Mass or by taking it to a sick person. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at St. Peter Parish are available to our parish sick, homebound, and nursing home residents, as well as for our Masses.
  If you or someone you know is in need of Holy Communion, please contact the Parish Office.
  Homebound
  Parishioners who are homebound and unable to attend Mass are brought Holy Communion by Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. This outreach of care and support to our elderly and/or sick of our parish nourishes the person with the Body of Christ and provides a visible connection to our parish community.
  Hospital
  Parishioners who are in the hospital are brought Holy Communion by Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Commmunion. This outreach of care and support to the sick of our parish nourishes the person with the Body of Christ and provides a visible connection to our parish community.
  Nursing Homes
  Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion bring Holy Communion to the Catholic residents in the Forest Manor Nursing Home after 8:30 AM Mass on Fridays. The ministers bring the Eucharist to the rooms of Catholic residents who are immobile. The ministers also assist with the Mass offered for the residents who are mobile or in wheelchairs.
  
  ENVIRONMENT
  The members of this ministry help to prepare and maintain the worship space to reflect the season being celebrated by providing ad caring for the plants, flowers and décor. The purpose is not to decorate but to create an atmosphere of worship that invites the community into prayer.
  
  EUCHARISTIC PROCESSIONS
  The Eucharistic Processions at St. Peter Parish on the Solemnities of Corpus Christi and Christ the King, give witness outwardly of our parish's love of Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament, our desire to proclaim this to others, and our realization that Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament is not just for us, but for the whole world. Click here to visit the Eucharistic Processions page.
  
  BAPTISMAL HOSPITALITY
  The members of this ministry create an atmosphere of welcome at the St. Peter Parish monthly community parish Baptisms. They welcome parents, godparents, family members, and visitors alike with a friendly smile and assist as needed.
  
  DRESS CODE FOR LITURGICAL MINISTERS
  
  The focus of the members of the congregation should be on the Mass, not on the appearance of the Liturgical Minister. Ministers should dress respectfully and with decorum. Clothing that is too casual or too flamboyant will distract the congregation from the Holy Sacrifice of the Altar. Attire that is immodest may cause scandal amongst God’s people.
  For men, appropriate attire would include either a suit or conservative sports jacket and dress slacks. A necktie, while most appropriate and encouraged, is not required. Jeans, shorts, open shirts, sports jerseys, sneakers and other such casual dress are inappropriate and do not meet the standards for assisting at the Eucharist.
  For women, appropriate attire would include dresses, dress slacks, skirts and blouses (or sweaters) and suit. Dresses and skirts should be modest in length (i.e. to the knee). A modest neckline is recommended for dresses, sweaters and blouses. Short skirts or dresses, revealing blouses (such as low cut, sleeveless or see-through), or shorts of any length do not meet the standards for assisting at the Eucharist.
  Clothing for both men and women should fit comfortably and not be formfitting or tight.
  For daily liturgies, the minister’s dress may be somewhat more casual, but should still adhere to the general principles described above. For example, men might choose to wear dress slacks and a polo shirt or sweater. However, jeans and shorts are never to be considered appropriate dress.
  Please be advised that the priest and/or Deacon reserve(s) the right to request any liturgical minister not to serve who, in his prudent judgment, does not meet the requirements of this Dress Code.
  
  According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “The Mass is at the same time, and inseparably, the sacrificial memorial in which the sacrifice of the cross is perpetuated and the sacred banquet of communion with the Lord’s body and blood is made present” (CCC #1382). Moreover the Catechism recognizes the need for outward signs of our inward understanding of just what is happening at Mass. “Bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing, attitudes) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest” (CCC #1387). Jesus Christ Himself, not a symbol, not a reminder, but the man Himself, becomes substantially present in the Eucharistic host. Each time we receive Communion, our hearts should be echoing the words of the Apostle John as he recognized the risen Christ on the seashore: “It is the Lord!” Truly it is the Lord who comes to dwell within us; how can that moment cause anything but an attitude of reverence and awe?
  
  We anticipate that this Dress Code will assist our parish family in fostering a deeper respect and reverence at Mass. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Rectory. May God continue to bless all of us as we worthily serve at the Altar of the Lord.