Liturgical Ministries
The celebration of Mass is the action of Christ and the People of God - ministers and assembly. Within the one body of Christ are many gifts and responsibilities. But just as each organ and limb is necessary for the sound functioning of the body, so every member of the liturgical assembly gathered by Christ has a part to play in the action of the whole...The participation of all is demanded by the nature of the liturgy and, for the faithful, is their right and duty by reason of their Baptism.
- Pastoral Introduction to the Order of Mass, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, #4.
There are many opportunities for each of us to be involved in the celebration of the liturgy (Mass). The primary ministry of all who are gathered at the liturgy is to be an active participant - to participate in the responses, singing, listening, silence, posture, and gesture. Our active participation helps build up the Body of Christ. Everyone is brought closer to God and one another through our active participation.
Beyond this active participation from the pews, some are called to take part in special ministries. These ministries provide specific service to the community during the celebration of liturgy. Please contact the Parish Office (617-926-9680) or the listed contact person if you are interested in any of these ministries.
Eucharistic Ministers
Contact: Donna Swift at (617) 926-9828 or dswift@jwflett.com
or: Teresa Dennison at (617) 924-5424 or teresa@cappadonainsurance.com
Eucharistic Ministers assist with the distribution of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ under both species, the bread or the wine, during liturgy. Eucharistic ministers have a special love and understanding of the Eucharist and welcome young, old, lonely, accepted, rich and poor to the table of the Lord.
The commitment is one to two Sunday liturgies each month. You may request to serve at / or not serve at a specific Mass. The schedule is prepared for 3 months at a time.
The “call” to this ministry can be answered by any practicing Catholic.
Contact: John Horrigan at (781) 799-3781 or johnhorrigan@hotmail.com
Lectors do not merely read the words on a page; rather they proclaim God’s word to the assembly of people gathered in worship. It is a sacred duty that involves the sharing of faith.
The normal skills of public speaking (adequate loudness, good phrasing, proper emphasis, etc.) are still necessary and appropriate. At the same time, the lector focuses on the fact that the readings from scripture have been chosen because of the spiritual message they convey. The lector's goal is not to “perform” while reading, but to allow the congregation to hear that message.
The commitment is one to two Sunday liturgies each month. You may request to serve at / or not serve at a specific Mass.
Contact: Fr. Marty at (617) 926-9680 or frmarty@stpatswatertown.org
The altar server assists the priest in the celebration of the Mass. This is done through specific actions and by setting an example to the congregation by active participation in the liturgy (hymns, responses, etc.), by looking alert and sitting or standing at the appropriate times.
Servers carry the cross, the processional candles, hold the book for the priest celebrant, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary. It is a meaningful and fun way to server our parish. Periodically, outside activities are offered to the servers.
The ministry of altar server is open to all parishioners from grade 4 or higher.
Music Ministry
Contact: Paul White at 617-926-9680 ext. 21 or musicdirector@stpatswatertown.org
The music ministry is a vital part of the prayer and liturgical life of St. Patrick parish. It includes the Director of Music who also serves as organist, and professional cantors who lead the sung prayer of the assembly. In addition, The St. Patrick Adult Choir and Children’s Choir minister musically to the parish by enhancing our liturgical and spiritual life.
Adult Choir
The Adult Choir meets in the church on Monday evenings for two hours. This choir of mixed voices ranges in age from 20’s to 80’s. The group sings weekly at the 10 AM Mass on Sunday mornings, and on Holy Days such as Christmas and The Holy Week Triduum. The choir is a non-auditioned group, and while some singers can sight-read, it is not a requirement to join.
Children’s Choir
The Children’s Choir is open to children of any age as long as they can read. They practice on Wednesday afternoons, and sing at special children’s liturgies throughout the year, as well as Christmas, Easter and First Holy Communion.
Ushers
Contact: Parish Office at 617-926-9680 or parishoffice@stpatswatertown.org
Ushers are the first representative of the parish that people meet when people enter the church. As such, they have a critical role of hospitality – making people feel welcomed and valued at our parish. Additionally, they assist withtaking up the collection(s), usher at Communion time, and distribute Parish bulletins as people leave the Church.
Men and women, as well as teenagers, are welcome to this ministry.
Contact: Donna Swift at (617) 926-9828 or dswift@jwflett.com
or: Eileen Heneghan at (781) 894-1835 or eheneghan_83@msn.com
Adult members of the parish enhance the prayerful nature of our daily liturgies by ministering as Eucharistic ministers, lectors and altar servers.
Pastoral Care/ Eucharistic Ministers to the Homebound / Hospitals
Contact: Parish Office at (617) 926-9680 or parishoffice@stpatswatertown.org
As a family of Christian disciples, St. Patrick Parish invites every parishioner to help share the mercy and love of Christ to all those who suffer in mind, body, or spirit. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” says the Lord Jesus (Matthew 11:28).
St. Patrick Parish reaches out to those who are bereaved, sick, or suffering in our community in many ways, including:
Communion Ministry to those Homebound
A dedicated team of Eucharistic Ministers of Communion distribute communion on a regular basis to those who are hospitalized, homebound, or reside in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities.
Outreach to the Sick and Homebound
Are you or anyone you know in need of spiritual companionship? Is a loved one sick and in need of a visit or a meal? Please call our office for assistance. We’d like to help you.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Contact: Sister Susan at (617) 926-9680 or sistersusan@stpatswatertown.org
Leaders and aides take the children downstairs to the Church Hall to proclaim the Word of God from the Children’s Lectionary – the same readings as the adults in language that is more meaningful to the children. The leaders break open the Word helping the children better understand the meaning and significance of the weekly scripture readings.
The Children’s Liturgy of the Word occurs approximately once a month at the 10:00 am Mass.
Environment and Art Ministry
Contact: Ernie Berardinelli at 617-875-9421 or eabjr@rcn.com
Members of this ministry help create a prayerful worship environment through color, plants, flowers, and other appropriate decorations. This ministry creates a worship space that supports the liturgical season and provides a place where parishioners can meet God more deeply in their prayer and reflection.
Art and Environment members are artists and those with an artistic eye; artisans and craftspeople; and people who are willing to help with caring for plants and flowers, especially during major liturgical seasons.