Liturgical Ministries

Altar Servers

The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. This is done through specific actions and by setting a example to the congregation by active participation in the liturgy (hymns, responses, etc.), by looking alert and sitting or standing at appropriate times. Servers carry the cross, the processional candle(s), hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, assist the priest when he receives the gifts from the people, present the bread, wine and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts, assist the priest with washing his hands and assist the priest and deacon as necessary. Training is provided and we can accomodate requests for scheduling purposes. If you are interested in becoming an altar server at either parish, stop in the sacristy before or after Mass or contact the parish office.

Eucharistic Ministers

Our Eucharistic Ministers have been called to serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. They assist at our liturgies in nourishing God’s children with the Body and Blood of Christ. They also serve as role models to the congregation with the dignity they bring to this special ministry. We provide training and can accommodate requests for scheduling purposes.

Readers (commonly referred to as Lectors)

Readers are called to be “Ministers of the Word”. They have taken upon themselves the awesome duty and privilege to read God's Word at Mass. Their task is to make the word come alive for the congregation. Our readers receive training that allows them to prepare their readings carefully so that they can bring God’s word to life; we also try to accommodate requests for scheduling purposes.

Greeters

Our greeters play a vital role in welcoming parishioners as they arrive for liturgies. They are also instrumental in forming a visitor’s first impression of our church. They serve on the front line welcoming the congregation and helping visitors to feel at home. Our greeters have three main tasks: smile and be friendly, smile and be warm, smile and be helpful. Greeters are scheduled in pairs to assist with opening doors before and after mass and handing out bulletins after mass.

Ushers

Ushers welcome and assist in seating all who enter the church, especially visitors. The help in preparing the offering table, invite members of the congregation to present the offertory gifts, receive the offertory collection, hand out bulletins and work to create an atmosphere of hospitality in our parish.

Music Ministry

“For he who sings praise, does not only praise, but also praises joyfully; he who sings praise, not only sings, but also loves Him to whom he is singing.” – St. Augustine of Hippo

A good choir has two roles in Liturgy. First, the choir adds the element of beauty to the liturgy, and second, the choir encourages the congregation to sing. Both of our parishes are blessed with a singing congregation and choirs whose members work hard to enhance our liturgies with the gift of song. Anyone is welcome to join the choir. No experience is necessary.

We are always in need of new members because of illness, vacations, or people relocating elsewhere. The adult choir at Church of the Holy Trinity rehearses on Thursday evenings at 7 pm. The adult choir at Ss. Cyril & Methodius rehearses on Friday evenings at 7 pm. If you are interested in joining either parish, please contact our Music Minister, Emmanuel Sikora-Mori (607) 724-1372 or stop by the choir loft before or after weekend Mass.