Liturgical Ministries

Contact the rectory at 708-423-8110 for more information about any of the Liturgical ministries.

Altar Servers
Parishioners who are in grades 4 though 8 in our School or Religious Education Program, and are baptized Catholic, are eligible to participate in this important ministry. Altar Servers assist the priest during the course of the Mass, as well as setting an important example of faith and service to our Lord for their peers. Participation in at least four training sessions is required.

Lectors
Lectors proclaim the Scripture readings at Sunday Mass. Since preparation is an essential part of this ministry, each participant is provided with materials to practice for the Mass to which the Lector is assigned. Candidates attend an initial preparation seminar held at St. Bernadette Parish. An annual gathering for prayer and reflection is offered. Proclaimers of the Word are baptized and confirmed Catholics, and members of the Parish.

Eucharistic Ministers
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are mandated to assist in the distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful during the celebration of Mass. Initial training and formation are provided, as well as an annual evening of prayer and reflection. Eucharistic Ministers are baptized, confirmed, practicing Catholics 16 years of age and older, members of the Parish, and, if married, are in a sacramental marriage.

Ministry of Music
Music is an integral part of every liturgical celebration.  Our music ministry members lead the assembly in song and worship at all weekend masses, holy days, and special services.  We are always looking for talented choristers, vocalists, and instrumentalists of all ages to join.  It is not necessary that you are a baptized Catholic to participate. 

Children's Choir
Our Children's Choir includes those in grades 2-6.  Rehearsals are held on Mondays from 5:15-5:55pm in the church.  This time slot is immediately prior to religious education classes.  For those enrolled in classes, the children are escorted to their classrooms when rehearsal has finished.  The Children's Choir leads the music on the 2nd Sunday of the month, at the 10:30am mass.  The children will spend time learning the most common sung parts and songs of the mass, as well as gain experience with reading musical notation and playing hand chimes.

Adult Choir
Our Adult Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7-8:30pm in the church.  They lead the 10:30am mass on Sunday.  This choir is open to all; there is no audition to join.

Cantors
Cantors lead the assembly in song at all Sunday masses, as well as holy days and special services.  Cantors need to demonstrate an inviting, confident singing voice through an informal audition.  Cantors are expected to prepare & know their music ahead of time.  Concurrent participation in the Adult Choir is strongly recommended, but not required.  Paid opportunities do occasionally arise for cantors at weddings & funerals.

Instrumentalists
Any instrumentalist is welcome and encouraged to join the music ministry.  Whether you’d like to play your flute every week, your clarinet once a month, or bring your string quartet every Christmas, you are invited!  Our ensemble of instrumentalists often joins us at the 10:30am mass each 3rd Sunday of the month.

Please contact our Director of Music, Bridget Ryan to join any music ministry, or to answer any questions you may have.

Ushers
Ushers are an integral part of the ministerial team. Ushers help with collections and the Communion procession. Ushers are also the first on hand if someone is in need of assistance. Members in this ministry must be practicing Catholics.

Sacristans
Our sacristans are responsible for the care of our altar linens, vestments, sacred vessels and other liturgical supplies. They work quietly behind the scenes ensuring that our liturgies and other church services have all that is needed. To become a sacristan, helping hands and a willing spirit is required of practicing Catholics.