Lay Ministries in the Parish
In recent years, lay members of the Catholic Church have
increasingly been involved in ministries which were once seen as being the
preserve of the Priest. At St Mary Mother of God we have many people actively
involved in these ministries.
Ministers of the Eucharist
Lay Ministers of the Eucharist assist the Priest with the
distribution of Holy Communion during the Mass. They may also take Holy
Communion to members of the parish who are unable to attend Mass because of
ill-health or incapacity. Very occasionally, experienced Ministers may preside
at "Eucharistic Services" of the Word and Holy Communion, which take the place
of Mass when no Priest is available.
Readers
Readers proclaim the Word of God in scripture and the
intercessory prayers during the Sunday and weekday Masses at St Mary Mother of
God.
Catechists
Catechists lead our programmes of preparation for the
sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, First Holy Communion, Reconciliation, and
Marriage.
Becoming a Lay Minister
Because of the sensitive nature of these ministries, new
Ministers of the Eucharist, Readers and Catechists are usually commissioned at
the invitation of the Parish Team. Members of the parish are, however, always
free to propose names of potential ministers to the Parish Priest in confidence.
Altar Servers
Altar Servers have the important task of assisting the
Priest, Ministers, Readers and congregation during Mass. There is an open
invitation for new Altar Servers (children from the end of school year 4
onwards) to join the training sessions which are run each year.
