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Liturgical Ministries

It is the whole community, the Body of Christ united with its Head, that celebrates the liturgy (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1140).  As the Body of Christ, we each have a very important and necessary role in the celebration of Mass.  While all the baptized are called to actively participate in liturgy, some members of the Church are called to special service.  At OLPH, we have several ways in which you can use your God-given talents to support our liturgies. Active liturgical ministers can find the current Ministry Schedule. For questions about how you can become involved in a particular ministry, click on the name of the contact person to send an email.  

  • Altar Linens:  Volunteers are needed to help us care for the linens used at Mass. Duties include cleaning soiled purificators and other altar linens at home, following the weekend liturgies.  The clean and pressed linens are then returned in time for the liturgies in following weekend.  For more information, contact Deacon John Beach.
  • Altar Servers:  Youth in grades 4 and up are invited to more actively participate in Sunday and Holy day liturgies by assisting the Presider.  The altar servers assist in carrying in the processional cross, holding the Missal that the celebrant reads from, and helping to prepare the table for Eucharist. Training is provided, and servers are usually scheduled at one to two liturgies per month.  Our liturgical minister scheduling software allows you to indicate which Mass times are preferred, as well as weekends that you are unavailable to serve.  For more information, contact Angie Ahlers
  • Art and Environment:  Art and environment volunteers focus on the physical and aesthetic appearance of the worship space. They plan and create visual enhancements, such as floral arrangements, and care for other liturgical items, such as candles and vessels, that give flavor and shape to the liturgical seasons. For more information, contact Debbie Cornett
  • Eucharistic Adoration:  This rewarding devotion is a commitment to spend one hour each week in silent prayer with our Lord Jesus Christ, present in the Eucharist. Come, be at peace, give Him thanks and praise, seek forgiveness, read the bible, say the Rosary, or just "be still and know that I am God." Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the worship space each Wednesday from 3 - 6 PM and from 7 - 9 PM.  In addition to those who are scheduled to attend at a regular time each week, all are welcome to stop by for prayer whenever available.  For more information, contact Dave Wyble.
  • Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:  Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (formerly called Eucharistic ministers) have the very special privilege of sharing Jesus' own gift of his Body and Blood with members of our parish family. They also help prepare vessels before Mass and help to clean up after Mass.  Confirmed youth and adults are needed to serve at weekend liturgies and Holy days on a rotating schedule. Training is provided, and volunteers are generally scheduled at one to two liturgies per month.  Our liturgical minister scheduling software allows you to indicate which Mass times are preferred, as well as weekends that you are unavailable to serve.  For more information, contact Dennis Kafura.
  • Funeral Coordinators:  Funeral coordinators help with funeral liturgies.  Volunteers assist the pastor in preparing the worship area for the funeral liturgy, scheduling liturgical ministers (lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, sound board operators), assisting the pastor during the funeral liturgy, and preparing food for funeral receptions.  Training is provided.  For more information, contact Mary Kafura.
  • Greeters and Ushers:  Greeters and ushers have the important role of making the members of the community, as well as visitors, feel welcome as they gather for worship. Other duties include passing out worship aids, assisting with seating, taking up the collection, and distributing bulletins after Mass. This is a wonderful ministry for all ages.  For more information, contact Deacon John Beach.
  • Lectors:  Lectors proclaim the Word of God whenever the community gathers to worship. A lector's gifts include the ability to speak with clarity and expression, and the willingness to use these gifts to share the Word of God with others. Adults  confirmed youth commit to prepare assigned readings ahead of time.  This involves studying the Scripture passage to determine its message, looking at the reading in the context of other readings at that liturgy, and practicing it silently and aloud. Training and materials are provided, and volunteers are generally scheduled at one to two liturgies per month.  Our liturgical minister scheduling software allows you to indicate which Mass times are preferred, as well as weekends that you are unavailable to serve.  For more information, contact  Brenda Holtzlander
  • Sacristan:  The sacristan, with a team of helpers, is responsible for keeping the sacristy in order.  This includes keeping track of vestments, linens, ritual books, candles, wine, charcoal, and other needs, as well as caring for sanctuary lamp. For more information, contact Deacon John Beach
  • Sound Board:  Volunteers are needed to operate the sound board at weekend, Wednesday, and Holy Day liturgies, as well as other activities throughout the year.  Youth and adults are needed who are comfortable operating electronics and paying close attention to the sound balance.  Training is provided, and servers are usually scheduled at one to two liturgies per month.  Our liturgical minister scheduling software allows you to indicate which Mass times are preferred, as well as weekends that you are unavailable to serve.  For more information, contact Barbara Fraticelli.