St. MARY CHURCH

Liturgical Ministries

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TRAINING FOR NEW & RETURNING ALTAR SERVERS!

August 8th after 9:30am Mass

Are you a youth who is called to worship and serve our Lord at Mass? If you are interested in returning to the ministry of Altar Serving or would like to learn how to serve, please call Dcn. Eric at 772-2494 to sign up for an upcoming training session.

Altar Server training will be offered at 10:30am on Aug 8th in the church. Youth will learn to serve with Seminarian Spencer Gregory. The course will serve as a refresher for those who have served in the past OR as in initial training for youth new to serving. (Please note - You must have received First Holy Communion before becoming an Altar Server.)

We also encourage you to pray: Oh Jesus, my King and Lord, by the grace of the Heavenly Father and the power of the Holy Spirit, guide us in all righteousness as we serve You at the Altar so we may be always worthy of Your presence. If we happen to make an error, May it be a lesson so our service will be perfect tomorrow. Jesus, we Love You with all our hearts. Amen

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St. Mary offers a variety of liturgical ministries that parishioners may get involved in:

Acolytes
A group of men and women who volunteer to serve at funeral Masses and other liturgical functions as needed. Contact Deacon Eric for more information.

Altar Guild
The altar guild serves the parish by cleaning and maintaining the various items used in the sacred liturgy. For example, the altar guild take care of the altar linens (e.g., corporals, purificators), clean and polish the sacred vessels such as chalices, change the candles, etc.  For more information, contact the parish office.

Altar Servers
Altar servers serve the priest at Mass.  This ministry is open to children and young men and women who have received their First Holy Communion; servers must attend a training session prior to serving.  Contact Deacon Eric Lambert for more information.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass.  Contact Deacon Eric (deacon@stmichaelparish.org) for more information.

Holy Communion for the Homebound
This ministry serves those parishioners in both nursing and residential homes who are unable to attend Mass.  Volunteers bring the Eucharist to the homebound, and generally serve on a rotating basis (normally scheduled every 3 months). 

Want to become a Eucharistic Minister?  Please reach out to Deacon Eric at the parish office or via deacon@stmichaelparish.org.

Already a Eucharistic Minister and want to volunteer for this Outreach Program to bring Communion to nursing homes? Please contact our Pastoral Minister, Leah Grant, at pastoralminister@stmichaelparish.org.
(Current nursing homes served: Langdon Place, Exeter Center, and Riverwoods)

Want someone to bring you Communion?  Please contact Karen Schalitz, the Parish Nurse via nurse@stmichaelparish.org, for more information on homebound Eucharistic Ministry.
(Reach out to Karen with inquiries on nursing & residential homes in the greater Exeter and Newmarket areas.)

Lectors
Lectors proclaim God's Word (except for the Gospel) at Mass. Contact Deacon Eric for more information.

Cantors/Singers/Musicians
St. Mary is fortunate to have two groups who offer musical accompaniment and leadership during our Saturday Vigil and Sunday Morning Masses.  Our beautiful purpose is to help people "Make a Joyful Noise" and enter more fully into praise.  Learn more on our Music Ministry page.

Ushers and Greeters
Ushers and Greeters welcome people to St. Mary and assist them in finding appropriate seating in the church.  Ushers also assist at Mass by taking up the collection and bringing the gifts to the altar at the offertory.  We are always looking for help!  Please reach out to the parish office or feel free to approach our priests or staff at Mass to offer assistance.