This group consists of a large number of parishioners who volunteer to support our various liturgies through a variety of services. These include the following groups: Altar Society, Ambassadors, Extraordinaires, Gift Bearers, Musicians & Choirs, Readers, Servers, and Ushers.
Altar Society
These are volunteers who care for the altar area, sacristy, and vestments. Many of the volunteers accept responsibility for a certain duty and then attend to that duty at times which are convenient for them. The volunteers are coordinated by Ellie Huighe -- 845-9619
Ambassadors
This group of dedicated individuals greet parishioners and visitors at weekend Masses. Ambassadors are asked to greet at one weekend Mass per month (only 12 times per year). The Ambassadors are asked to arrive 10-15 minutes before Mass and greet until Mass begins. There are no monthly meetings. Our parishioners has voiced the need for a more welcoming community and the need to provide service to the Parish. This is a perfect opportunity to make that happen by providing a warm smile and a friendly greeting to those who enter our faith community. Our goal is to have greeters at every weekend at every Mass. Please help us achieve our goal. -- For Information: Eileen Diel 894-1696.
Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)
CLOW is a more age-appropriate experience of the Lectionary's readings for children Grades K - 4. CLOW takes place during the 10am Mass on Sunday mornings between Labor Day and Memorial Day. Following the Opening Prayer, the priest invites the children to gather around the catechists and they process from the church to the school foyer where the readings are proclaimed from the Childrens Lectionary and reflected upon by the team of volunteers. The children rejoin the congregation following the Creed. ----- There are four teams of volunteers, one for each Sunday of the month, and months with a fifth Sunday are conducted by the leaders of the 4 teams. The DRE, Paul Cooper, is responsible for organizing and overseeing the CLOW process. For more information: pcooper@smmaparish.org
Extraordinary Ministers
These volunteers assist the priest with distribution of Holy Communion. All practicing Catholic adults in good standing with the church are eligible but volunteers also need to be commissioned. If you are interested please talk to one of the priests and they will help to get you connected.
The current schedule is available for download on the Documents to Download page - Parish Documents to Download. …go there
Gift Bearers
The Gift Bearers are members of the congregation who present the bread and wine at Mass. We no longer schedule families for this ministry. Any member of the congregation is welcome to volunteer to bring the gifts to the altar. We use a small statue of the Holy Family to designate the Gift Bearers. The statue sits on the table with the gifts and whichever family picks up the statue before mass begins are the Gift Bearers for that mass. They keep the statue with them in the pew and then place it back on the table when they go there to present the gifts.
The statue works very well for ordinary times however if you have a special occasion like an anniversary or special mass intention an usher can help you reserve the offertory opportunity. Generally speaking, though, it is first come, first serve.
Musicians & Choirs
SMMA is blessed with many people who are both gifted and willing to share their musical talents to enhance our prayer experience with music. The choirs are always looking for additional members and each choir operates a little differently. Each choir aspires to inspire vibrant congregational participation using various hymn styles. Each of our 5 weekend masses has a different "flavor" which in large part is due to the music style used for that prayer.
Lectors
Present the readings, prayers, and announcements for the congregation. The current schedule is available for download on the Documents to Download page - Parish Documents to Download. …go there
Servers
Boys and girls in grades 6-12, who assist the ministers at the altar. The current schedule is available for download on the Documents to Download page - Parish Documents to Download. …go there
Ushers
Attend to greeting, seating, collections, and Bulletin distribution.