"The word 'liturgy' originally meant a 'public work' or a 'service in the name of/on behalf of the people.' In Christian tradition it means the participation of the People of God in 'the work of God.' (Jn 17:4) Through the liturgy Christ, our redeemer and high priest, continues the work of our redemption in, with, and through his Church. " (Catechism of
the Catholic Church, #1069)
Our Liturgies are central to the life of parish. It takes many people to fulfill the ministries that make our liturgies possible. Getting involved in the liturgy at St. John the Baptist can be a rewarding experience, offering you a special bond between yourself and Christ as well as yourself and the SJB Catholic Community. Different ways to get involved in liturgy are outlined below. If you feel called to any of the ministries below, please contact the parish office at 763-428-2828 to sign up.
Altar Servers
Altar servers assist the priest and deacon during Mass, and learn about the Eucharist as they participate in this special way. Altar Servers can be male or female. This service opportunity is open to children fourth grade and older who have received their First Eucharist. Altar servers are ideally scheduled for about one Mass per month. Ministering as an Altar Server allows one to participate closely in the liturgy and deepen one's faith in God.
Lector
The Ministry of Lector is rooted in prayer; for the one who proclaims the Word of God must speak from a heart of faith. Good enunciation, projection and reading skills serve the community when the Word is proclaimed by someone who himself/herself is seeking the wisdom of God. We provide materials that help lectors prepare at home to understand the scriptures as they ready themselves to make God present in their proclaiming of God's Word among our assembly.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion share Christ with the parish community by distributing the Eucharist at Mass or to homebound parishioners. This service opportunity is open to Confirmed high school students and adults. Ministers of the Eucharist minister to the assembly the presence God in the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ.
Eucharistic Ministers may also bring the Eucharist to those who are homebound or in the hospital with illness. Such ministry flows out of a keen appreciation and devotion of Christ present in the Eucharist. Time spent in prayer before and after such ministry brings blessings on those who minister and those who
receive this wonderful ministry.
Ushers
Hospitality is truly the ministry of every member of our community. We are called to welcome the stranger in our midst and to make them part of our lives and our community. During our liturgies, Ushers welcome all to our assembly, making each person feel welcomed and at home. Greeters should be available to direct people to the restrooms, be interest in learning people's name or inviting them to join for coffee on Donut Sunday. Ushers also facilitate the liturgy by helping distribute Missalettes and Hymnals, passing the collection basket, choosing a family to bring up the gifts and ushering the people from the pews up for Communion.
Sacristans
Sacristans work behind the scenes preparing items used during our liturgical celebrations, including hosts, wine, vessels, linens, vestments, etc.
Gift Bearers
Gift bearers represent the community when they bring the gifts of bread and wine to the altar. This is an opportunity for anyone to participate in the liturgy. Feel free to volunteer by speaking to the ushers before Mass.
Liturgical Environment
These parishioners decorate the worship space They create an atmosphere of simplicity and hospitality with attention to the total space from the approach to the building through the gathering space and to the altar itself.
Music
Music allows the assembly to unite their voices in praise of the God whose presence we celebrate during the liturgy. Good music makes the presence of God more accessible and allows us to express our faith and love in a way that words alone cannot express.