Altar Servers

Children of the parish who are enrolled in our parish school or religious education program and who are in the fifth grade or older are welcome to assist at Sunday Masses and other special services as Altar Servers. Adults are also welcome to serve in this ministry on weekdays, for funerals, and other special liturgical celebrations. Special training is required for both children and adults interested in serving the parish in this ministry. Training is conducted by a member of the pastoral staff. 

Eucharistic Ministers

By virtue of our baptism, all of the faithful share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ. The distribution of Holy Communion is part of the Church’s public worship and a ministry that is recognized by the Church. All Eucharistic Ministers are expected to meet the parish expectations of those ministering in the parish and must be committed to their own on-going formation and spiritual development. Attendance at scheduled formational and educational events sponsored by the parish or the Archdiocese is also expected. Parish members of at least high school age who desire to become a Eucharistic Minister should contact the parish office. 

Lectors

Lectors are parishioners who proclaim the Scripture readings at Masses and at other liturgical celebrations. Those who minister as Lectors should possess the ability to speak clearly before a large number of people, be committed to taking the time necessary to prepare the readings, and to attend scheduled meetings and educational/formational events as scheduled by the parish and the Archdiocese. Parishioners of high school age and older are invited to serve the parish in this ministry. All Lectors are expected to meet the parish expectations of those ministering in the parish listed on page 18 of this handbook. Those who are interested in becoming Lectors should contact the parish office. 

Art and Environment Committee

The Art and Environment Committee is a subcommittee of the Spiritual Life and Worship Committee. They are involved in creating an appropriate liturgical environment for worship in our church building according to the particular liturgical season being celebrated. Attention is given to creating an environment that enhances our worship of God according to the directives contained in the Church’s Liturgical Documents. Parishioners are welcome to assist in the planning work of the committee or in the actual decorating of the church.

Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers)

The Ministers of Hospitality play a key role in welcoming worshipers to the parish community at Sunday Masses. Other duties include providing assistance in seating and collecting the weekly offering. 

Baptism Greeters

Baptism Greeters are parishioners, adults and members of their families, who assist in welcoming families and guests who gather for our Sunday afternoon Baptism Celebrations. The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated each month, outside of the Season of Lent, on the second and fourth Sundays at 12:30 p.m. Duties include: welcoming families as they enter church, assisting family members with seating and joining in the Baptism Celebration itself. Parishioners interested in becoming Baptism Greeters should contact the parish office.  

LITURGICAL MUSIC MINISTRIES - For more information, please visit www.musicatmatthias.com

Adult Choir

This parish choir leads the worshiping assembly in its sacred song and presents selections of sacred choral music to enhance the liturgy. It mainly ministers at the 11:00 a.m. Sunday liturgy and at all major parish celebrations. The choir meets weekly on Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:30 p.m. to rehearse and also has a short ½ hour rehearsal on Sunday mornings just before Mass. This ministry is open to parishioners of high school age and above. 

Children’s Choir

This parish choir is comprised of students from grades 4-6. Older students who wish to continue to serve are most welcomed. It ministers monthly at the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass and at special parish celebrations.

Handbell Choir

The Parish Handbell Choir adds a festive spirit to our worship by ringing handbells to enhance congregational singing and by performing special music written for handbells. Interested individuals must make a commitment to rehearsals and performances since absence leads to certain bells (notes) being left out. Rehearsals are from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on Thursdays.

Resurrection Choir

This parish choir serves as representatives of the parish’s bereavement ministry as well as leaders of liturgical music at all the parish’s funerals. Persons of all ages who enjoy singing and desire to support those experiencing the loss of a loved one are invited to this ministry.

Cantors

Cantors are parishioners who have answered the call to a most ancient ministry in the Church. The cantor’s main responsibility is to lead the community’s sung prayer at worship. Cantors meet regularly in the church for rehearsal.

Instrumentalists

Parishioners who have performance knowledge of a particular musical instrument are encouraged to participate in the worship life of the parish by offering their gift to enhance the assembly’s song and to join in ensemble groups for special celebrations.