Liturgical Ministry

Helping out at Mass

Liturgy is the prayer of the whole Church and a central part of our life as a faith community. Liturgical ministers offer their time and gifts to help the entire assembly worship prayerfully and participate fully in the celebration. Through their service, ministers are also drawn more deeply into the liturgy, strengthened in their relationship with Christ, and formed to live their faith more fully beyond the walls of the church.

Parishioners are invited to share their gifts through liturgical ministry, with specific eligibility requirements varying by role. Those interested in serving may complete the online enrollment form and explore the ministry descriptions below. All liturgical ministers receive training before beginning their service, with additional training and formation offered throughout the year. For additional information or help discerning which ministry may be right for you, please contact Emily Schmid, Director of Liturgy & Music, at 515-223-4577, ext 106.

Mass Coordinators
Mass Coordinators prepare the church and sacred vessels for Mass and serve as the primary point of contact for clergy and liturgical ministers. They welcome ministers as they arrive, find replacements when needed, communicate special instructions, and coordinate the liturgical ministers serving at that Mass. After Mass, they assist with cleaning and storing the sacred vessels and ensure that the church is ready for the next liturgy. This ministry is open to fully initiated adults in the parish with prior experience in another liturgical ministry. Those who serve should demonstrate leadership, organization, adaptability, clear communication, and calm problem-solving.
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist with the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ during Mass. This ministry is open to fully initiated Catholics in high school or older who actively practice their faith and, if married, are in a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church. Those who serve should have a deep love and reverence for the Eucharist and a desire to share Christ’s presence with others.
Gift Bearers
Gift Bearers carry the bread, wine, and monetary collection forward during the Preparation of the Gifts at Mass. These gifts symbolize all of the gifts of each person at Mass to be offered up during the consecration. This ministry is open to parishioners of all ages and is a meaningful way for families or groups to serve together; children should be accompanied by an adult. Those who serve should demonstrate reverence, attentiveness, and comfort participating in the procession.
Lectors
Lectors are responsible for proclaiming the Word of God during Mass. This ministry is open to those in high school and older; middle school students may also serve if they demonstrate the necessary reading ability and maturity. Those who serve should have a love of Scripture, confidence in public speaking, and a desire to proclaim God’s Word clearly and meaningfully.
Altar Server
Altar servers assist the clergy throughout the Mass and other liturgies as needed. This ministry is open to parishioners in 5th grade and older. Those who serve should demonstrate attentiveness, reverence, responsibility, and a willingness to learn.
Ushers
Ushers welcome and assist parishioners during Mass and respond to needs or emergency situations that may arise. This ministry is open to those in high school and older; middle school students may serve alongside a parent or trusted adult. Those who serve should demonstrate hospitality, attentiveness to others’ needs, dependability, and calmness in unexpected situations.
Greeters
Greeters are the first point of welcome for those arriving at Mass. They offer a warm presence at the doors and assist parishioners with questions or other needs. This ministry is open to parishioners of all ages, although children must serve alongside an adult, making it a wonderful opportunity for families. Those who serve should demonstrate hospitality, warmth, attentiveness, and an ability to help others feel at home.

Are you ready to help? Fill out Ministry Scheduling form!

Other Opportunities

Projection Assistant
Projection Assistants operate the technology that displays music, prayers, and other text on the screens during Mass and other liturgies. This ministry is open to those in middle school and older. Those who serve should be comfortable with technology and demonstrate attentiveness, focus, and an ability to troubleshoot when needed.
Art and Environment
The Art and Environment team prepares and decorates the church for the different liturgical seasons, creating an atmosphere that supports the prayer and participation of the assembly. This ministry is open to parishioners of all ages and is especially well suited for families, as many volunteers are needed to transition the church for major seasons such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. Those who serve should demonstrate creativity, craftsmanship, attention to detail, flexibility, and an ability to work collaboratively.
Homebound Ministry
Homebound Ministers bring Holy Communion to individuals who are homebound or reside in long-term care, assisted living, or independent living communities. This ministry is open to fully initiated adult Catholics, with a preference for those who have experience serving as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Those who serve should demonstrate hospitality, warmth, reverence for the Eucharist, and a desire to share Christ’s presence with others.