When Father House introduced me to the parish, he mentioned that one of my responsibilities is to help the parish implement the goals of the recent synod. This is a responsibility I gratefully embrace. Despite my great love for the Missions and the privilege it was to serve as diocesan mission director for over 15 years, helping to build a community of fervent and intentional disciples is the ministry I have been longing to do for the past several years. And honestly, the Cathedral parish is the place I most want to do this. I am excited about the unique mix of parishioners and visitors that makes up this community. Because we have so many visitors with us, especially at daily and weekend Masses, we have a special opportunity for evangelization and hospitality. The Cathedral has always been known for excellent Liturgy, and we are going to make sure it continues to be all that it can be to provide people with a transcendent experience of God in the midst of a welcoming community.
This week we will begin a series of formation opportunities for all liturgical ministers. This is not happening because ministers are not doing a great job already. Rather, the parish has a responsibility to continue to form all members, especially those who participate in liturgical ministries. This is also an opportunity for new people to volunteer and deepen their own discipleship by serving the parish in a new way. Finally, the parish will be adopting a software system to schedule liturgical ministers. The software will allow ministers to select the dates and times they are available to create a balanced and conflict-free schedule across multiple ministries. The formation sessions will include information on the new software system which all ministers will need to be able to access. All current ushers, greeters, lectors and ministers of holy communion who would like to continue to volunteer are encouraged to attend. Additional ministers, men and women of all ages, are needed and welcome! All formation/training sessions will be held in the school hall at 10:00am and in the atrium at 7:00pm on their scheduled dates.
As a worshiping community we are all called to actively participate in our liturgies through song, prayer, silence, and ritual movements. Service in one of the Liturgical (Mass) ministries listed below is an excellent way to serve God and His people. Please prayerfully consider joining one of these ministries.
Ministers of Hospitality
Ministers of Hospitality provide a welcoming atmosphere and service to the needs of all who enter the Cathedral. They serve at weekend and special occasion Masses. Men and women, singles, couples, and families are needed! A minister of hospitality needs a warm smile and pleasant disposition, and the ability to work as a team player.
Greeters
Greeters are posted at the doors of the Church to provide a first welcome to all who enter. Ushers also welcome parishioners and visitors to the Cathedral. They provide assistance in seating, collect and take up the gifts, direct the communion procession, hand out bulletins, and generally attend to the needs and questions of the congregation. Formation session Monday, Sept. 24, 10:00am and 7:00pm.
Lectors
Lectors proclaim the Word of the Lord to the assembly at Mass and other liturgies. If you have a love for God’s word and the willingness to learn to proclaim it effectively, please consider volunteering for this ministry. Lectors must be confirmed Catholics, 16 years or older. Formation session Thursday, Sept. 13, 10:00am and 7:00pm.
Extraordinary Ministers
Extraordinary Minister s of Holy Communion assist with the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ during Mass. No experience is necessary. Participation is open to fully initiated (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist), practicing Catholics. Formation session Monday, Sept. 17, 10:00am and 7:00pm.
Spiritual and practical formation is provided for all Liturgical ministers, including how to manage their schedule using a new parish software system. Formation sessions will be repeated in October. We hope you will join us!
Vicki Compton is the new Coordinator of Faith Formation and Mission at the Cathedral. She can be contacted for more information by calling the Parish Offices or reaching out via email at [email protected].