Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Policies
The policy relating to Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Lay Ministry to the Homebound, Hospitals, & Nursing Homes can be found at the link below. This policy was updated on April 19, 2023. Any questions regarding the policy should be directed to Cameron Diachun in the Office of Worship & Liturgy.
Policy for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Certification
The Office of Worship and Liturgy, in collaboration with the Diocesan Worship Commission, offers one-time certification sessions for those in their first year of ministry as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. If your parish would like to host a certification session, please contact the Office of Worship & Liturgy.
Parishes who have new ministers in need of their diocesan certification should submit the following form to Cameron Diachun in the Office of Worship & Liturgy.
Permission Request for Certification of an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
Guidelines for Lectors
It is expected that persons involved as lectors in their parishes are baptized, mature (at least upper high school level), active members of the parish. The goal for any reader is to proclaim God's word in a clear, understandable way so the faithful will develop a warm and lively love for Scripture from listening to the proclamation of the sacred texts. In order to do this, the reader must prepare spiritually as well as technically. Prayerful study of the Scriptures will allow the reader to understand the readings in context and to perceive the central point of the revealed message. Readers with a love and understanding of the Word of God convey this to the assembly through the manner in which they read. Through prayerful preparation readers allow themselves to be receptive to the Spirit who speaks through them in their ministry.
Requirements:
- A willingness to serve others
- A willingness to grow in understanding and love of scripture
- A willingness to understand the meaning and structure of the Liturgy of the Word and its relation to the Liturgy of the Eucharist
- A willingness to develop the technical skills necessary for public proclamation
- A willingness to be spiritually and physically prepared to minister to others, by prayerful preparation to convey the Word to the assembly and by a familiarity with the environment in which the Word will be proclaimed.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare beforehand by reading the scripture, discuss its meaning with others and practice aloud
- Honor the time and schedule commitments of the ministry
- Take advantage of continuing educational opportunities in the parish and the diocese as they arise
- Wear non-distracting, appropriate attire
The Secretariat for Worship and Liturgical Formation has produced the booklet, "Ministry of Lectors." This resource will soon be available for purchase. This booklet is also available to be reproduced by parishes without further permission from the Worship Office at the link below. Please contact the worship office if you have any questions.
Guidelines for Ushers and Greeters
Ministers of hospitality, including ushers and greeters, serve the assembly and assist in prayer. They do this above all by recognizing, welcoming and caring for each member of the assembly as if that person were Christ. They tend to the needs of the people of God and make them feel comfortable as they gather for worship each Sunday.
Much is expected of ushers and greeters. They have chosen to serve God's people with generosity and greet them with great kindness and joy.
One of the expectations is that these ministers will participate in some form of training and formation because their responsibilities are varied and many according to the guidelines set forth by their parish and/or cluster of parishes.
The Secretariat for Worship and Liturgical Formation has produced the booklet, "Ministry of Hospitality Ushers and Greeters." This resource will soon be available for purchase. This booklet is also available to be reproduced by parishes without further permission from the Worship Office at the link below. Please contact the worship office if you have any questions.
Guidelines for Altar Servers
The Ministry of Altar Server is important in the Church. It is the Altar Server's responsibility to assist the Celebrant during liturgy. An altar server who performs his/her responsibilities with knowledge and prayerfulness helps to facilitate the prayerfulness of the assembly.
The Secretariat for Worship and Liturgical Formation has produced the booklet, "Ministry of Altar Server," and this resource will soon be available for purchase. This booklet is also available to be reproduced by parishes without further permission from the Worship Office at the link below. Please contact the worship office if you have any questions.
FINAL HANDBOOK - Ministry of Altar Server-revised 2013
Guidelines for Cantors
It is considered the ministry of the cantor to:
- share in the proclamation of the Word of God, particularly as a psalmist
- teach the assembly its songs, refrains and acclamations
"There should be a cantor or choirmaster to direct and encourage the people in singing. If there is no choir, the cantor leads the various songs and the people take their own part." GIRM (684)
"The chanter (cantor) of the psalms is to sing the psalm or other biblical song between the readings (from the same place that the other Scripture is proclaimed). The cantor should be trained in the art of singing psalms and be able to speak clearly and distinctly." GIRM (67)
Additional Resources
Liturgical Studies and Liturgical Music Or Non-degree Studies
Resource Books for Liturgical Ministries
Available from Liturgy Training Publications:
Guide for Ushers and Greeters
Guide for Lectors
Guide for the Assembly
Guide to Keeping Sunday Holy
Guide for Sunday Mass
Guide to the Revised Lectionary
Guide for Sacristans
Available in print from the Worship Office-Diocese of Gaylord:
Handbook for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Handbook for Lectors
Handbook for Ministers of Hospitality - Ushers and Greeters
Handbook for Parish Music Ministers
ABC's for Altar Servers
