When we welcome others, we are blessed to welcome God’s very self. I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matt. Matthew’s gospel reminds us that God is present especially in the stranger who is welcomed: “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world for. During the liturgy, they attend to the needs of the celebration while remaining alert to the needs of the people.Ushers are ministers of hospitality who embody God’s welcome and remind all of us to see God in one another. Well before the liturgy begins, these ministers are on hand to make sure the church is ready for the liturgy, greet people as they arrive, give out worship aids and escort people to their seats. Since ushers and greeters are usually responsible for this during parish liturgies this handbook is dedicated primarily to them. Just as we greet guests to our home, make them feel welcome, and tend to their needs, so do the ministers of hospitality make the members of the assembly feel welcome and comfortable as they gather each Sunday. Ministers of hospitality-including ushers, greeters and those who prepare and serve refreshments-do this above all by recognizing, welcoming and caring for each member of the assembly as if that person were Christ. Though their roles and functions differ, all of these ministers serve the assembly and assist in its prayer. Since Vatican Council II Catholics have become accustomed to lay ministers serving during the liturgy as lectors, eucharistic ministers, cantors, musicians, altar servers and ministers of hospitality. We call this gathering of Christians for prayer and worship the “assembly” and consider participation in the assembly as the most basic right and privilege of baptized Christians. Christ is also present when the scriptures are read and preached in Church.Ĭhrist is present in the people gathered to pray in his name. Most Catholics have been taught since childhood that Christ is present in the bread and wine of the Eucharist and in the priests who preside at sacramental celebrations. Present.in the person of his minister under the eucharistic elements in the sacraments in his word (and) lastly, when the Church prays and sings (CSL #7). “Christ is always present in his Church, especially in its liturgical celebrations. In the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (CSL), the Second Vatican Council teaches that Christ is present and active within the Christian community in a variety of ways: This handbook has been prepared to help you grow in a deeper understanding and love for the liturgy, your ministry and ultimately the Lord whom we all serve. Serving in one of these ministries is both an honor and a responsibility, and those who commit to it need nurturing and support. This diversity of roles, functions and ministries enriches our celebrations and assists us in our prayer. Some of the faithful are called to serve God's people in a more particular way through one of the many liturgical ministries that have flourished in the Church since the Second Vatican Council. Since the celebration of the Eucharist is the "action of the whole Church" (GIRM, Introduction #5), everyone in the assembly has "an individual right and duty to contribute their participation" (GIRM #58). How the lay faithful exercise this ministry in the world varies, but the fullest and most fundamental expression of it has always been "conscious, active and fruitful participation in the mystery of the eucharist" (General Instruction Of The Roman Missal - GIRM, Introduction #5). Through their baptism they are the "holy people and royal priesthood”(General Introduction to the Roman Missal # 2) whose right and privilege it is to participate in the ministry of Christ. "But you are a 'chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises' of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light"Īll liturgical ministers are, first and foremost, members of the Body of Christ.
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