The Sacristan

The Sacristan

The role of the Sacristan is to prepare and oversee the elements required for the Liturgy. The Sacristan is the behind-the-scenes person who prepares the articles for Mass, assists the Priest or Deacon during Mass as needed, cleans all the vessels used during the celebration and returns them to their proper storage place. Some of the duties of the Sacristan include:

• Arrive a minimum of 45 minutes to 1 hr. prior to the start of Mass.
• Set-up the Lectionary Book & prepare the Book of Announcements and the Prayer of the Faithful and the Book of Gospels.
• Prepare the Ciboria with hosts, and the cruets with water & wine.
• Prepare the Chalice, Pall, Paten, Purificators, Lavabo bowls, Corporal, Credence Tables, and incense when necessary.
• Light the candles, lights and see that air or heat is turned on.
• Secure volunteers to bring the gifts to the altar during the Offertory.
• Be sure Altar Servers, Ushers, EMHCs and Lectors have arrived on time and are prepared for their duties.
• Be sure there are sufficient Bulletins and any additional required
  hand-outs ready for distribution.
• After Mass: clean all vessels and return to their proper storage place.
• Return all books, keys, and other items as required.

Who Can Become a Saristan?

• Be a fully initiated and practicing member of the Catholic Church.
• Attend Mass regularly.
• Have knowledge of the Order of the Mass and the needs of each ministry.
• Show reverence for the sacredness of the Sacred Vessels and the Body and Blood of Christ by the manner of dress and decorum at liturgy.
• Participate in ongoing formation and training programs.
• Be a fully compliant and practicing EMHC.
• Be compliant with the Diocesan Standards of Conduct in Ministry requirements.

The Process