All liturgical ministers exist for the service of the Body of Christ, the People of God, the assembly gathered in God’s name. Although serving in any of these ministries should be a source of joy and satisfaction for individual people, these ministries exist for the benefit and service of the Church and not for individual or personal piety, spiritual growth, or status. As such, these ministries are regulated by Church and Liturgical law and are submitted to the authority of the Bishop and the local Pastor (USCCB).
The Lector
The lector with a loud and clear voice proclaims the readings from Sacred Scripture, with the exception of the Gospel. There are times when the lector can announce intentions for the Universal Prayer and recite the Psalm. When the Sacred Scriptures, the Word of God are read in the Church, people are to listen reverently to it and observe silence.
The Extra Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion must have to undergo sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation for them to distribute the Body and B lood of Christ with full knowledge and reverence. They are to follow guidelines by the diocesan bishop making the distribution done with reverence and in an orderly manner.
Choir / Cantor
Are pastoral musicians who lead the assembly in sung prayer. They are to enhance the liturgy with songs and instrumental music, taking care not making their participation to appear like a show remembering that their singing is to move the assembly to prayer and worship. The Choir knows the difference between singing the Mass and not singing at Mass.
Sacristans
The sacristan arranges everything needed for the celebration of the mass. He or she lays out the vestments and anything else needed for the celebration, such as cruets, chalices, ciboria, linens, oils, processional crosses, candles and torches.
Altar servers
1. Altar servers, men and women, boys and girls must have already received the Sacrament of Holy Communion and must have proper formation before they begin to function. They have to know the Mass and its parts and their meaning, the various objects used in the liturgy (their names and use), and the various functions of the server during the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Servers are expected to observe proper decorum and attire when serving Mass and other functions. Generally, may wear the alb or other suitable vesture or other appropriate or dignified clothing. (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no.339) All servers should wear the same liturgical vesture.
2. Servers carry the cross, the processional candles, hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary. He or she also takes care of the ringing of bells that announce the celebrations.
