Liturgical Ministries

Serving the Church Through Sacred Worship

We welcome you to join us for Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation at either of our parish churches. Below are the current liturgy schedules:

Altar Servers

Serving at the Altar with Reverence and Joy

Altar servers assist the priest and deacon during the celebration of Mass. Their service helps maintain the dignity and reverence of the liturgy while allowing them to actively participate in parish life.

Who Can Serve

Registering with the parish helps us stay connected with you and better serve your family. Once registered, you’ll receive access to:

Boys and girls who have received their First Holy Communion

Typically 3rd grade and older

Must be able to attend training and demonstrate maturity and reverence

Become a Registered Parishioner

  • Carrying the cross and candles in the entrance procession
  • Assisting with the preparation of the altar
  • Holding the Roman Missal for the celebrant
  • Helping with incense, holy water, and other liturgical items (as needed)

Training

All new altar servers are required to complete a parish-sponsored training program to become familiar with their roles and responsibilities at Mass.

Interested in Serving?

Contact the parish office to learn more or register for the next training session.

Lectors

Proclaiming God’s Word to the Assembly

Lectors have the important role of proclaiming the Scriptures at Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Through their preparation and delivery, they help make the Word of God come alive for the congregation.

Become a Registered Parishioner

  • Clear, articulate reading
  • Deep respect for the Scriptures
  • Regular attendance at Mass
  • Commitment to preparing each assigned reading through prayer and study

Training & Scheduling

New lectors must complete a training session and receive a parish commission. Lectors are scheduled in advance and provided with materials to prepare at home.

Interested in Becoming a Lector?

Contact the parish office to inquire about upcoming training opportunities.

Choir & Music Ministry

Lifting Hearts to God Through Music

Music is a vital part of our worship, and our parish is blessed with dedicated choir members, cantors, and musicians who help lead the assembly in sung prayer.

Opportunities Include

Adult Choir

Cantor Ministry

Seasonal Choirs
(e.g., Advent, Easter)

Instrumentalists

Rehearsals & Expectations

Most choirs rehearse weekly and sing at scheduled Masses or special liturgies. Cantors and instrumentalists also meet with the music director as needed.

Do I Need Experience?

While reading music is helpful, it’s not required—just a love for liturgy, a willingness to learn, and a desire to serve.

Join the Choir

To get involved, contact our parish music director, Clare Tschirn, at ctschirn@stpatswashington.com or (309) 444-3524.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Distributing the Body and Blood of Christ with Reverence

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) assist in the distribution of the Eucharist during Mass and may also bring Communion to the sick and homebound.

Ministry Opportunities

Weekend and daily Masses

Holy Day liturgies

Communion to the homebound, hospitalized, or in nursing homes

Requirements

  • Must be a confirmed Catholic in good standing
  • Must complete training and be commissioned by the parish
  • Should attend Mass regularly and reflect a life of prayer and service

Training

All EMHCs must participate in a formation session and will receive guidance on reverent handling of the Eucharist and procedures specific to our parish.

Interested in Serving?

Contact the parish office to learn more about becoming an EMHC or to sign up for the next training session.