The importance of music in biblical religion is shown very simply by the fact that the verb "to sing" (with related words such as "song", etc.), is one of the most commonly used words in the Bible.  It occurs 309 times in the Old Testament and thirty-six in the New Testament.

     Beautiful music has been composed, instrumentally, sung solo and sung  in choirs down through the centuries. MUSICIANS give us the opportunity to join in a "whole body, whole assembly" experience of worship.

     The CANTOR is the leader of our song by the following:

     working with the musicians to select

          hymns that follow the liturgical

          seasons and/or the special

          occasions,

     inviting the assembly to join voices

     being well prepared for solo

          passages

     leading the assembly in recurring

          refrains such as we find in

          the Responsorial Psalm and

          Gospel Acclamation,

     The Cantor should possess:

     a strong, singing voice,

     an ability to encourage the singing of

          others

​     have a dedication to the Ministry of

          Music

​

     Musicians and Cantors may have a separate meeting regularly; however, at least one is usually a member of the Liturgy Committee to represent the rest.

Lector

Extra-Ordinary Minister of the Eucharist

Altar Server

​Cantor and Musicians

We are in need of Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, and Altar Servers for the Vigil of the Assumption on August 14 at 7pm, the Solemnity of the Assumption on August 15 at 8:45 am and at 7pm. We also celebrate Mass at the Van Wert County Fair on August 31 at 5:45 pm.

To volunteer, you will need to log into your MSP, click on "Full Schedule" at the top of the page, scroll down to the Mass that you would like to volunteer for, click "volunteer now", then "submit request". You will then be added to the schedule. If you have any questions, p;ease call the Religious Education, 419-238-3079.

Ministries at the Altar

Ministers to the Assembly's Worship

     As a successor to the Apostles, it is the role of the Bishop to stand as a sign of unity within the local Church, his diocese, and the Universal Church.  The bishop has a special mandate to work so that "all those committed to (his) care may be of one mind in prayer and through the reception of the sacraments may grow in grace and be faithful witnesses to the Lord" (Vatican II, Decree on the Bishops' Pastoral Office in the Church, no. 15).

​     Within the diocese is an office or group to assist the bishop in this pastoral liturgical ministry.  This group is advisory but also works with the parishes and other diocesan organizations, offices, and institutions to deepen their understanding of liturgy and their love for every opportunity to gather in worship of the Lord.

     There are ordained ministers in the parishes--priests and deacons. They are the Ordinary ministers and are charged with presiding over and encouraging community worship.

     A committee acts as an advisory  group to the priest, deacon and others much as the group for the diocese.  This group is made up of people, who have an understanding of liturgy and music, etc.  Since lay people are also called to ministry, this advisory group may be made up of both the ordained and lay. 

     The LECTOR is the living voice of God in the proclamation of the Word and therefore:

     has given witness of a life in Christ,

     be an active member of the parish

     has discerned with the parish

          community that they possess a

          certain ability to proclaim,

     has an adequate understanding of

          Scripture,

     is willing to properly prepare and to

          participate in an ongoing formation

          in the ministry dresses in attire

          appropriate for the occasion

     The EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER OF THE EUCHARIST, is just that--the extra hands and hearts in service that may be needed during Mass as an aid to the Ordinary Ministers of priest and deacon.   This is a commissioned position of the altar and therefore:

     believes in the Real Presence, 

     gives witness of a life in Christ,

     is, at least, a Senior in high school or

          older,

​     be an active member of the parish

     is willing to serve two years to the best

          of their ability,

     will attend enrichment sessions when

          offered in the parish,

     assists in giving Communion at Mass,

     takes Communion to the sick, may, in

          some parishes, carry the Blessed

          Sacrament to and from the

          tabernacle,

    purifies the vessels, if they are an

          instituted Acolyte (St. Mary's has no

          instituted Acolyte),

     exposes the Sacrament for adoration,

     does all things related to the functions

          described above,    

     is willing to properly prepare for service

          each week whether scheduled or

          not,

     will dress in attire appropriately for the

          occasion

     The Altar Server Ministry is unique.  Other than priests and deacons, no one else is allowed to so closely play a part in the preparation of the Eucharist.  As Jesus'  washing of feet was an example of service to others, serving at the altar is much like that.  The motto of a heart of service is, "All for the Honor and Glory of God".  Those called to this service will, therefore:

     be in the fifth grade to adult

     give witness of a life in Christ,

     be faithful in Mass attendance, even

     when not scheduled to serve,

     be willing to serve at the last moment

          because this is your service

     light the candles at least 10 minutes 

          before Mass and extinguish the

          candles following Mass

     hold the Missal for Father while Father

          uses the Oremus gesture (hands

          outstretched in gathering the prayer of

          the assembly

     help the celebrant receive the bread and

          wine

     help with incense, especially when there

          is no deacon,

     set the altar and clear the altar at the 

          appropriate times

     be the lead examples of reverence for

          the assembly

     dress appropriately for the occasion even

          though clothes are covered by an alb

     The MC is Master of Ceremonies.  The Master of Ceremonies oversees the entire preparation for Mass, including checking with Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers and Musicians, to be certain that all is ready  The Master of Ceremonies oversees the Altar Servers and is often in charge of their training.  Masters of Ceremonies are most often involved with special circumstances, such as the Mass at which a bishop is presiding.

     An Acolyte is an instituted male who is an Altar Server with the following additional responsibilities:

     prepares the altar and sacred vessels

          before Mass.

     helps to distribute Communion, as a 

          commissioned Extraordinary Minister

          of the Eucharist,

     cleans the vessels after Communion, or

          after Mass,

     takes Communion to the sick and

          homebound of the parish,

     when necessary, conducts most of the

          ceremony of the Exposition of the

          Blessed Sacrament

     trains Altar Servers

     is the MC for special occasions

     Note:  St. Mary's does not have an 

​          Instituted Acolyte