Liturgical Life

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

During the 10 A.M. Mass, the children aged 4 through 2^nd Grade are invited to gather and are then escorted to the day chapel where they will listen to the Liturgy of the Word.  The readings reflect the same message, but at a level children can more easily grasp.  Training is available for those who love children and wish to share the Gospel with them.

 

Gift Bearers

Families or groups are invited to present the gifts of the congregation during Mass.  Contact an usher before Mass if you are interested.

 

Liturgy Committee

The Liturgy Committee supports the Pastor in the preparation of the Sacred Liturgy, especially the great Solemnities of Christmas and Easter.  They also help coordinate the different ministries so that the congregation is able to enter more fully into their ministries as Ushers, Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers and Servers.

 

Altar Servers

Altar Servers serve an important liturgical function by assisting the Presider before, during, and after the liturgy, and serving as prayer leaders for the people.  Mature boys and girls in fifth grade or above are eligible to enter the server program.

           

Extraordinary Minister

The Eucharistic Ministers are “extraordinary” ministers who assist the priest, when needed, to distribute Holy Communion.  This ministry includes cleansing of the vessels and preparation of the vessels for the following mass.  Eucharistic Ministers also assist in delivering Holy Communion to the homebound.  All individuals who are confirmed and at least 16 years of age are invited to participate in this ministry.

 

Intercessory Prayers/ Petition Writer

St. Francis is always ready to welcome the help of those who are blessed with the gift of writing.  If you would like to help with composing the weekly prayers of the faithful, please contact the parish office.

 

Lectors

Proclaiming the Word of God has always been a fundamental part of the Catholic Liturgy.  Lectors read the scripture and the Prayers of the Faithful from the pulpit.  All individuals who are confirmed are invited to participate in this ministry.

 

Ushers

Ushers serve the parish community by greeting people as they arrive, escorting   people to their seats, gathering and securing collections, assisting in taking gifts of bread and wine to the altar, directing the flow of those going to communion and handing out bulletins at the conclusion of Sunday Mass.  All individuals are invited to participate in this ministry.

           

Music Ministry

Music is an integral part of every weekend Mass celebrated at St. Francis.  A variety of musical styles from traditional to contemporary are incorporated in the celebration of Mass.

 

Adult Choir

The adult choir leads the congregation in sacred song at the 10:00 A.M. Sunday  Mass and on special occasions, such as the Confirmation Mass.  Their dedicate  ministry helps us to fulfill St. Augustine’s maxim that “to sing is to pray twice”.

 

Cantors

Cantors assist the congregation in participating through song during Sunday Masses.  Cantors must have good vocal strength and quality.  Ability to read music is helpful but not required.

 

Children’s Choir

The children’s choir is made up with students from grades 4-8 and sings at the   8 A.M. Sunday Mass on the 2^nd and 4^th Sunday each month. Under the direction of Ms. Mary Jane Golata, their youthful voices lift our hearts to heaven as we contemplate the awesomeness of God’s love.

 

Good Measure Choir

The Good Measure Choir has been providing music ministry for Saturday evening Mass for nearly twenty years.  During the 1^st and 3^rd Saturday evening Mass, this choir offers a mix of traditional and contemporary music using stringed and other instruments and percussion to enhance our liturgical celebrations and encourage the full participation of the community.

 

Life Teen Band

The Life Teen Bands provides our youth with Christian based rock music that has  become very popular.  They enhance the Liturgy during the 12:00 Noon Sunday Mass on the 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of each month.

 

St. Cecilia Choir

The St. Cecilia choir helps bring the dignity of sacred music to the solemnity of   the Funeral Mass.  Under the direction of Ms. Golata they help the bereaved to celebrate the life of the loved one that they have lost, and to commit that person into the arms of our loving God.

 

Sacristans

Sacristan volunteers help to prepare the worship space for its celebrations ranging from the cleaning of the Church and its furnishings to taking care of the vigil candles located in the church.  Anyone with a desire to help beautify the church is welcome to join this group.