Liturgy today refers to the “work of the people together in Christ.” It is our ritual prayer to God through Christ and always contains the element of the paschal mystery, our “dying and rising in Christ.” Liturgy also includes Morning and Evening Prayer and the celebration of the rites of the sacraments. Here at Saint Mary Catholic Community we seek to be an accepting, loving community for all people, empowered by the Holy Spirit to bear witness to our faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. As a people called by Baptism, we come together in our liturgies to be nourished by word, community and Eucharist. In our communal prayer, God’s presence is experienced, shared and celebrated. Our liturgical ministers and musicians are a significant part of our communal celebrations. They give generously of their time and talents to serve the Lord and their parish community in love and dedication to their faith. Training is available for new ministers, and all the baptized are invited to join any of liturgical ministries and music groups at any time. View this presentation of one of our frequent hymns by the composer: We Belong to You

God begins the work of sanctifying people in time and space and brings that work to completion. Those who respond to God in worship and in service are given the privilege of becoming co-workers in the divine plan. —From Built of Living Stones There are a number of ways to serve in the liturgical life of the parish:

Cross Bearer: The cross bearer’s responsibilities include carrying the holy cross and holding the book for the Presider. Our cross bearers range in age from Middle School on up.

Usher/ Greeter: Often the first people in the parish to greet those coming in for Mass each week, the ushers/greeters reflect the welcoming aspect of our community to parishioners and visitors. Some other responsibilities include taking the collection and directing the congregants for Communion. Our ushers/ greeters are all ages, the youngest ones being in elementary school.

Lectors: Our readers proclaim the word of God with great care during the Liturgy of the Word. They also lead the community in prayer during the Intercessions. Typically, these ministers have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Eucharistic Ministers: Our Communion Ministers serve at the table in the preparation of the gifts of bread and wine, and share the Eucharistic with members of the faith community. These ministers have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Ministry Coordinator: The role of the MC is the most involved of all of the liturgical ministers. They are responsible for setting up for Communion before mass, for checking in all of the other liturgical ministers, and for coordinating the Eucharistic Ministers for distribution of Communion. New Ministry Coordinators are typically experienced Eucharistic Ministers.

Bread Baker: Here at Saint Mary Catholic Community we use freshly baked unleavened bread for Communion. Our bread bakers are well trained and attend to this responsibility with great care and dedication.

Linens: Each week the used linens are collected and properly cleaned and cared for by a dedicated team.

Art & Environment: The worship space in our church building supports our communal celebrations. Great care is taken to honor God and minister to all who come to this place with beauty. The coordinator of this ministry, with the help of volunteers, attends to the changing of our liturgical colors and enhancing our worship space during the various seasons.

Liturgical Commission: The Commission’s purpose is to support the development, promotion and coordination of full, active and conscious participation by the parish community in the liturgical life of the community. They meet regularly to prayer, reflect, learn and help in preparations for our liturgies.

Music: See below for Music Ministry.

For more information on serving in one of our parish liturgical ministries, please contact our Director of Liturgical Music, Dr. Wendy Yuen (wyuen@stmaryhelena.org) in the parish office.

All of us are called to full and active participation in our liturgies, music being one of the ways we do that. Here are some ways to participate in our music ministry:

Spirit & Grace Choir: The choir typically rehearses on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. In this group the emphasis is on leading the congregation in song and providing music for reflection in three and four part harmony. Teens and adults are welcome. Our first meeting of the year will be on February 3rd 2022.

Living Stone Ensemble: Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This group uses a variety of instruments and styles in leading our congregation in worship. Teens and adults are welcome. Our first meeting of the year will be on February 2nd 2022.

Saint Gabriel Men’s Ensemble and Saint Cecilia’s Ladies’ Ensemble: These vocal groups meet occasionally from September through May and sing approximately every four to six weeks. Joining one of these ensembles is a great way for someone to serve in this ministry when a regular weekly commitment is not possible.

Joyful Noise Children’s Choir & Instrument Ensemble: The youngest music group rehearses from 9:15-10:15 a.m. two or three Sundays a month during the school year, and sings/plays at Mass approximately 6-7 times a year. All students in grades 2-8 are welcome.

Cantors: The role of the Cantor is primarily to proclaim the psalm and lead the response during the Liturgy of the Word. Our cantors also serve as song leaders for the congregation. Being a cantor requires participation in either the Choir or the Living Stone Ensemble on a regular basis. Please contact the Director of Liturgical Music if you feel called to this ministry.

Instrumentalists: We have a variety of instrumentalists in our music ministry; some play regularly and some play occasionally. We always welcome new participants. It does call for mastering a particular level of skill. Please contact the Director of Liturgical Music if you would like to talk about serving in this way.

For more information on our parish Music Ministry, contact the Director of Liturgical Music, Dr. Wendy Yuen (wyuen@stmaryhelena.org) through the parish office.