The most important qualities of those who serve at Mass are a loving reverence for Jesus in the Eucharist and in the Word, and a humble, generous heart for service to the community. Many different gifts and talents are employed by the various liturgical ministers. Leaders of each ministry are available to assist volunteers in discerning and developing their gifts.
Serving at the altar in close proximity to Jesus in the Eucharist is a great honor. Altar Servers assist the Priest and help ensure the liturgy is orderly and reverent. Children and youth who have received their First Communion (age 8 and up) may serve at Mass. While our young people are the primary servers, adults may also serve at funerals, weddings, and other liturgies, and as Team Leaders – offering encouragement, training, and support to our young people. There are many opportunities to serve at weekend Mass, daily Mass, and special liturgies.
Audio-Visual Team
Screen Operators support parish liturgy and music by operating the video-projection system in the main church during Mass and special events. Duties are easy to learn for those with basic computer literacy and training is provided. Both teens and Adults are welcome.
Live-Stream Operators are adults or mature teens that are comfortable with learning new technology and have a good sense for the flow of the liturgy. One-on-one training is offered for the right candidate.
Sound Engineering is a specialized volunteer job. If you have previous experience in this or a similar field, your expertise is needed!
Environment Ministry
The purpose of the Environment Ministry is to enhance Sunday and other liturgies through the use of environmental elements such as seasonal decor, ribbons, flowers, fabric, and other props. Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter are the busiest times of year for our environment volunteers. Tasks are varied and include arranging props and flowers, hanging large and small items, sewing and ironing, set up, tear down, and storage. This ministry is open to anyone who has the time and interest in making our worship space beautiful.
Able-bodied persons are always needed for tasks that involve lifting and climbing ladders.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Eucharistic Ministers) hold a position of honor and privilege: assisting the Priest in distributing the Body and Blood of Jesus to the community during Mass. Often times this proximity to Jesus leads to a deeper understanding of the liturgy and growth in love for Jesus in the Eucharist. The time commitment for Eucharistic Ministers includes 20 minutes prior to, after, and including Mass, once per month. Eucharistic Ministers must be a confirmed Catholic. This ministry is open to responsible adults who are willing to make a monthly commitment and who are physically capable of performing the required duties. Training is provided throughout the year.
Hospitality: Greeters and Ushers
Greeters: Our church
community represents the family of God, the Body of Christ. As a greeter you will participate in God's mission by extending His love to each person who enters our home of worship. Anyone can greet — families, couples, or individuals are welcome to participate. The time commitment is flexible — whatever service you attend can be an opportunity to serve. This is a great way to establish long lasting relationships and build community at St. Stephen’s.
Ushers also build community by extending welcome and hospitality in a hands-on way. They assist people as needed in finding seats, taking up the collection, finding Gift Bearers to bring up the Gifts, making sure those who are handicapped receive Holy Communion in their seats, handing out bulletins, and tidying up the pews between Masses. This ministry is open to all members of the parish age 12 and older and is a great opportunity to get to know the people of St. Stephen's.
Lectors
Lectors use their speaking skills and love of the Bible to proclaim the sacred scriptures at Mass. They strive to read in such a way that the scripture is heard as the Living Word that is effective in penetrating the hearts of those who hear it. This ministry requires study of the assigned passage and it's context as well as practice and prayerful preparation. Lectors also read the announcements before weekend Masses and the Prayer of the Faithful in the absence of a Deacon. This ministry is open to teens and adults that have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.