Ministers of Bread and Cup are men and women of faith who serve the Eucharist to the assembly. Those with more extensive training minister at the altar and assist the priest. Some bring Communion to the sick and shut-ins. Their ministry is one of shared faith between two believers, the minister and the communicant. A lively faith and internal prayer to Jesus, whose body and blood is being handled, is the foundation of this ministry. The minister of Bread and Cup must be able to lead others to have a more faith-filled communion with the Lord.
For more information on how to become a Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Mass, or a Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for the homebound, please contact Father Jim at the Parish Office at (860) 872-0200.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
COMING SOON! We appreciate your patience while we finalize a few areas of our new website.
Altar Servers
Anyone who is 10 years of age or older or who has reached the 4th grade is eligible to become an altar server. Each person is given a training video to view which will teach them about serving. Nine servers are needed each week. The number of times a server is called upon depends on the number of servers available.
If you are interested in learning more about become an altar server please contact Father Jim at the Parish Office at (860) 872-0200.
Lectors
The great privilege of reading the Word of God to his people is the central function of this important ministry. It is a privilege because a Lector stands in the long tradition of the prophets as proclaimers of the Word; in the broadest sense, each Christian is a minister of the Word made flesh. Jesus Christ, because we are all commissioned to spread the good news. This is the foremost ministry in the Church, and it comes to every Christian with Baptism into the Body of Christ.
At the liturgical moment when the believers are seated and attentive, the whole focus of the ministry of the Word is upon the one who holds the Sacred Book to read. In a specific sense, the Lector makes the Word of God living and active in the midst of the assembly -- the Lector is God's contemporary prophet!
The minister of the Word must be able to lead others to a greater understanding and appreciation of the Word.
Greeters and Ushers
Greeters are parishioners that are dedicated to attending the same Mass each weekend in order to give that welcome smile, a word of kindness and reassurance to people as they enter the church. The greeters make certain that everyone can find a seat at Mass. Along with the ushers, the greeters help to take up the collection.
After Mass, they will give a sincere "good day" as the parish bulletin is handed to the departing worshipers. After all have gone, the church is cleaned up in order for it to be presentable for the parishioners attending the next Mass. Usually this consists of raising the kneelers, checking for left behind items, placing the hymnals into the holders, etc.
Help is always needed and is greatly appreciated in this ministry.
For more information please contact Bob Cardin at (860) 875-6598.
Music
Music is an integral part of the liturgy. The beauty of music contributes to the beauty of the liturgy. Without music and its ministers, the Mass loses some of the power of prayer, which is singing. For music is prayer, the soul's expression of faith and love. Faith grows when it is well expressed in celebration. Within the Music Ministry, there are the Cantors and Choir, the Organist and Instrumentalists, and the Folk Group.
Cantors and Choir
Within the congregation of the faithful, the Cantors and Choir assume two roles. The Cantors and Choir lead the people in the sung prayer by alternating or reinforcing the sacred song of the congregation. At other times, in the course of the liturgical celebration, the Cantor or Choir will sing songs alone to further enhance the beauty of the celebration.
Organist and other Instrumentalists
The Organist and other Instrumentalists contribute greatly to the feelings of joy and contemplation during the liturgy. Aside from providing the accompaniment for the vocal music, instrumental music is effective as a prelude, as background to a spoken psalm, and for mediation at the preparation of the gifts or during portions of the communion rite.
COMING SOON! We appreciate your patience while we finalize a few areas of our new website.
Readers/Community Leaders
The community leader is the one who announces the beginning of the mass, leads us through the various prayers, responses and announcements concerning the prayers for the sick, Mass intentions and general announcements.
The community leader is stationed in the altar area for the entire portion of the Mass and sets the tone of the proceedings.
For more information please contact Kathy Sanner at (860) 875-2873.
Sacristan
The Sacristan assists the pastor in selection and arrangement of flowers on the altar. The Sacristan also takes care of special decorations for all seasons. Altar purificators, corporals, towels, etc. are cared for by volunteers from the Parish.
Liturgical/Spiritual Ministries
Ministers of Bread and Cup are men and women of faith who serve the Eucharist to the assembly. Those with more extensive training minister at the altar and assist the priest. Some bring Communion to the sick and shut-ins. Their ministry is one of shared faith between two believers, the minister and the communicant. A lively faith and internal prayer to Jesus, whose body and blood is being handled, is the foundation of this ministry. The minister of Bread and Cup must be able to lead others to have a more faith-filled communion with the Lord.
The great privilege of reading the Word of God to his people is the central function of this important ministry. It is a privilege because a Lector stands in the long tradition of the prophets as proclaimers of the Word; in the broadest sense, each Christian is a minister of the Word made flesh. Jesus Christ, because we are all commissioned to spread the good news. This is the foremost ministry in the Church, and it comes to every Christian with Baptism into the Body of Christ.
Greeters are parishioners that are dedicated to attending the same Mass each weekend in order to give that welcome smile, a word of kindness and reassurance to people as they enter the church. The greeters make certain that everyone can find a seat at Mass. Along with the ushers, the greeters help to take up the collection.