SINCE THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL the laity often assist at Mass by reading and when necessary help with the distribution of Holy Communion. Here at St. Mary, laity assist at Mass as readers (lectors), altar servers, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC).

You are invited to pray to see if God is stirring your heart to offer to assist at Mass when assistance is needed. Because this is extraordinary service, we remember that when God prompts us, we offer. We plant the seed. Then if and when needed, we will be asked to serve. Below are the minimum guidelines for anyone offering to assist in the Sacred Liturgy. If you feel called to offer, please contact the parish office (428-8811) or the coordinator Marja Warner (428-9506).

READER: You must have received the three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist). You must attend holy Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation, be known in the community as a person of good moral character, have the ability to read in front of the congregation, receive the appropriate training, and be approved by the Pastor.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER OF HOLY COMMUNION: You must have received the three Sacraments of Initiation. You must attend holy Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation, be at least 18 years old, be known in the community as a person of good moral character, believe all that the Roman Catholic Church teaches and believes to be revealed by God, receive appropriate training, be approved by the Pastor, and be commissioned by the Bishop of Lansing.

ALTAR SERVER: You must be a boy in at least 4th grade. You must attend Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation, have a desire to serve God and His priest at His holy altar, be able to take direction, be attentive, be reverent, and with the approval of the Pastor receive the appropriate training.

—Marja Warner, Coordinator

Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes you, welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me, welcomes the One who sent Me" (Mt. 10:40).

I recently came across the following article which consists of excerpts from a booklet written by Fr. George F. Smith, O. Carm., regarding the ministry of ushers. I submit it to explain to those parishioners who may be undecided on becoming an usher or volunteering in a ministry that is part of our parish community. I hope it provides an insight into the service of an usher and that you may be inclined to join this ministry and participate in our parish community.

Ushers are called to provide a very special service in their exercise of a true liturgical ministry. They are servants of the faith-community when it gathers to celebrate the Eucharist. At every Mass, the people are hierarchically assembled. This means that all participants, and particularly those exercising special ministries, must be keenly aware of the ecclesial nature (rituals) of the celebration. The Church is people gathered in Christ: every usher, therefore, ought to be a 'people person'. In many parishes, those who gather for Sunday worship may well be strangers to one another. Some may come to Sunday Mass desiring nothing more than to sit quietly in a corner by themselves. Others may think it is an opportunity to be alone with God, coming with neither the desire nor a need for fellowship. On the other hand, there are always lonely people, young and old alike, thirsting for nothing so much as a warm human contact or a word of cheer. An usher needs to see them all as real people with real human needs. Ushers have to be people-oriented. Strangers need to be put at ease; visitors need to be welcomed; the handicapped need to be assisted and to experience the love of the community.

At each of the 3 Masses, 4 individuals are needed. If you have thought about becoming more active in our parish family, are friendly and can help with the offertory collection, I encourage you to call me at 428-9506, so I can answer any questions that you may have about becoming an usher.

~ Marja Warner, Coordinator