Liturgical Ministries

We have several ways for both adults and youth to become involved and strengthen their faith through liturgical opportunities.  

• Altar Servers - The two main duties of a server are to assist the priest and deacon during the celebration of Mass and help the people pray by your example. Anyone who is in the 3rd grade or older and has made their First Communion. The Altar Server performs many other tasks during Mass. Training is held once a year and training dates are announced in the weekly newsletter.  If you are interested in becoming an Altar Server, please email [email protected].   

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• Art and Environment - The Art and Environment Ministry is responsible for the visual aesthetics of the interior church building to include the Sanctuary and the Gathering Area.   This is an important function in that it not only serves to make these areas look pleasing, but it also signifies that the church is a place of importance.  In this sense, while it is important to keep the whole church property nice and attractive, the primary purpose is to show honor and respect to what occurs at the ambo and the altar; that is, the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  So, for example, though it is nice to have attractive plants located on the sides near the altar area, they must not detract from one’s attention to the ambo and altar.  The décor at the ambo and altar must attract one’s attention to these areas without becoming the focus.  It is the ultimate responsibility of the Art and Environment Ministry to foster this notion.  If you have questions or would like to contact the Art and Environment Servant Leader, please email [email protected]

• Extra Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) -  Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion( EMHC) hold a position of honor and privilege of 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. Qualifications for the ministry include: Must be a practicing Catholic and fully initiated (Baptized, Confirmed and First Holy Communion), registered parishioner of Our Lady of the Pines, 16 years or older with a mature demeanor and a willingness to serve fellow parishioners, and attend scheduled training and ongoing formation opportunities. Contact us at [email protected] to volunteer.

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• Mass Hospitality - The mission of our Hospitality Ministry is to help create a warm, welcoming, and helpful atmosphere for those who come to Mass at Our Lady of the Pines.  Greeting people in a warm and friendly manner is one of the most important aspects of our ministry.  We recognize that in this ministry we have a great opportunity to project the loving face of Christ, and to accept people as they are. As Hospitality Ministers, we strive to facilitate an orderly and friendly entry, seating, and exit of people and a respectful conduct of the Mass.  We also assist with the special needs of the elderly and disabled, and assist those with questions, concerns, or other needs.  In addition we try to be aware of issues affecting the safety and comfort of those in attendance.  If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please call our front office. 

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• Music -  The Music Ministry at Our Lady of the Pines is dedicated to using God's gift of music to joyfully life our praises to Him during Mass.  All of our music groups are comprised of dedicated volunteers who love music and understand its ability to make the heart and soul soar.  If you love to sing or play an instrument we would love to have you join us.  Interested?  Please email Bart  McDounough at [email protected]

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• Proclaimers -  Members of the Proclaimers Ministry joyfully announce the Word of God from the Old and New Testaments to focus on the Gospel during Mass. Proclaimers grow in relationship with scripture, which leads to a deepening of faith.  Members of this ministry should be comfortable with public speaking, and proficient with enunciation, pronunciation, and projection.  Training is provided along with ongoing faith formation activities. Questions about the Proclaimer Ministry? Please email [email protected]

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• Presenation of the Gifts at Mass -  Click here to signup for a weekend Mass. The presentation of the gifts occurs during each Mass.  The faithful present the gifts of bread and wine to the priest, symbolizing an offering of creation and themselves back to the Father. This also gives an exterior sign of our internal offerings – we offer our prayers and ourselves in the same way that we offer these gifts of bread and wine, hoping that just as they are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ, so may we be transformed by his grace.

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  Sacristans -  Sacristans prepare the sacristy for all Masses, which include weekend, daily, as well as weddings, funerals, and other sacramental rites.  Responsibilities include handling sacred vessels, altar bread and wine,  organizing the liturgical books, etc. Sacristans are selected and appointed by Fr. Brad. Questions about this ministry? Please email [email protected]

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  Traveling Chalice- Click here to sign-up for a weekend Mass. Parishioners are encouraged to host the chalice for one week in their home. The program aims to help parishioners become more aware of the need for vocations and to pray for vocations, especially those God might be calling from our Parish family. 

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  Visual Ministry -   The visual ministry is a 2-prong ministry:  (1) working on a computer at home creating the PowerPoint for all of the Masses  (2) volunteering at the computer during Mass by advancing the slides Whether you are looking for a way to serve from home and have knowledge of PowerPoint or want to serve at Mass (great for teens), we would love your help. Questions,  contact [email protected].

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  Video Camera Ministry -  The VideoCam Ministry consists of operating the video camera system during Mass.  This system allows us to broadcast Masses and special events throughout our church campus and over the internet.  No experience is necessary.  The system is simple enough for anyone to operate but if you have video production experience, your help would be invaluable to this ministry.  Questions, contact [email protected]

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  Word for Kids (W4K) -  This ministry is currently looking for a new Servant Leader to help restart this ministry! Please call our front office if you'd like to help!  Our Parish celebrates Word 4 Kids the second Sunday of every month at all the weekend Masses, for children who have not received their First Eucharist.  Liturgy of the Word with Children is first and foremost a worship experience. This is a concerned sensitive way to enable children to participate in the formal worship experience of the community. The celebrations of these liturgies are intended to form children in the liturgical language of the church, to nourish and guide their spiritual growth, and to immerse them in the Word in ways that are understandable to them.