Liturgical Ministries
In addition to the ordained ministries, namely the bishops, priests, and deacons, some roles in the Liturgy are exercised by lay people who place their time and talent at the service of the liturgical assembly as altar server, lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, cantors, choir members, instrumentalists, and ushers. Others contribute their time and talent to planning and organizing the Liturgy; to keeping the church, vestments, linens, and vessels clean and well ordered; or to providing decorations that reflect the spirit of the liturgical feast or season.
Catholics who are in good standing with the Church may serve as liturgical ministers. Please explore the various liturgical ministries at St. John’s below!
Choir
Sacred music is a vital part of the liturgy. It lifts our hearts and minds to God, expresses the joy of our faith, and unites us in worship.
The St. John’s Choir adds beauty to our 9:30 AM Sunday liturgies, as well as to major feasts and holy days such as Christmas, Easter, and the Triduum.
If you are interested in joining the St. John’s Choir, please contact the Parish Office at stjohnscontinental@gmail.com.
Altar Servers
Altar Servers assist the Priest in his sacred duty to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the re-presentation of the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Servers are important in carrying out the work of the liturgy in a smooth and reverent fashion.
Boys and girls in fourth grade and above are welcome to serve. Training sessions are offered, and upon completion, new altar servers are added to the schedule.
If your child is interested in becoming an altar server, please contact the Parish Office at stjohnscontinental@gmail.com.
Master of Ceremonies
For high school and college-aged men, we have a Masters of Ceremonies program for our Solemnity Masses. These devoted young men serve at Masses such as Christmas, Easter, All Saints’ Day, and other important liturgical celebrations, with the particular responsibility of supervising younger servers and the other liturgical ministers.
If you are interested in being trained as a Master of Ceremonies, please contact Fr. Phil Smith at psmith@toledodiocese.org.
Lectors
When Sacred Scripture is proclaimed in the Church, God himself speaks to his people, and Christ, present in his word, proclaims the Gospel.
Lectors are members of the parish who proclaim the Word of God during the liturgy. The ministry of Lector requires skill in public reading and a familiarity, understanding, and love of the Scriptures.
If you are interested in serving our parish as a Lector, please contact Fr. Phil Smith at psmith@toledodiocese.org.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion distributes Holy Communion to God’s people on those occasions where there are an insufficient number of priests and deacons to distribute Holy Communion to the people present at the Mass, and to the homebound.
If you are interested in serving our parish as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, please contact Fr. Phil Smith at psmith@toledodiocese.org.
Sacristan
The Sacristan prepares and oversees the articles and elements required for the Liturgy so that all the members of the worshipping community can take their full, conscious, and active part in the liturgical celebration. The sacristan knows the meaning and purpose of the liturgy as well as the needs of the particular liturgical assembly, and works carefully to provide the members with the liturgical items needed for a meaningful, prayerful, and active celebration.
If you are interested in serving our parish as a Sacristan, please contact Fr. Phil Smith at psmith@toledodiocese.org.
Gift Bearers
Gift Bearers represent the entire parish as we return to God a small part of the many blessings that He has given to us. After the Prayers of the Faithful, while the offertory is collected, Gift Bearers carry the gifts of bread and wine to the priest.
If you are interested in being added to the Gift Bearer schedule, please contact the Parish Office at stjohnscontinental@gmail.com.
Ushers
Ushers play a vital role in creating a warm and welcoming environment for all who enter our doors. From greeting parishioners with a friendly smile to assisting them in finding seating, your presence ensures that everyone feels valued and comfortable throughout the worship experience.
During Mass, you'll have the opportunity to assist in various ways, such as collecting offerings, handling reserved seating, and helping individuals with any special needs they may have.
If you are interested in serving our parish as an Usher, please contact the Parish Office at stjohnscontinental@gmail.com.
Art & Environment
Though not a liturgical role, a team of parishioners prayerfully enhance our worship space so that it reflects the beauty, meaning, and rhythm of the liturgical seasons. Through color, symbols, and sacred art, they help to create an environment that draws hearts and minds more deeply into prayer.
If you are interested in joining the Art & Environment Team, please contact the Parish Office at stjohnscontinental@gmail.com.
