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2021 Sandridge Rd. Alden, NY 14004

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Liturgical Ministries

Liturgical Ministries

            Adult Altar Servers

                                Dedicated men and women who serve at the Altar of God for funeral masses or weekday Masses.  Training is provided.

            Youth Altar Servers

                                Young men and women (grades 4 and higher) who serve at the Table of the Lord.  This is a special privilege given to girls and boys who feel the dedication to assist the priest during Holy Mass.  Training is provided.

            Eucharistic Ministers

                                Have the privilege of assisting at Mass by distributing the Holy Eucharist and Precious Blood to members of the congregation.  They are required to attend a one-day diocesan training seminar that is paid for by the parish.  Once training is finished, the minister of Holy Communion selects a particular Mass time at which the serve and are scheduled on a six-month basis.  The Eucharist is also administered to shut-ins in the parish and to parishioners in area nursing homes.

            Lectors

                                Christ is present and speaks to us in the Scripture readings.  Lectors are appointed to proclaim the Word of God in the liturgical assembly.  Accordingly, a person in this ministry reads the lesson from Sacred Scripture (except the Gospel) during the Mass and in other sacred celebrations, recites the psalms between the readings in the absence of the psalmist, and presents the intentions for general intercessions.  If you have an interest in sharing the Lord’s message from the Scriptures with His people, the Spirit may be calling you to be a lector.  Lectors are required to attend a one-day diocesan training seminar that is paid for by the parish and are scheduled to read about once a month.  Substitutions may be made when necessary.

            Ushers

                                Ushers are an informal group of dedicated parishioners, both men and women, who commit to serve at a particular Mass each week.  A list of alternate ushers is also maintained for those willing to serve on an as-needed basis.  Each Mass has a lead usher to ensure that this ministry is dutifully fulfilled.  The main function of ushers is to administer to the needs of parishioners before, during and after Mass; this includes taking up the collection and seating people.  Of particular importance is the need for ushers to react responsibly to any emergency that may arise. New ushers are always welcome.

            Greeters

                                The Ministry of Greeters, a Ministry of Hospitality, is an outgrowth of a group of parishioners who were active in the Renew Program when it was conducted at St. John’s Parish in 1986.  It has continued since that time with a dedicated group of people who are committed to welcoming parishioners and visitors gathering to celebrate Mass.  The purpose of this ministry is to greet people and make them feel comfortable and welcome in our faith community.  The only necessary requirement for this ministry is a willingness to greet people with a smile and wish them a “good” morning or afternoon.  Parishioners can participate in this ministry as individuals or as part of a couple or family.

                Music Ministry

                                Choir

                                                The Choir is comprised of parish members who voice their praise of God in inspired songs of prayer and praise.  The choir serves to enrich the quality of congregational participation and sings at the Sunday 9:30 a.m. liturgy and at special liturgical and para-liturgical events throughout the year.  Regular practices are held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the church.

                                Folk Group

                                                The Parish Folk Group came into existence during the leadership of Father Gary Kibler in the early 1970s.  The group, whose main function is to plan and provide musical/guitar accompaniment for parish liturgies, usually assists at Saturday evening Mass.  In addition to the weekend Mass, the group plans and coordinates an annual Children’s Mass on Christmas Eve, inviting children of the parish to sing and perform along with them.  The folk group is always open to new members; while no specific membership requirements or training is necessary, a love of singing and/or knowledge of music is a plus!  The folk group rehearses at 3:15 p.m. (prior to singing at the 4:00 p.m. Mass) on Saturdays, and as needed for special occasions.