Liturgical Ministries

The Church teaches us that Mass is the “source and summit” of Christian Life. Jesus instituted the Eucharist as the memorial of his death and resurrection, and commanded his apostles to celebrate it until his return saying: 

“Do this in memory of Me.”

It is through our Baptism as Catholics that we are called to be disciples of Christ and to participate in Mass every Sunday and Holy Day. Being part of the Ministry of Altar Servers, you are called by the Lord in a very special way to participate in the Mass. You will help by preparing for Mass and assisting the Priest & Deacon at the altar during Mass. The Altar Server will also help in leading the people in prayer, song, responses, and when to sit/stand/kneel.

Altar Serving is a great ministry to begin volunteering in the church. St. Thomas Aquinas welcomes all children from grades 3 and up, who have received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion to consider joining this Ministry.

If you feel called to serve as an Altar Server, please contact Megan Holmberg at mholmberg@stacatholic.org.

“Christ the Lord instituted the Eucharistic Sacrifice of his Body and Blood and entrusted it as the memorial of his Passion and Resurrection to the Church, his beloved Bride.” ~Sacrosanctum Concilium, no.47

Those parishioners who assist the celebrant in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ at all masses require that the person be fully initiated and be an active participating member of the parish, living a life in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.

This is a ministry to which a person is invited by the pastor. If you feel called to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, please contact Megan Holmberg at mholmberg@stacatholic.org.

“In the readings, God speaks to his people, opening up to them the mystery of redemption and salvation, and offering spiritual nourishment; and Christ himself is present through his word in the midst of the faithful.” ~Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 33

Lectors are members of the parish who are fully initiated and living a life in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. Candidates must possess the necessary skills to proclaim the Word of God within the Liturgical Celebrations. Readers must be able to deliver the scripture in a powerful way without being overly dramatic or mediocre. They must have a good public speaking voice and good articulation. Lectors are approved by the pastor and attend training and meetings as necessary.

If you feel called to serve as a Lector, please contact Megan Holmberg at mholmberg@stacatholic.org.

Our concern for the sick mirrors that of Jesus who visited and cared for the sick.

The pastoral care of the sick recognizes that sickness prevents people from attending the every day activities of daily living. This can include attendance at mass. At the same time the sick person reminds the community of the sufferings of Jesus and the limitations of human life. 

When a Minister to the Sick visits those who are ill, we express the community’s concern, share prayer, and bring the Eucharist to those confined to home, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities.

Those interested in this Ministry must also be certified as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion with Pastoral approval. Ongoing education for both of these ministries is required and provided by the parish and the diocese.

If you feel called to serve as a Minister to the Sick, please contact Megan Holmberg at mholmberg@stacatholic.org.

The ministry of ushers is the oldest lay ministry in the Catholic Church. The ushers of today have descended from a long line of the people of God who have gone before them.

During the time of Christ, the doorkeepers of the temple numbered in the hundreds and were the forerunners of today’s ushers. The more immediate predecessor of today’s usher can be found in the clerical order of porter, instituted in the 3rd Century A.D. During those times, it was the duty of the porters or ushers to guard the door of the church against any intruders who might disturb the service. The porter duties were so important that they came to be included in the rite of ordination, where they were specified as: “to ring the bells, open the church and sacristy, to open the book for the preacher.”

In 1972, Pope Paul VI abolished the order of porter, and this important task was given over to the laity. While today’s ushers don’t ring bells or open the church, their primary duties and responsibilities include greeting and welcoming parishioners as they enter the church, helping them to find seats, taking up the collection, and wishing everyone a good day at the conclusion of the Eucharistic Celebration.

Have you ever thought of giving your time to St. Thomas Aquinas as an Usher?  If so, please contact Megan Holmberg at mholmberg@stacatholic.org.