Lector Ministry

" Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105

The Lector proclaims the Word of God through the reading of Scriptures at Holy Mass. In this ministry, we are able to publicly witness our faith and to come to know the Word of God more deeply. To proclaim that good news from the Holy Bible is indeed a wonderful honor for all Lectors. To "proclaim" God's word is more than simply reading the scriptures aloud in the liturgical assembly. It must be uttered with conviction, clarity, and skill. This way, the faithful can hear the Word of God more clearly and receive it more effectively.

Here at St. Alphonsa Cathedral, we have about 40 adult and 30 youth members serving the lector ministry. These members are scheduled to serve during Malayalam and English Masses on a rotating schedule.  As with any ministry, it involves dedication and personal commitments.

This ministry is open to parishioners who have the gift of a good speaking voice. Those who wish to explore the Lector ministry further, or are interested in becoming a Lector, are encouraged to contact the Parish office.

Altar Server Ministry

“Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.” Psalm 100:2

Altar servers are a vital part of the Eucharistic celebrations. Altar Serving is one of the ways our young people can begin to contribute to the Mass and live out their Baptismal promises by serving others and being witnesses to their faith in Jesus Christ.  Altar servers play a crucial and necessary role in the celebration of the mass.  By serving at the Altar and assisting the priest, Altar Servers have the opportunity to celebrate the Mass with more active participation.

The role of the Altar Server is to assist the priest during Holy Mass. Some of the Altar Server responsibilities include:

• Bearing the cross and candles in the entrance procession.
• Recite the assigned responses and prayers during Holy Mass.
• Assisting with holy water, water, wine, and offertory gifts at Mass.

      •   Assist the priest as necessary.

 

We are proud to have members from various age groups (adults, youth, and children) to represent Altar Server ministry. Each of these members is scheduled to serve at Malayalam/English masses on a rotating schedule based on their preference and availability.

 

All the members of the ministry are required to attend the mandatory training sessions organized by the Altar Server ministry. During this training, they are presented with a complete set of instructions and guidelines to serve at Mass effectively and efficiently.

 All servers, including adult servers, should wear the vest provided. Altar servers are expected to conduct themselves in a reverent and respectful fashion and should be in the sacristy and vested at least 10 minutes before Mass.

All Parishioners who have received the sacrament of First Holy Communion are welcome to join this ministry. If you are interested in getting trained as an altar server, please contact the Parish office.

 

Eucharistic Ministry

 

“For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”   1Cor 11: 23-24

 

Eucharistic Ministers are commissioned by the parish to distribute the Body and Blood of Christ during the Liturgy in a spirit of loving service. A Eucharistic Minister must have received First Holy Communion and Confirmation, as well as one who leads a life of faith and recognize that it is both a privilege and a gift to be called to serve at the Table of the Lord.           Eucharistic Ministers may be called upon to bring the Eucharist to temporarily home-bound parishioners, unable to participate in the Parish liturgical celebrations, due to aging or illness.  

All Eucharistic Ministers are trained and commissioned in this ministry.