The word liturgy, derived from ancient Greek, means public service, or work of the people. At St. Clare we take this meaning to heart by engaging over 100 liturgical ministers every week! These people provide great witness through their service to the Church. Ask any of our liturgical ministers - serving as a liturgical minister deepens one’s faith and understanding of the liturgy, helps add meaning to participation at Mass, and sets a good example of humble service for the next generation. We currently have nearly 400 ministers on our liturgical ministry roster, with many of these people serve in multiple ministries.
Please contact Stephen Eros, Director of Liturgy and Music, if you are interested in signing up for one of our liturgical ministries - 618-632-3562 or stephene@stclarechurch.org
Altar Server (Grades 5 - 12)
Click here to access the Altar Server Training Page!
Boys and girls in fifth grade through high school and above assist the priest in serving the Mass. Adults are also needed to assist with weekly Masses, funerals, and other special occasions. Training sessions are required for new servers.
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (Age 16 & up)
These ministers assist in the most important aspect of our faith – distributing the Eucharist at Mass. Grow in your devotion to Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist by becoming an Extraordinary Minister!
Reader (Grade 8 - Adults)
Readers proclaim the Word of God during the Mass and at other liturgical services throughout the year. Readers need a good speaking voice with the ability to project well, and a willingness to deepen their knowledge of scripture.
Greeter
Greeters welcome parishioners and visitors to our weekend liturgies, and for various feasts and services throughout the year. They also assist newcomers with registration forms and help them become familiar with parish facilities. This is a ministry in which individuals or families can participate!
Usher (Grade 8 - Adults)
Ushers provide a hospitable atmosphere by greeting and seating people, taking up the collection, and responding to people’s needs. Youth and adults, both male and female, are needed. A training refresher will be required for all ushers this year.
Gift Bearer
Gift bearers represent the assembly by bringing the gifts of bread and wine to the altar at each weekend Mass. This is a ministry in which individuals or families can participate!
Banner Bearer (Grade 8 - Adults)
Banner bearers add color and festivity to the processions at Mass for special seasons and feasts. This is a low time commitment ministry and is open to youth and adults.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word Leader (Age 17 & up)
Share the Gospel in a language our youngest members understand as a leader for Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Couples or friends can even sign up together. The program follows the format of the Liturgy of the Word at Mass and explains various elements of the liturgy to the children.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word Helper (Age 12-16)
Youth ages 12-16 help out the leaders for Children’s Liturgy of the Word.
Nursery Leader (Age 17 & up)
The Parish Nursery is open for free child care for children as young as 6 months old during the 8:30 and 10:30 Masses. We are looking to open the nursery during the 5:00 Mass. Leaders are in charge of child care and the overall operation of the nursery during their assigned Mass. Leaders are asked to arrive 20 minutes before Mass begins. Working the nursery does not fulfll your obligation to attend Mass – leaders are expected to attend a diferent Mass time to fulfll their Sunday obligation.
Nursery Helper (Age 12-16)
Youth ages 12-16 assist the leader in the nursery with child care and the overall operation of the nursery. Helpers are asked to arrive 20 minutes before Mass begins.
Eucharistic Adoration Committee
The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” (Catechism 1324) In addition to organizing our monthly Eucharistic Adoration times, this committee helps to foster devotion to the Eucharist by distributing literature and encouraging adult education sessions on the Eucharist.
Eucharistic Adoration Adorer
St. Clare offers monthly 24-hour Eucharistic Adoration. Let Jesus more closely guide you in life by spending an hour of prayer in His presence in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Those who sign up for this ministry will be kept informed of scheduled adoration times.
Art & Environment
This committee is responsible for enhancing our worship space by decorating the church for each Liturgical season. Extensive help is needed at the beginning of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter seasons.
Homebound Visitation Ministry
Extraordinary Ministers bring Holy Communion to homebound parishioners and to residents of Nursing Homes/Skilled Care Centers and Retirement Communities. This brings the parish to the sick/aged and shut ins and feeds them spiritually and emotionally. These parishioners are uplifted knowing that they are still connected with and cared for by our faith community. Ministers attend the training session for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and are given additional guidance on leading group communion services, and making communion visits to individuals in their homes.
Rosary Leader
Rosary Leaders help the assembly draw nearer to Christ through his Mother Mary. “Mary’s role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it.” (Catechism 964) The rosary is prayed before 5:00 and 8:30 weekend Masses.