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Christian activity finds its nourishment in the liturgy and the celebration of the sacraments. " Catechism of the Catholic Church", 2047
"...Christ is always present in his Church, especially in her liturgical celebrations. He is present in the Sacrifice of the Mass not only in the person of his minister, but especially in the Eucharistic species. By his power he is present in the sacraments so that when anybody baptizes, it is really Christ himself who baptizes. He is present in his word since it is he himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church. Lastly, he is present when the Church prays and sings, for he has promised 'where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them." Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1088
Liturgy includes the set forms for the rites, ceremonies, prayers, and sacraments that comprise the communal, as opposed to private, worship in the Church. The goal of the liturgy team at Saint Paul parish is to develop the worship and sacramental life of the parish so that all are nourished in faith and invited to full participation in the liturgy and prayer life of the church. The liturgy committee works within the guidelines of the church for liturgy to establish a consistent, prayerful, and inviting liturgy for each Mass. This includes planning for each of the seasons of the church year. Meetings: The Liturgy Team meets on the 1st Tuesday of every month in the Rectory.
The function of the Art and Environment Committee is the creation of a meaningful environment that will stimulate all the senses and help promote an understanding of the liturgy. The environment changes with each liturgical season and on special Feast and Holy days. Volunteers set up and take down the decorations with each change of season or special day. Do you have a flair for flowers, plants, and decorating? Consider offering those skills for the glory of God's house. Adults and teens are welcome to volunteer.
Lectors proclaim the Sacred Scripture so that the community of faith may hear the Word of God. Lectors are people of faith who have good communication skills and develop the ability to announce the Word of God at the Liturgies to the whole community.
Meetings: Training for this ministry occurs twice a year. Lectors usually serve twice a month at the Mass of their choice.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the clergy in the distribution of Communion at Mass. They also bring the Lord's Eucharistic presence to the homebound and are arranged as needed through Pastoral Care to the Sick. Candidates for this ministry must be at least 18 years of age; fully initiated (i.e., have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist); leading a life of faith in harmony with this ministry; in good standing under Canon Law (e.g., not in an irregular marriage); The most important qualification is a special love for the Eucharist. Training takes place generally twice a year - in the Fall and Spring.
Boys and girls, from fourth grade through high school, are encouraged to volunteer for the very important ministry of assisting the priest and deacon at the altar. Training is provided, and volunteers are signed up in the fall and spring.
Children's Liturgy of the Word is an opportunity for adults to share their faith with children whose ages range from 4 through 11 years. A prayer leader reads the Sunday readings to the children from a Children's lectionary, and then spends time with the children sharing the message from the readings. This is done during Liturgy of the Word during the Mass. Children are dismissed with their prayer leader to a separate prayer space. No formal training is required. Interested prayer leaders meet with the coordinator to cover goals, objectives and logistics. Anyone interested is welcome to participate in an existing Children's Liturgy to prayerfully discern his or her level of involvement. Prayer leaders and assistants are always needed and welcomed. The schedules are based on the leaders or assistant's availability. Any level of involvement is appreciated.
Detailed recommendations for activities or discussion are provided each week, so that Prayer Leaders can independently decide where to lead the discussion with the children. Anyone interested should attend a Children's Liturgy of the Word at a Sunday Mass. Currently, Children's Liturgy of the Word is provided at 9:00AM and 11:00AM Masses.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Saint Paul Parish is fortunate to offer Children's Liturgy of the Word every week at both the 9 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday. During the Liturgy of the Word, children from preschool through fourth grade gather in the All Purpose
room of the church where an adult leader shares
the Scripture readings with them on a level
appropriate to the children's age. We always need
more adults and teens to share the work of this
exciting ministry. Training and resource material
are provided. To volunteer, call Elizabeth
Browning at 301-576-4082.
The primary goal of the Usher/Greeter ministry is to greet all who enter the church and care for them during the liturgy. It is important that all who attend services feel welcome and comfortable. The Usher/Greeters will assist anyone who may have special needs and take care of the logistical requirements as needed (e.g. taking up collections, guiding, handing out bulletins, etc.). In the event of an emergency, the Usher/ Greeters will insure the safety and wellbeing of all in attendance.
Sacristans are responsible for setting up the sacred vessels, and for coordinating and cleaning those vessels used in the transformation of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ for liturgies on weekdays, weekends, and for special occasions. The requirements are to be a member of the parish in good standing, to have the desire to serve your fellow parishioners in the Ministry, and to have been previously commissioned as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. The sacristan also coordinates with the director of Liturgy to make sure the sacristy is adequately supplied. Training will be provided as needed.
Care for the linens for the altar.
Cantors serve a major role in the liturgical celebrations by leading the congregation in sung prayer. Cantor training and rehearsal is provided as needed. Music and recorded CD's are provided to assist the cantor in preparing for ministry.
The Children's Choir is for all children, kindergarten through 6th grade. The Children's Choir leads the singing at mass on a monthly basis. There are usually two field trips a year and a fabulous pool party in June.
Meetings: The Children's Choir meets each Tuesday evening, from 7:00 to 8:00PM in the Main Church.
The adult choir is primarily responsible for enhancing the 9:00AM liturgy through traditional and contemporary sacred music, sung in harmony. Soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices are welcomed. No auditions are required, nor is the ability to read music essential to joining. Practices are held Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30PM in the church from September to June. Easter and Christmas celebrations usually require special music and additional voices are always needed for these days.
The Spirit Band provides contemporary music at the Liturgy of the Eucharist each week during the school year. Practices are held each Thursday from 7:00PM to 9:00pm at the Church or in a member's home when needed. The band usually performs at a community event each year in Damascus.
Contemporary Folk Group
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