Catholic Church Serving West Seattle Washington

Liturgical Ministries

Church Documents on Liturgy at a glance:


"The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time it is the fount from which all the Church's power flows."
Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, # 10

"The Church earnestly desires that all the faithful be led to that full, conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations called for by the very nature of the liturgy."
Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, # 14

"Liturgy is the participation of the People of God in the work of God."
Built of Living Stones, Art, Architecture and Worship, # 19

"Good liturgy builds faith; bad liturgy destroys faith."
US Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1972

The Church teaches that "liturgy is the source and summit of our faith" and "liturgy is meant to bring about full, conscious and active participation." (CSL #14) The liturgies of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish invite all of us to become Christ's disciples, while involving ourselves in the work of God.

Goals and objectives for Liturgy at Our Lady of Guadalupe:


TO LIVE OUR COMMON FAITH IN PRAYER & SACRAMENTAL WORSHIP
a. To create high quality liturgical experiences.
b. To promote liturgical awareness and learning.
c. To provide a variety of personal and communal prayer opportunities.
d. To enhance our liturgical music.
e. To incorporate into liturgy rituals and customs from each culture.


Liturgical Ministries that support our worship


Liturgy Committee

The Liturgy Committee meets seasonally to pray together, to evaluate liturgical celebrations, and to prepare and coordinate the various seasons and elements of liturgical life in the parish. With the committee's vision and imagination, we work together in order to provide worship celebrations that are prayerful, beautiful, and grace-filled.

The committee is responsible for the worship environment of the church throughout the seasons, the making and hanging of banners, and the floral arrangements. The committee is always open to artists, organizers, and prayerful creative thinkers. Adults and Youth, women and men are invited to participate.

For information about the committee, or any other liturgical ministries not listed below,
contact Peg Borkowski, Pastoral Associate.

Acolytes or Altar Servers

Young people, grades 6 and up, are invited to participate in serving at the altar during our liturgies. Acolytes carry the cross, assist Father with the book of prayers, set the altar, help receive the gifts, assist Father at the altar, and clear the altar after communion. Adults are also welcome in this ministry. Training is available. To fill out a ministry form and become involved.
For more informations contact: Peg Borkowski, Pastoral Associate.

Ushers

Ushers welcome and attend to the needs of the congregation, as well as being responsible for taking up the collection during the liturgy. Adults and youth are invited to participate in this ministry of hospitality.

Greeting Ministry

The mission of our Greeting Ministry is to welcome our parish family as they enter the church. Greeting one another is a perfect way to prepare to share in the Eucharistic celebration as a family of faith.

Entire families (parents and their children), as well as individuals (young and old), are encouraged to be Greeters.

All that is required is:
- Arrive at least 20 minutes before the Mass begins.
- Take an "OLG Greeter" name tag.
- Offer a cheerful greeting to all parishioners, especially new members, the elderly, and those needing assistance.
- If necessary, help seat people, answer questions, provide information, or give directions.

A sign up sheet can be found in the vestibule on one of our bulletin boards. Please sign up for the mass time you would like to be a Greeter. All are encouraged to participate.

Eucharistic Ministers

These ministers are entrusted with helping distribute the sacred Body and Blood of Christ at communion time during the liturgy. A Eucharistic minister must be at least 16 years of age and Confirmed. A short training session is required. Fill out a ministry form and become involved.
For more informations contact: Peg Borkowski, Pastoral Associate.

Sacristans

The ministry of Sacristan involves the set-up and immediate preparations before and after the Eucharistic liturgy. Arrival at least 30 minutes before the beginning of the liturgy is needed. A short training is available. All are invited to consider serving in this vital and "hidden" liturgical ministry. Fill out a ministry form and become involved.
For more informations contact: Peg Borkowski, Pastoral Associate.

Lectors

Lectors proclaim the First and Second Scripture readings before the Gospel during the Liturgy of the Word at Eucharist. A short training session is available. Fill out a ministry form and become involved.
For more informations contact: Peg Borkowski, Pastoral Associate.

Choir

The Choir assists the community in sung prayer during the liturgy. The Choir usually attends the 11:00 a.m. liturgy, but is also present for special services such as Reconciliation Services, The Sacred Triduum, and Holy Days. A pleasant voice and a desire to sing in prayer is all that is required. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m. throughout the year.
For more informations contact: Kris Barker at kris_olg@yahoo.com, or Ann Sager at Sager206@msn.com, or by stopping by the piano after a liturgy.

An open invitation

All liturgical ministries welcome new volunteers at any time. Training sessions can be arranged to fit your schedule. If you have a question, do not hesitate to call. Fill out a ministry form and become involved.
For more informations contact: Peg Borkowski, Pastoral Associate.