Liturgy
“The Second Vatican
Council in the Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium, stated: “The Texts and the
Rites should be clearly manifested so that devout and active participation by
the Faithful may be more easily accomplished. “(Sacramentary).
At St. John Neumann our Liturgical Mission is to provide worship experiences that nurture and renew the hearts and souls of those who gather in the name of Christ. The following is a description of the various Liturgical Ministries needed in order to minister to parishioners year round as well as the many visitors who enter our doors to worship Christ in a Catholic Community.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary
Ministers of Holy Communion assist in the distribution of the consecrated Body
and Blood of Christ to the gathered faithful during the Eucharistic Celebration.
Our Diocese has specific guidelines in appointing and training those faithful
who are called to this special ministry. The Diocese of Wilmington offers
required formation classes throughout the year. Training continues at the parish
level to prepare new Ministers of Holy Communion in their specific duties. We
also have a very active group of trained parishioners who serve as Ministers of
Holy Communion to the Sick. They visit hospitals, nursing homes, as well as our
home-bound parishioners.
Formation Sessions are held throughout the year and are taught by Father Protack. You must have completed the formation session for ministers within the liturgy before you register for the formation session for ministers to the sick.
Please call Christina Engel to register at 410-208-4580.
Lectors
The Lector proclaims the Word of God in the Liturgy of the Word during Mass and as part of special services including Advent and Lenten Penance Services, Eucharistic Holy Hours, and our Parish Mission. Lectors proclaim at all Masses. In conjunction with the Diocese of Wilmington guidelines for Ministers of the Word, the Parish has an established training session for new Lectors and a complete review for those who were Lectors in their previous parish. Please contact the Pastor's Office at 410-250-4850 for more information!
Ushers & Greeters
Our Ushers and
Greeters are the first ministers to put a face on our parish. They embody the
warmth, the friendliness, and the openness of our parish community as they greet
those who walk through our doors. Ushers are always ready to assist in any way.
Our Ushers and Greeters consist of Men, Women, Couples, Families and Young
People. Training and guidance is
provided. Contact Dick Rutherford
for more information.
Altar Servers
Our parish is
always open to the special ministry provided by our Children as Altar
Servers at weekend Masses as well as Adult Altar Servers who serve during
the weekday Masses. Young people in grades 4-12 are invited to be a part of
this ministry. Training of altar servers is done by Deacon John Lemon.
Adult Altar Servers are trained by
other Adult Servers. Please contact Deacon Lemon at the Parish Office for
more information.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is
open to anyone who wishes to help with the upkeep of altar linens, candles, holy water,
sanctuary furnishings and statuary. Duties are performed once a week by rotating
teams of 2-3 persons. Contact Mrs.
Shea for more information.
Pastoral Care at Home
Do you have family
members or friends who are sick, or otherwise unable to take part in Mass and
the Sacraments? The parish has lay
ministers of the sick who will bring communion to the homebound on a regular
basis. We also visit the
Art & Environment
Art and Environment
is a central focal point of our worship experiences. Our environment enhances
and supports the Rites of the Church. Art and Environment is a function of the
Liturgy Committee. Those assisting include persons with ability in floral
design, art design, and construction in many mediums including fabric and wood,
interior decoration and decoration installers and seamstresses and sometimes
just brute strength. Those responsible for Art and Environment also understand
the flow of the Liturgical Year - they work magic as the worship space
transforms from season to season and feast to feast, warming our senses with the
wonder of God. Contact Betty Sgro for
more information.
Liturgy Committee
Our parish has an
active Liturgy Committee which meets seasonally to plan the Masses, Ceremonies
and Rituals for the Liturgical Seasons. New members are always welcome. Contact the Pastor’s Office
for more information.