Liturgical ministers help to enhance our worship through their talent and service. Their ministry centers around the celebration of the Eucharist, and they are an invaluable part of the Sacred Liturgy and our community. Liturgical ministry is a part of the Spiritual Life Commission. Contact Fr. Steve Kanonik, with any questions at skanonik@stbenedict.com or (773)588-6484.
Ushers
This volunteer group welcomes the faithful before weekend and Holiday Masses and services, and assists with any issues or concerns they may have. The help distribute worship aids, organize gift bearers and collections. The Ushers help facilitate family Mass, Holy Week Services, and the Annual Catholic Appeal.
Liturgical Writers
The Prayers of the Faithful prayed at each liturgy after the homily are one way in which the liturgy reflects the community spirit here at St. Benedict. These Prayers are written by members of the Liturgical Writing Ministry. Each person who writes the Prayers prayerfully considers the needs of our community, our church and our world in light of the scripture readings. If you would like to participate in this ministry, you are invited. There is no experience or special knowledge required. The only requirement is a heartfelt desire to pray with our community and a commitment to write the Prayers once every 4-6 weeks throughout the year.
Eucharistic Ministers
The Eucharistic Ministers at St. Benedict's are a very engaged, committed group that welcome the opportunity to participate in the Mass by serving Eucharistic to fellow parishioners. There are ~ 100 Eucharistic Ministers (EMs) and we are always in need of more individuals that want to solidify their faith by playing this important role within the variety of ministries at St. Benedict's. We typically will offer a one-hour training session for interested parishioners 3-4 times a year. During the training, you'll learn the importance of the role and the mechanics of performing this service. The expectation is that EMs will typically serve two times a month at their time of their favorite Mass. Youth ministers over 18 years of age are able to participate. We welcome questions from anyone seeking more information. Please email Karen Tabbert at karenanntabbert@gmail.com.
Music Ministry
Our ministers of music help us to enhance our liturgy as choir members, cantors, and instrumentalists.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON MUSIC MINISTRY
Lectors
Lectors proclaim the Word of God each week. Becoming a lector is a great way to become more familiar with Scripture and how to proclaim it publicly. Lectors should be of high school age or older. Annual training and workshops are held to help form our ministers.
Altar Servers
An altar server is a lay assistant to the priests during mass. Altar servers assist supporting tasks with the clergy such as setup and clean up for mass, carrying the cross and candles in the procession, fetching and presenting the mass book for the priest, ringing the Sanctus bell, accepting the gifts and assisting with the preparation for communion among other things. There are opportunities to altar serve at Sunday mass, feast days, funerals, holidays and weddings. Detailed training is provided prior to serving and there are always three altar servers at mass. This ensures there is support for new and experienced servers alike. Both boys and girls 5th grade through 12th grade can altar serve. Participating an altar server will allow you to be a critical part of mass, helps you enjoy the service in a whole new way and counts for service hours.
Art and Environment
The art & environment ministry is responsible for all of the decorating in our beautiful church. The decor changes with the seasons and solemnities according to the liturgical calendar. We are always in search of both creative types and “worker bee” types to help keep our church looking great. The time commitment is minimal (about 2 hours once a month) and the schedule is very flexible.