Pastoral Ministries: Liturgical Ministries

The heart and source of our life is rooted in prayer, private and public. St Paul provides a full range of liturgical prayer beginning with Sunday Eucharist. "Liturgy" comes from the Greek words meaning "the work of the people." Hence, St. Paul provides opportunity for many lay ministers. Spiritual reflection and practical training is provided for all ministers.

Cantor: The leader of song. Build on the native gift of good voice. Cantor training provided and required. Rehearsals with accompanist by arrangement before liturgy for that week.
Choir Ensemble: as a distinct part of the assembly, leads the congregation in sung prayer. Some group solos. Rehearsals as needed.
Instrumentalists: a variety of instruments accompany music at liturgy (e.g., violin, flute, clarinet, drums). Abilities vary, but a certain level of proficiency is necessary. Instrumentalists may meet one-on-one with the accompanist during the week.
Youth Choir & Ministers: youth choir (gr 2-8) and youth lectors serve on the first Sunday of the month during the school year at the 10:30 Mass. The Youth Choir rehearses one Sunday and one Saturday before each liturgy they sing.
Mass Coordinators: supervise the sacristy and the necessary preparations for Mass. Requires presence 30 minutes before Mass and some time after the Mass. Requirements: eighteen years (18+) or older; able to calmly oversee arrangements of Mass, including finding ministers when absence happens.
Hospitality Ministers: individuals and families that greet those who come to Mass at St. Paul; assist persons with special needs; take up collections; recruit gift bearers; distribute bulletins at the end of Mass. Presence at least 20 minutes before Mass. Requirements: High school age or older; be alert to others; be welcoming.
Altar Assistants: serve the presider at Mass: cross bearer; Sacramentary book; prepare altar; incense. Vest in tunic. Training provided. Requirements: fifth grade and older.
Lectors: proclaim the Scriptures at liturgical celebrations and the Prayer of the Faithful. Present at least 15 minutes before Mass. Public service: modest dress. Training provided. Requirements: seventh grade or older.
Eucharistic (Extraordinary) Ministers: serve in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ at Eucharist. Present at least by 10 minutes before Mass. Requirements: high school or older, a practicing Catholic. Public service: modest clothing.
Art & Environment Ministers: provide artistic contribution to liturgical celebrations, the worship space, appointments, and vesture. Requirements: aptitude for beauty; willing to work on a team for planning and execution of plans; decorate the chapel at irregular intervals in preparation for seasons and liturgical events.
Spiritual Life Commission: oversee the liturgical and spiritual activities of St. Paul. Form liturgical guidelines; regularly evaluate our liturgies; plan spiritual events such as retreats, days of reflection, parish mission. Requirements: at least high school age, willing to study; regular worshiper at St. Paul. Monthly meetings.
Sacristans: attend to the material needs of the sacristy including cleaning and inventory supplies. Requirements: at least high school age.
Contemplative Prayer: experience and learn about centering prayer and other forms of personal prayer.