Altar servers lead the procession of the Blessed Sacrament on Corpus Christi.
Ministries: Liturgy
- Altar Server: Assist the celebrant at Mass by carrying the processional cross or serving at the altar for one of the four weekend Masses and on holydays and other special occasions. Training sessions as announced. Ministry Coordinator: Andrew Dodge.
- Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion: Set up vessels for Mass, help distribute the Sacred Body or Blood at communion time, clean vessels after Mass. Ministry Coordinator: Liz D’Aquino.
- Reader: Commentators read greetings, prayers of the faithful, and announcements. They must look over the script before Mass starts. Lectors proclaim the two readings before the gospel with clear diction and expression. They prepare at home ahead of time using the St. Joseph Sunday Missal. Ministry Trainer: Angie McFarling.
- Usher: Greet parishioners and visitors, take up collections, and hand out bulletins at the Mass you attend. Ministry Coordinator: Priscilla Jenkins.
Ministries: Music
The music ministry at St. Francis of Assisi seeks to respond to the Vatican Council’s call to preserve and foster with great care the Church’s patrimony of sacred music, which is “treasure of inestimable value” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 112). Singing everything from Gregorian Chant to modern sacred compositions, the music ministry aims at excellence in order to clothe St. Francis’ liturgical life with nobility for the glory of God and the edification of the Faithful.
Under the leadership of Music Director Daniel Kirkland, the St. Francis Choir sings at the 8:30 a.m. liturgy on Sunday morning and on other occasions; volunteers use their voices and their mastery of musical instruments to lead the congregation in the worship of God.
- St. Francis Choir: The Choir sings at the 8:30 a.m. Mass and on holydays of obligation. Membership is open to men and women of all ages and abilities—we have three generations in our ranks and none of us are professional musicians! We just love glorifying God with beautiful music. Bring the whole family on board and become a part of our family! Please contact the music director about joining.
- Cantors: St. Francis’ cantors lead the Faithful in singing the Ordinary and hymnody at the 5 p.m., 7 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. Masses. Rehearsals are arranged with the music director on a one-to-one basis. Since this is a position of musical leadership, some training is required. If you are new to music, the director will work with you to help you find your singing voice. Consider joining the choir to acquire the skills needed to become a cantor.
- Youth Choirs: The St. Gregory Boy Choir and St. Cecilia Girl Choir are open to new members aged 7-13. Children will have the opportunity to learn the rudiments of music and to sing once a month at 8:30 Mass. Details are forthcoming. Contact the music director to express your interest.
For more information on the music program at St. Francis, including recordings of the choir, see the music section of this website.