“I rejoiced when they said to me, let us go unto the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122

The 14th century word “worship” inadequately translates the rich Catholic distinction between the adoration due to God alone, and the reverence due to the Saints or holy things. This is where non-Catholics often confuse our theology. See the Catholic Encyclopedia for in an in depth presentation. Christian Worship at All Saints relies on the generous involvement of many parishioners and their families.

Eucharistic Ministers:
The Eucharistic celebration is the summit and source of the Church’s life and central to our Christian belief. Whenever Catholics gather today, through the actions of breaking and sharing the bread and passing the cup, we remember Jesus and His great sacrifice of self-giving for all of us. Just as at Emmaus the two disciples recognized Jesus in the breaking and sharing of the bread, we too are called to do the same. In this great sacrament, we, the many, are fed with Jesus’ own Body and Blood, and are made one in the Lord. That sharing brings us into communion with Christ and with each other. As a Eucharistic Minister, you should seek to understand the deep spiritual meaning of the sacrament of Holy Communion, foster your own devotion to the Eucharist and show a sincere love for Christ’s Mystical Body.

You are invited to assist with the distribution of Holy Communion during Mass as a Eucharistic Minister. Trained and commissioned Eucharistic Ministers assist the priests and deacons during weekday and Sunday Masses. Volunteers must be practicing and supporting members of the parish and confirmed. This ministry is coordinated through the parish office. Please call or email the office for training dates.

 

Holy Eucharist to the Homebound
All Saints Parish feels it is important for the sick, elderly, and homebound to regularly receive the Holy Eucharist, our spiritual food for the journey. Our Pastor and specially trained lay ministers offer various opportunities for the reception of Communion outside the usual Masses at church.

• Berlin Memorial Hospital – Communion is brought to the patients three times a week.
• Juliette Manor Nursing Home – Communion is brought to the residents every First Friday and Mass is offered on the second and third Thursday of the month.
• American House Assisted Living– Communion is brought to the residents every Friday and Mass is offered on the second Tuesday every third month.
• Brown Wilcox Assisted Living- Communion is brought every Friday.
• Patriot Place – Communion is brought to Catholic residents on the first and fourth Fridays of every month. Mass is celebrated on the third Tuesday every third month.
• Individuals confined to their own homes – receive Communion on a regular basis.

If you or someone you know is ill, or has difficulty attending Mass and would like to receive the Eucharist outside of Mass, please contact the Parish Office at 361-5252.

Ministers of the Word (Lectors)

Romans 10:16 “But it is in that way faith comes, from hearing, and that means hearing the word of Christ.” (NJB)

God’s plan of salvation is revealed to all who listen when the sacred scriptures are proclaimed. In his writing, With Burning Hearts, Roman Catholic priest, Henri Nouwen states, “When we say that God’s Word is sacred, we mean that God’s Word is full of God’s presence…Often we think about the Word as an exhortation to go out and change our lives. But the power of the Word, lies, not in how we apply our lives after we have heard it, but in its transforming power that does its divine work as we listen.” Fr. Nouwen believed that reading and listening to the Word of God aids in the transformation of a believer from a ‘self’ centered to a ‘God’ centered focus.

The Minister of the Word, or lector, adds sound to the written Word of God that enables God’s presence to come to those who listen. Those who serve in this ministry must be able to proclaim the written Word in a way that is audible, understandable and meaningful. Prayer and reading of the Bible privately on a regular basis are important, especially for those in this ministry. One should seek to continually grow in his/her knowledge and love of the Sacred Scriptures.

Parishioners endowed with a good, clear speaking voice are encouraged to serve as a Lector in proclaiming the Word of God on weekday, Holy Day and Lord’s Day Masses. Training is offered. Contact the parish office for training dates and further information.

Ministers of Hospitality (Usher)
The usher’s ministry is that of ‘official’ host – someone whose presence, conversation and actions speak a genuine desire that all who come to this liturgical celebration feel welcome and at ease. It is their responsibility to attend to the needs of those who gather with hospitality and caring, creating an atmosphere not only of friendliness and community, but also reverence and solemnity.

Although the role of an usher at All Saints is primarily that of host, you are also a participant, singing, praying and listening with everyone as a member of the worshipping community. Other duties include assisting in seating people when necessary, collection of monetary offerings, and guidance of the offertory and communion processions.

Servers
Altar Servers provide an important service in the sanctuary helping the priests and deacons lead the Liturgy. Children in the fourth grade and up may serve at Mass. Being a server requires reverence, knowledge, dedication, and a love of God and the Church. The ministry of server also requires a certain level of maturity, leadership and understanding of the liturgy. Boys and girls at All Saints begin their preparation at the end of the 4th grade. Please encourage your children to step forward.

Adults, both men and women are welcome to this ministry. Please contact the parish office for training and further information.

General Intercessions (prayers)

Matt: 7:7 “Ask, and it shall be given you; search and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” (NJB)

The common prayer of the gathered community is important to the liturgy and the life of the Church. As a people of faith, we together turn to God who supplies all our needs. We unite in prayer for the intentions of the universal Church, the world, the poor and the sick, our local community and parish, and for those who have died.

With confidence that our prayers will be answered, we recall Jesus’ words in Matt. 18:19-20: “In truth I tell you once again, if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three meet in my name, I am there among them.” (NJB)

At All Saints various people are on a rotation schedule to prepare the general intercessions that will be prayed at the weekend and Holy Day liturgies. We use resources supplied by the parish and/or compose prayers of our own. Generally one or two people cover a month at a time.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INVOLVED IN ANY OF THESE MINISTRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE AT 920-361-5252.