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)
Here at Saint Luke - Saint Andrew Parish 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.
This is a major undertaking in a Parish where we provide 10 Masses a
weekend during the summer months to accommodate not only our
Parishioners but those who visit this Maryland Resort and who worship
with us.
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.
Ministers of Holy Communion
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.
PASTORAL CARE AT HOME:
Are you or a family member or friend, 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 visit the Nursing Centers and Atlantic General Hospital.
Please call the Parish Office so these parishioners may be
ministered to.
Lectors
The Lector proclaims the Word of God in the Liturgy
of the Word during Mass and special services including Advent and Lenten
Penance Services, Eucharistic Holy Hours, and our Parish Mission.
Lectors proclaim at daily Masses, Monday thru Saturday. 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.
Altar Servers
Our parish is always open to the special ministry
provided by our Young Adults 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 Mrs. Margo Carrara. Adult Altar Servers are
trained by other Adult Servers. Please contact the parish office for
more information.
Art and
Environment
Art and Environment is a central focal point of our
worship experiences. Our environment enhances and supports the Rites of
the Church. 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 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.
Music Ministry
Our parish music ministry is a vital part of our
worship experiences. Music is a form of prayer and all are encouraged to
participate. To facilitate the active participation of the faithful the
Church sees the need for various music groups. The following are part of
our Parish Music Ministry.
CANTORS:
Cantors are those who lead the gathered faithful in song. Those who wish to be
cantors are trained in their specific duties and on going music study is
provided by the Director of Music.
ADULT CHOIR:
The Adult Choir is open to any parishioner who loves to sing in glory and praise
of our Lord. No auditions are required. The choir sings at weekend Masses as
well as special Holy Days and Holy Week. It is open to High School Students thru
those who are young at heart. The choir rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 7 –
8:30 p.m.
Contact choir director Joann Harvey at 443-880-8889 for
information.
Ushers and
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.
Altar
Guild
The Altar Guild is open to anyone who wishes to help
keep the altar linens, candles, holy water, sanctuary furnishings and
statuary. Duties are performed once a week by rotating teams of 2 to 3
persons.
If you are interested and
would like more information for any of the above ministries, please
contact the Parish Office 410-250-0300.