Liturgy & Worship Ministries

The Liturgical Ministries offer parishioners the opportunity to fulfill a special role in Eucharistic celebrations during daily and weekend Masses and other liturgical events. These roles, which may be either visible or behind-the-scenes, are extremely important to the reverent and orderly celebration of the Mass. Help is always needed, and we gratefully welcome parishioners to become more involved in the Liturgical Ministries that serve the St. Philip Neri Church community.

Altar Servers

Altar servers assist the priest and deacon during Mass as needed with processions, blessings, rituals and readings. This ministry is open to adults as well as children that have made their First Holy Communion and completed the third grade. Altar Servers must possess the maturity required to respectfully serve on the altar and assist the priest and deacon. Orientation and training are provided, with attendance at one annual meeting required.

Eucharistic Ministers

This ministry is open to any devout, practicing Catholic parishioner who is in full communion with the Catholic Church and has received the sacrament of confirmation. They must be at least 16 years of age, be knowledgeable about the mystery of the Eucharist and reverent of the duty and privilege that they perform. Eucharistic Ministers assist the priest in the distribution of the Eucharist at a Mass of their choice and help by taking Holy Communion to parishioners who are homebound, in nursing homes or in hospitals. Attendance at orientation and training is required.

Mass Greeters

The members of this ministry help to create a warm and welcoming environment before Masses by greeting attendees as they enter the church. Greeters also hand out bulletins, assist in the distribution and collection of worship aids and direct guests and new members to the welcome desk in the sanctuary’s gathering space. This ministry has no age limitations.

Ministers of the Word – Lectors

Lectors reverently assist in the Mass, as they proclaim the Word of God during the first two Scripture Readings and lead the Prayers of the Faithful. This ministry is open to adults or youths who are articulate in their speech and pronunciations, have a clear voice and feel comfortable speaking in front of the congregation. Orientation and training is required.

Sacristans

This ministry, which enables an orderly celebration of the Mass, is open to all adults and teens interested in administering several important works before and after the celebration of the Holy Eucharistic. Responsibilities include preparing the altar and credence table before Mass and gathering the vessels necessary for the sacrifice of the Mass. After Mass, sacristans are responsible for cleaning the sacred vessels and utensils that come in direct contact with the Blessed Sacrament and returning all items to their proper place.

Ushers

This ministry, open to any interested adult or teen parishioner, provides assistance to the congregation during the celebration of the Mass.  Ushers seat attendees as necessary, assist with offertory collections, count attendance and direct traffic flow as guests proceed to Holy Communion. In addition, they provide other services that may be required to maintain order throughout the Mass.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

This program, offered during non-summer months at the 11:30 am Mass, is designed for children who are at least four years of age through second grade. During Mass, children are invited to gather for the Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) in the church basement. The CLOW leader presents the Scriptures at the children’s level and how it pertains to them in their own life. After the Prayers of the Faithful, the children return to their families for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. There is no registration required to attend

Welcome Desk in Sanctuary

The members of this ministry provide assistance, as needed, before and after the celebration of weekend Masses. Volunteers with a joyful spirit sit at the welcome desk in the Sanctuary to welcome parishioners and guests, share information and answer questions.

Sound & Video Board Operators

This ministry is open to all adults and teens interested in operating the soundboard and video systems during the Mass to enhance the worship experience. Orientation and training are required.

Music Ministries at Saint Philip Neri

Members of the Music Ministries proclaim and share the Word of God in song by participating in various music-related efforts at St. Philip Neri Church. Individuals, who give of their time to offer their God-given musical talents, foster and nurture participation within the worshiping community during weekend liturgies and other special services.

Mass Choir

This choir sings every Sunday at the 9:30 am Mass, and at the 7:00 pm Masses on Holy Days. Participants must be committed, enjoy singing and recognize its importance to the celebration of the Eucharist. Rehearsals take place every Thursday at 7:00 pm.

St. Cecilia Choir

This choir, open to ladies age 15 years and older, sings at the 11:30 am Mass every Sunday morning. Participants must be committed, enjoy singing and recognize that music is an integral part of the solemn liturgy that assists participants in the celebration of our faith. Rehearsals take place every Thursday at 7:00 pm.

Lifenotes

This contemporary ensemble leads the music at the Life Teen Mass that is celebrated weekly on Sunday at 5:30 pm. Rehearsals are held on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 pm.

Children’s Choir

This choir, open to children ages 7 to 12 years, sings at Mass about every six weeks, as well as at occasional special services and Masses. The Children’s Choir meets every Tuesday from September through May at 6:15 pm.

Consolation Choir

The consolation choir, which aids the assemblies at funeral liturgies, meets 30 minutes before the scheduled funeral Mass time. This choir, which is open to anyone who is available during the day, is usually notified on short notice when their participation is needed.

Handbell Ensemble

This ensemble, which meets every Wednesday at 7:30 pm for rehearsal, performs at select regular Masses and at special liturgies and services. The ability to read music or prior handbell ringing experience is helpful, but not a requirement.

Brass Ensemble and Instrumental Soloists

This ensemble accompanies the liturgy on an as-needed basis, with rehearsals scheduled by appointment. Duo, trio, quartet and quintet ensembles are formed as needed. Woodwind and string players are needed throughout the year as well.

Cantors

Our cantors, who make the congregation’s prayer possible through song at each celebration of the Eucharist, are a vital part of the Mass. They assist the assembly as necessary, such as leading the proclamation of the responsorial song, the gospel acclamation and other liturgical songs. Cantors must have a strong singing voice, and ability to encourage participants to join in the songs and a dedication to the ministry of music. While cantors are encouraged to join the choir, it is not required.

Additional Opportunities

Instrumentalist are needed at times, with both students and adults invited to participate. Pianist and organists are also occasionally needed to substitute for regular participants. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Linda Liberty, Director of Music at musicdirector@saintphilipneri.org or 803.548.7282 Ext. 249.

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