Called By Name

The call to MINISTRY

At Baptism, all Christians are brought into the royal priesthood of Christ. For us as Roman Catholic Christians this means that we are all called to serve in some manner. There are a certain few who receive a call from the Church to serve in the order of priest or deacon and lead our liturgies as presiders.

But they are not the only members of the Church called to serve at our liturgies. Every single one of us is called to the role of the believer in the assembly. And many are called to more visible roles in the assembly as servers, lectors, cantors, choir members, musicians, Eucharistic ministers, and usher / greeters. In addition, many are called to serve in less visible roles as church cleaners, baby-sitters, intercession writers, sacristans, and plant tenders.

Since few of us recognize our own gifts, it is the right and duty of each member of the parish to help call forth our sisters and brothers who we feel might be called to a special ministry. Please take a moment to read over information on different liturgical ministries and prayerfully reflect if the name of someone comes to mind.

Any person you recommend will be contacted and asked to consider the validity of a call to serve. Your name may be held in confidence if you so request.

All Baptized Roman Catholic members of the parish are welcomed to consider this ministry. It is open to both male and female and we welcome multiple members of the same family to serve together. For each Sunday Mass, one person is assigned the role of bookbearer, one is assigned as cross bearer and two are assigned as servers. The renewable commitment is for one year and at the beginning of each fall we have on-going training for all servers.

Women and men who serve in the role of lector at Saint Columban parish are well trained in the art of proclamation through a buddy system. The buddy works with the new lector until she/he is ready for a first assignment at a Sunday liturgy. Special manuals and books of the Sunday readings are given to the lectors as they prepare for their assignment. We also need lectors who can be available for Wednesday evening liturgies.

It takes a special person for this ministry. It is open to men and women, adults and older youth, who are willing to arrive early and enthusiastically greet members of the congregation. It is not a hard job, but a very fulfilling ministry. You don’t have to be outgoing, only caring.

Many Roman Catholic lay women and men are called to this ministry. It is open to adults and youth of high school age and older. The renewable commitment is for one year and full training is held for all new ministers before they are commissioned for service. Some Eucharistic Ministers also assist in bringing Communion to the sick and to the shut-ins of our parish.

For information on the many other liturgical and non-liturgical ministries here at Saint Columban parish, please call the parish office 513-683-0105 ext 109. Your involvement is very important.