Liturgical Ministries
Christopher Ministry
This ministry administers Holy Communion to the sick, homebound, and to those who cannot physically attend Mass. If you have a friend or family member in one of these situations and would like to receive Communion at home, please Click here to Request. With the large demand to take Communion to so many, there is a need for additional Christophers. This is a very rewarding ministry, not only for those receiving the Eucharist, but also for those who take it. The time commitment depends on each Christopher’s schedule.
Music Ministry
The Good Shepherd Catholic Parish music ministry supports weekend and other masses through joyous and meditative music. The ministry includes cantors, choirs, soloists, organists, pianists, and other musicians to create a dynamic and varied approach to prayer through music. The music ministry is continually in a process of renewal and welcomes additional members to join our chorus of praise. Please contact Fr. Dalton Rogers via email at drogers@gscparish.org if you're interested in participating.
Lector/Reader
PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD
The proclamation of the Word of God is truly a service to the Church. Lector/Reader brings the living Word of God to the liturgical assembly. The ministry of the Word should, therefore, be treated seriously and with great dignity. (GIRM 55)
The Word of God is not merely read during the liturgy. It is proclaimed, yet not with theatrical show. Effective proclamation involves the delivery of the message with clarity, conviction and appropriate pace. It demands the ability to evoke faith in others by demonstrating one’s own faith. Proclamation is a special ministry which presupposes faith. It also rouses faith in those who hear the Word proclaimed. (LM Intro 55)
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Ideally, the assembly should listen to the proclamation of the Scriptures and not read along in a missalette. In the act of communal listening, the worshippers experience not only unity among themselves but also the presence of Christ speaking to them through the Word. Pastors and lectors/Readers need, however, to be attentive to special needs of the hearing impaired. (LM Intro 7, 37)
REQUIREMENTS
All liturgical ministers, especially lectors/Readers, must be properly trained for their ministry.
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Must be in compliance with the Safe Environment volunteer policy of the Good Shepherd Catholic Parish
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Registered member of the Good Shepherd Catholic Parish
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The Word requires skill in public reading, knowledge of the principles of liturgy, and an understanding of the scriptures. Only properly trained lectors/Readers should be scheduled for liturgy. (GIRM 101, LM Intro 14)
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Lectors/Readers are fully initiated, practicing Catholics whose lives witness to the Word which they proclaim.
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A young person who is not yet fully initiated (i.e. confirmed and has received first Eucharist) may be permitted to lector/Reader during a liturgy. Must be currently enrolled in Confirmation classes.
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Lectors/reader should periodically participate in enrichment programs.
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All Readers/lectors are expected to be prepared for their ministry. Preparation should be spiritual, scriptural, and practical.
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Spiritual preparation involves prayer over the text and reflection on its message.
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Scriptural preparation involves understanding the text. Practical preparation involves mastering difficult words, learning the right pronunciations and practicing the delivery of the text aloud, ideally in the presence of someone who is able to critique the delivery.
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Requires arriving in ample time before the liturgy, locating the readings in the Lectionary.
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It is the responsibility of the minister to find a substitute when unable to serve a scheduled service.
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Schedules are made bimonthly with consideration given to the times and availability of individuals ministers.
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Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) is a lay person who has been appointed to assist the priest/s or deacon in distributing Holy Communion to God’s people when there is a shortage of ordained clergy. Extraordinary ministers provide a precious service to the Church in serving during times of need upon request from an ordained minister.
The training and preparation is carefully provided by our Church. Training sessions are offered periodically during the year as needed for new EMHC. All Trainings must be attended by individuals who desire to be a minister of Holy Communion and are current ministers
Requirements/Expectations to become an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
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They must embody values consistent with Christian life, faith, and morals and have a great devotion to the Eucharist and must seek to cultivate holiness through confession, personal prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, and regular Sunday Mass attendance.
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EMHCs are faithful registered parishioners.
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Must have received the Holy Sacrament of Confirmation
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At least 16 years old with sufficient Christian maturity.
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If married, must be in a valid marriage according to the Catholic Church
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Must attend all training sessions
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Requires arriving in ample time before the liturgy.
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Participate in enrichment programs.
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Substitute when unable to serve a scheduled service.
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Schedules are made bimonthly with consideration given to the times and availability of individuals ministers.
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All Trainings must be attended
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Must be in compliance with the Safe Environment volunteer policy of the Good Shepherd Catholic Parish
Altar Servers
At Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, we hold a deep commitment to excellence in our liturgical celebrations, and our altar servers play an integral role in upholding the beauty and reverence of the Mass. The Guild of St. Joseph is our parish’s altar serving program, designed to be a fraternity of faith-filled boys and young men who serve God and His Church with dedication and reverence.
Through the Guild, members receive comprehensive formation, training, and leadership opportunities in service at the altar. The program goes beyond serving at Mass, fostering spiritual growth, discipline, and camaraderie among its members. The Guild also provides an environment for exploring and discerning vocations to the priesthood and religious life, encouraging members to listen to God’s call and follow His plan for their lives.
In addition to weekly altar serving, members of the Guild of St. Joseph can take part in a variety of enriching activities, including:
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Monthly Meetings: Held on the second Saturday of each month, these gatherings offer ongoing training, spiritual formation, and fellowship.
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Annual Boot Camp: An intensive training experience designed to strengthen skills, deepen knowledge of the liturgy, and build teamwork.
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Field Trips: Opportunities to visit places of spiritual and historical significance, fostering a sense of community and wonder at the richness of our Catholic faith.
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Family Social Events: Celebrations and gatherings that bring together Guild members and their families, building relationships and unity within the parish.
If you feel called to join the Guild of St. Joseph and serve as an altar server at Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, we warmly invite you to begin this journey. The necessary registration form can be found HERE. For any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at gscpguildofstjoseph@gmail.com—we are here to guide you every step of the way. Join us in becoming men of faith, service, and leadership, answering the call to draw others closer to Christ through your example at the altar.
Thank you, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Guild of St. Joseph!
Safe Environment
Good Shepherd Catholic Parish. is committed to protecting the safety of all children and vulnerable adults. All of our volunteers are required to complete, before being scheduled to serve, our Safe Environment program. Click here to learn more and get started!
If you are interested in becoming an Altar Server contact our Liturgist, please contact Patty Call at (559) 734-9522 or email pcall@gscparish.org