Ushers, Lectors, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Please call the Parish Office at (562) 431-0721 if you are interested in serving as an EMHC.
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion serve in the celebration of the Eucharist by assisting the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion.
- Among the requirements of serving as an EMHC, one must believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
- The duties of an EMHC include a willingness to serve once or twice a month at the weekend Mass time of one’s choice, finding a replacement if unable to serve when scheduled, attending periodic training sessions. Please arrive at Mass 15 minutes beforehand, and dress appropriately.
- The requirements to serve as an EMHC include being a fully initiated Catholic, having celebrated the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation and be at least 25 years of age. They should be persons who sincerely try to live the Gospel message in their communal and individual lives. If they are married, they should be married in the Church (divorce does not make one ineligible to serve as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion). They should faithfully
participate in the Sunday Eucharist and with God’s grace in every aspect of their lives. - Candidates for extraordinary ministry of Holy Communion are to be properly trained in the parish, receive delegation from the Bishop to serve in a particular parish and be commissioned for services in the parish before they serve.
Lectors
Please call the Parish Office at (562) 431-0721 if you are interested in serving as a Lector.
- The role of a Lector is to awaken the faith of the assembly and inspire them to discipleship by proclaiming the Word of the Lord with clarity and conviction.
- The Lector Ministry makes a truly satisfying and meaningful contribution to Eucharistic celebrations.
- The duties of a Lector include willingness to serve once or twice a month at the weekend mass of one's choice, finding a replacement if you are unable to serve when scheduled, attending periodic training session. Please arrive at Mass 15 minutes beforehand, and dressing appropriately.
- The requirements to serve as a Lector are to prayerfully pre-read and prepare your readings, learning the proper pronunciation of unfamiliar words, and reading at a pace that encourages thoughtful reflection to ensure an effective presentation.
Ushers
Please contact the Parish Office at (562) 431-0721 if you are interested in serving as an Usher.
- The Ministry of Usher is integral to the orderly execution of the liturgy, the safety and well being of our worshipping community, and the security of their offerings.
- All ushers should be selected with care, placing high values on a calm and patient temperament, sensitivity in dealing with people, a welcoming spirit, and knowledge of parish policies.
- During their assigned Mass, they are on duty for the duration of that Mass and need to be attentive to any issues that may arise or incidents that may take place.
- Church ushers are well versed in emergency procedures. In case of an emergency, the ushers have access to first aid supplies and will take the lead in getting people to safety in an orderly manner.
- In many ways, ushers are the “face” of the church, the first ones that people see when they arrive. It is important that an usher be friendly, honest, and willing to serve. It is an honorable position in the church, requiring integrity, cordiality, and wisdom.