Liturgical Ministries serve the public worship of the Church community. Together, the ministers support the full, conscious, and active participation in the liturgical celebrations.
Parishioners are welcome to participate in any of these ministries. The ministries include everything from Altar Server and Eucharistic Minister, to Music and Art in the liturgical space. Some of the ministries require initial training and the time commitment for volunteers varies the ministry.
The Director of Liturgy at St. Agnes oversees all Liturgical ministries.
Director of Liturgy: Helen Harris
Email: liturgy@stagnesshepherdstown.org
Altar Servers
The role of Alter Server is very critical to the Liturgy. Altar Servers support the celebration of the Liturgy by assisting in certain ritual functions, such as carrying the cross during processions, and assisting in certain practical matters, including holding the book for the Presider, setting the table, and more. etc.).
Training for Altar Servers can begin in fourth grade and includes learning all the parts of the Mass and how to perform the required duties. It also includes many months of serving with an experienced mentor to gain confidence. Many Altar Servers participate throughout middle school and high school. Adults may also serve in this ministry.
Bread and Cup
Also known as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion or Eucharistic Ministers, Bread and Cup ministers are confirmed lay volunteers who help distribute the Body and Blood of Christ to the St. Agnes community during the Mass. Some volunteers also deliver the Eucharist to members of our parish who are homebound as part of the Bread and Cup Ministry to the Homebound.
Environment and Arts
The Environment and Arts Ministry is responsible for setting the seasonal environment of the Church. When the St. Agnes Church was built, they designed and created all the banners and other pieces used during liturgies. Their duties include ordering flowers, storing and preparing banners and altar cloths, and decorating the church for all liturgical seasons throughout the year.
If you would like to be part of this ministry and express your creativity through liturgical art, let us know.
Chair: Jane Drewes
Email: janekdrewes@gmail.com
Phone: 304.876.1333
Hospitality Ministers
Our Hospitality ministers are so much more than ushers. It’s not just about finding you a seat in our worship space, it’s about welcoming both parishioners and visitors into the life of our liturgy. You’ll find our Hospitality Ministers are often the first to arrive and the last to leave each liturgy. We have found many families have enjoyed doing this ministry together.
Lectors
Historically the sacred scriptures were proclaimed orally for all to hear, and that tradition continues today. It is more than just reading; it is engaging the parish community with the Word of God. Lectors will be trained both in knowledge of Scripture and good principles of public speaking.
Music Ministry
The St. Agnes Choir, under the authority of the Director of Music, has a mission is to lead and support sung prayer during the Liturgy. The choir rehearses during the seasons of Lent, Christmas, Advent and Easter, and sings at 10:30 Masses during those seasons and selected Sundays throughout the year.
Contact: Dr. Elaine Rendler
email: elainerendler@gmail.com
Cantors
Cantors, or song leaders, have a vital role in the liturgy to lead the congregation in sung responses, acclamations, hymns, and songs. Song leaders must be able to devote time each week to prepare to sing a Psalm, hymns, and acclamations. Individuals considering song leading should have some vocal experience as a soloist or choir member. Training and practice materials are provided. Song leaders are needed for Sunday Masses and other special services.
Instrumentalists
Throughout the year, various instrumentalists are needed to accompany parts of the sung Liturgy. If you play an instrument, contact the Director of Music and let her know what instrument you play and how you might participate.
Support for Music
We are always in need of volunteers to support the music program. Those who are interested in helping to change hymn numbers, operate sound equipment, or help with clerical duties are welcome.
Are you interested in serving on any of the music ministries, contact the Directory of Music.
Linen Laundry Ministry
The Linen Laundry Ministry is responsible for supplying and keeping all the cloths (i.e. purificators, towels, etc.) used during any Mass or used to wash the plates, chalices, carafes, and ciboriums after Mass cleaned and ironed on an as needed basis. The Masses for which purificators and towels have to be supplied include the weekend Masses, weekday Masses, Holy Day Masses, Funeral Masses, Wedding Masses, and any other special Masses, such as Triduum. In addition, the albs of the priest need to be washed and ironed, and the Chasubles sent to the cleaners. The Altar cloths, and any cloths used on the tables (i.e. Gift Table and credenz), need to be washed and ironed.
This Ministry aims to have four active members so that each member washes the linens one week per month.
Contact: Judy Lilga
jslilga8@gmail.com or 301.432.2276
Emergency Response Team
The Emergency Response Team is a group of trained medical and emergency response parishioners who are responsible for assisting in emergency situations during the liturgy. This group will work in conjunction with the Hospitality Ministers. Members will be assigned for each Liturgy and will wear identification.
The team is currently recruiting new members. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, contact Teace Noel at wvnoels@gmail.com or 304-886-2940.
