LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

•  MINISTER OF THE WORD: Lectors are selected to proclaim the scripture readings and to lead the congregation in response. Any confirmed member of the parish may volunteer for training as a lector. Two evenings of training are held annually. There is no minimum term for lectors. They are assigned to a particular mass time for a period of three months and are responsible for getting their own replacements from the lector list if they cannot meet an assigned commitment.
  
  
• EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER OF HOLY COMMUNION: Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers) assist the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion during the celebration of the Mass. Ministers may also bring the Eucharist to our parishioners who are homebound. Interested applicants must meet the following Diocesan guidelines: "mature Catholics respected in the Parish community who are noted for their devotion to the Eucharist and their service to the parish". Accepted applicants are required to compete a short course of study and may meet annually for a Day of Reflection.
  
  Like the lectors, Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers are assigned to a particular mass for a period of three months and are responsible for getting their own substitutes from a published list. Individuals may commit to more frequent participation such as daily mass, if they choose. Some ministers devote their ministry to visitation of homebound parishioners. Others limit their participation to substituting for scheduled ministers who are unable to minister on their regularly assigned days. The flexibility of this ministry allows all who desire to participate.
  
  
• USHER AND GREETER: The Ushers of SS Peter & Paul Faith Community assist in seating of parishioners and visitors at our Sunday Liturgies. Ushers select people to carry up the gifts, receive the collections at Mass and distribute the Parish Bulletin at the close of Mass. The Ministry of Usher or Greeter is open to all Confirmed youth and adults in the parish. Scheduling is flexible and is the responsibility of the Head Usher at each mass.
  
  Greeters stand near each door of the church vestibule to welcome parishioners and visitors. They point out the locations of restrooms, the crying room and various written materials. Adults and youth of all ages may act as greeters.
  
  
• ALTAR SERVERS: Altar servers assist at the altar during the celebration of the Mass and during other liturgical functions. Volunteers are accepted from students who have celebrated their First Eucharist. Training must be completed to participate in this ministry. Altar servers are scheduled for participation at an assigned Mass through the Parish Office. There is no limit to the length of time one may participate in this ministry. Our adult servers who are available mornings may also assist at the altar for parish funerals.
  
  
• MINISTERS OF MUSIC: Saints Peter & Paul enjoys a lively and comprehensive music ministry. We encourage full and active participation from the assembly by providing effective musical leadership. We are members of the American Guild of Organists, the National Association of Pastoral Musicians Guild. These organizations provide our musicians with ongoing musical and spiritual growth. Our choirs and instrumentalists participate in concerts here during the year and join in diocesan events. We welcome new members at any time. Cantors lead sung prayer at most of our liturgies. These are people with good vocal and leadership skills. The Adult Choir includes people of high school age and older. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in the church and this choir usually sings at 9:30 a.m. Sunday mass as well as major celebration of the liturgical year.
  
  Youth Ensemble: is a group of junior and high school singers and instrumentalists who perform throughout the summer and on various occasions during the school year.
  Children's Choir is made up of pupils in grades 3-8. There are two rehearsals available each week and they sing at the monthly Family Liturgy as well as many parish celebrations throughout the school year.
  
  
• LITURGY OF THE WORD FOR CHILDREN: Liturgy of the Work for Children is a ministry devoted to the children who attend the 9:30 a.m. mass on Sundays. After the Opening Prayer, the children are called forth and invited to listen to the Word of God proclaimed at a level they can understand. They are dismissed to the Neumann Center rooms under the church where the readings are proclaimed. Rather than listen to a homily, they reflect on and discuss the meaning of God's Word for their lives. Our parish volunteers also incorporate music and other activities into the program. Upon completion of the Liturgy of the Word, the children re-join their parents in the assembly for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
  
  Volunteers to this ministry are accepted from Junior High age on up. Volunteers are asked to lead the proclamation and sharing of the Word about once a month. Those individuals interested but unable to participate monthly are welcome to help whenever they can.
  
  
• NOVENAS: SS Peter & Paul Parish offers two novenas for our parish; one in the Spring and one in the Fall. The Spring novena is in honor of St Anthony of Padua and St. Jude Thaddeus. The novena takes place within the 12:05 p.m. Mass on Tuesdays sometime between March and June. Since the exact dates vary from year to year, notice of the novena is listed in the parish bulletin.
  
  In the Fall the novena is in honor of Our Lady, St. Therese of Lisieux and St. John Neumann. This novena takes place within the 12:05 p.m. Mass for nine consecutive Tuesdays. Notice of this novena is also listed in the parish bulletin.
  
  
• EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Adoration of the Eucharist is offered on the First Friday of each month except during July and August. Participants are asked to sign up for half hour periods in a notebook in the church vestibule.