The Liturgy is a communal activity. One of the ways we can be actively involved is through the various liturgical ministries available to us. These include Lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and ministers of hospitality.

Lectors

The impact of the message of God will depend significantly on the conviction, the preparation and the way the message is given. The reverence for the scriptures is important because the church is an intimate connection between "The Word of God” and "The Eucharist.” “There are two tables at Mass, the table of the word and the table of the Lord’s body and blood. Together they constitute a single place of worship before God. And it is from each of these tables that we are fed, that we receive the bread of life.” (Schellman, James M. "The Ministry of the Lector.” American Magazine Vol. 190 No.11,Whole No. 4646 (March 29, 2004))

Eucharistic Ministers

"The Eucharist is a gift to be given and received. The ritual interaction between the giver and receiver is an expression of the communion that lies at the heart of the church’s identity…’the cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread’ (1 Cor 10:16-17). Paul’s reminder to the church of Corinth continues to be pertinent for every liturgical assembly gathered to celebrate the Eucharist and share in the body and blood of Christ. The Eucharistic ritual action of each assembly is intended to be a manifestation and realization of its shared life in Christ.” (Kelleher, Margarite Mary. "Ministers of Communion.” American Magazine Vol. 190 No.14,Whole No. 4649 (April 19, 2004))

Hospitality Ministers

Greeting people alerts those attending the liturgy to the fact that we are going to do something together. "Welcome" implies "I am happy that you have come." Hospitality Ministers are entrusted with promoting a sense of welcoming and belonging to all the faithful gathered for the liturgy. They are the first point of contact for the communal celebration of the Liturgy. "The ministry of hospitality that we exercise at the Eucharist is not simply a sales device. It must be the liturgical enactment of the hospitality that permeates our daily living. Hospitality is not an add-on; for the Christian, it is the bottom line: 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me’ (Mt 25:34-35)” . (Richstatter, Thomas. "The Ministry of Hospitality.” American Magazine Vol. 190 No.15,Whole No. 4650 (May 3, 2004))

Are you interested in serving as a liturgical minister? If so, please fill out the following form: https://secure.rotundasoftware.com/l/enrollment/xavier.

For more information please contact Dr. Luz Marina Diaz at [email protected] or (212) 627-2100 ext. 207.