The Worship Committee is one of the six coordinating committees of the parish. The purpose of the Worship Committee is to nourish the faith life and spiritual needs of the parish, to educate for liturgy, and to plan, implement and evaluate worship experiences. The interest of the committee is to provide training, resources and scheduling for all of the liturgical ministries that enhance our parish liturgies. The success and growth of these activities depends on the continuing involvement of any interested members of the parish. The Worship Committee meets monthly and “as needed” for liturgical season preparations.

Please keep reading below to learn more about the ministries of the Worship Committee

Altar Servers
Art and Environment
Bereavement
Eucharistic Adoration
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Gift Bearers
Liturgy Planning Team
Marriage Ministry
Ministers of Hospitality/Greeters
Ministers of the Word/Lectors
Sacristans
St. Ann's Altar Society
Tuesday Evening Holy Hour
Ushers
Ministers of Music

Art and Environment
Art and Environment is a committee of artistic individuals who are responsible for planning, preparing and setting up seasonal decor in the Worship space. They meet on a seasonal basis and “as needed” to plan decor for special feasts and liturgical seasons.  All parishioners are welcome to join this committee.

Bereavement
The Bereavement Ministry assists parishioners who have experienced a death in their family. This is a group of volunteers who assist the family with funeral liturgy planning including suggested scripture readings and music selections. Volunteers also assist by preparing a dish of food or deliver the food for the meal after the funeral. Any member of the parish is welcome to participate in this ministry.

Eucharistic Adoration
Eucharistic Adoration offers all parishioners the opportunity for personal prayer and reflection in the presence of Jesus Christ in the form of the Blessed Sacrament. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Tuesday from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm. New Adorers are always welcome and are invited to commit to a specific hour of prayer each Tuesday. Those who cannot commit to a regular weekly hour may sign up as a substitute.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, sometimes referred to as Communion Ministers, assist the priests and deacons in distributing Holy Communion to those who gather for Mass. These ministers are also responsible for washing the Communion vessels after Mass and consuming excess consecrated hosts. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are assigned to serve at Mass on a rotating basis. Any confirmed member of the parish who completes the required training is welcome to participate in this ministry.  Learn more about becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

Gift Bearers
Gift Bearers are representatives of the congregation who, in procession, bring the gifts of bread and wine to the altar at the Preparation of the Gifts and present them to the presider.  Not only are gifts of bread, wine, and our treasure brought forward, but those presenting the gifts represent our offering of our very selves to the Lord. Individuals and family groups of any size are welcome. All parishioners are encouraged to participate in this ministry at least once a year.

Liturgy Planning Team
The Liturgy Planning Team is a group that assists in the planning and implementation of special parish liturgical events.  The team also helps to examine ways to improve the overall liturgies.  Generally, the liturgical planning team helps create the most prayerful experience possible for all who worship at St. Aloysius and ensure that all elements of the Mass “work together” in harmony.  Participants should be willing to dedicate time to the preparation and planning of special parish liturgical events and be willing to be present for special parish liturgical events to help coordinate “behind the scenes.”  Specialized training opportunities are available to team members.

Marriage Ministry
St. Aloysius provides a service to engaged couples which follows them from their first meeting with the priest to the moment they walk down the aisle as husband and wife. This includes Wedding Coordinators who will assist in the preparation of the liturgy, rehearsal and the celebration of the wedding. This also includes Sponsor Couples trained to meet with the engaged couple and discuss what happens after the wedding and throughout married life.

Ministers of Hospitality/Greeters
The Ministers of Hospitality/Greeters create a welcoming atmosphere by greeting those who come to worship at St. Aloysius. These important ministers are often the first person that guests and parishioners encounter when they enter our parish! The Ministers of Hospitality/Greeters also assist in handing out worship aids before Mass. Family teams are very effective as Ministers of Hospitality. Any member of the parish is welcome to participate in this ministry. Ministers of Hospitality/Greeters are assigned to serve at Mass on a rotating basis.

Ministers of the Word/Lectors
Lectors are Ministers of the Word of God in the liturgical assembly. They proclaim the designated scripture readings to us, which is the source of our coming together. A Lector should be capable of speaking with presence, be able to communicate effectively and have the capacity to sustain silence. Both the parish and the Archdiocese provide training for those interested in becoming Lectors. Lectors are assigned to serve at Mass on a rotating basis. Any confirmed member of the parish is welcome to participate in this ministry.

Sacristans
Sacristans take care of the “behind the scenes” duties at Mass.  The Sacristans prepare the bread, wine, and vessels for Mass and also ensure that all other ministers are present. The Sacristan also assists after Mass with securing the collection. Any confirmed member of the parish is welcome to participate in this ministry, and training is provided.  Sacristans are assigned to serve at Mass on a monthly basis.

St. Ann’s Altar Society
St. Ann’s Altar Society assists the liturgy by cleaning the altars and linens; purchasing the wine, hosts, candles and some flowers; and making baptismal robes. Members also make visits to the sick. Meetings, for those who able to attend, are held on the first Friday of each month after the morning Mass. All members of the parish are invited to become a part of the St. Ann’s Altar Society, and volunteers, including individuals, families, and other parish groups, are needed to assist in cleaning the Church and Chapel.

Tuesday Evening Holy Hour
Adoration will conclude each Tuesday with a Holy Hour before Our Lord from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Songs and prayers are followed by Eucharistic Benediction from our deacon or priest. This is an opportunity for those who cannot attend daily Mass or would like to give additional time before Our Lord present in the Holy Eucharist. All parishioners are invited to participate in the Holy Hour.

Ushers
Ushers help ensure that the celebration of Mass runs smoothly for their parish family. Tasks include assisting those who arrive late in finding a seat, tending to the comfort of the community, taking up the collection, having our worship aids when needed, handing out bulletins after Mass, helping to collect worship aids from the pews after Mass, and helping to keep overall order during Mass. Any member of the parish, 9^th grade or older, is welcome to participate in this ministry. Ushers are assigned to serve at Mass on a rotating basis.

Ministers of Music
In addition to singing the Mass each week from the pew, there are a number of opportunities through which you may wish to extend your involvement in the Liturgical Music program:

The Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir is a group of adult singers, who with their love of inspirational choral music of all styles and eras, provides leadership for weekend and seasonal liturgies twelve months out of the year. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. High School students with experience in choral singing are most welcome to join.

The Schola Liturgica
A smaller ensemble of less than 12 voices, the Schola Liturgica sings primarily at the 8:00 am Mass each week. Participation in the group can be on a rotational basis between the other singing groups, so one may have the opportunity to sing on a temporary basis with this group. Generally speaking, the Schola has more limited rehearsal time, so experience in a choral group is usually a prerequisite. Rehearsals are usually combined with the Tuesday evening choir rehearsal schedule, but also scheduled at other available times as needed.

Prophets of Joy
This group is composed of anyone who has a passion for singing/playing and wishes to use their musical talent to serve the church. Currently, this group meets on Sunday afternoons at 3:30 pm, and sings at the 5:00 pm Mass of that day. An eclectic group in age and musical style, the Prophets of Joy is open to anyone who wants to proclaim the joy of the Lord in song.

The Psalmist/Cantor
The Psalmists/Cantors are individual singers who lead the assembly in congregational singing at all liturgies. Cantors should be competent in the basic elements of vocal production and musical notation, along with the ability to learn hymns and responses with limited rehearsal time. The cantor is expected to be an active member of one of the three existing vocal groups: the Choir, the Schola Liturgica, or the Prophets of Joy.

Orchestra
The orchestra provides music for weekly Masses as well as solemnities and feast days. Those with some background and experience in playing an orchestral instrument are encouraged to participate.

The Resurrection Choir
This is a group of volunteers who assist in the time of need for families who have lost loved ones. They provide a valuable service by singing at funeral Masses. At this time there are no regular rehearsals, but from time to time the group will meet for rehearsal and fellowship.