LITURGY
Altar Servers
Both boys and girls from sixth through high school have the opportunity at St. Matthew to assist the priests at parish liturgies as altar servers. A reverent demeanor and a conscientious commitment to serving assignments are essential attributes of a server. (Loretta Oakley, 359-4224; loakley@stmatt.net)
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Lectors
The Sacred Scriptures are an essential part of the liturgy. Therefore, the ministry of lector requires not only good public speaking skills, but a desire to proclaim the Word of God with reverence and conviction. Lectors must be confirmed Catholics living in communion with the Church. At St. Matthew, two separate schedules of lectors provide service to the weekend and weekday Masses. (Loretta Oakley, 359-4224; loakley@stmatt.net)
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Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
Extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist have the sacred privilege and responsibility of assisting the priests of St. Matthew Parish in the distribution of Holy Communion. Those who serve in this ministry do so upon invitation of the pastor. After completing the training, extra-ordinary ministers are commissioned and generally serve twice a month.
(Loretta Oakley, 359-4224; loakley@stmatt.net).
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Sacristans
Scristans are asked to assist the priest in the care of the scristy, the altar, the sacred vessels and other items used at each weekend Mass. They make a commitment to be at their assigned Mass on a regular basiss to assist the priest in setting up and preparing for each Mass. It is a way of increasing one's knowledge, love and devotion of the Mass and to make sure that all weekend Masses lift the hearts and minds of the people to God. If you are interested, please see Father Merdian. (Fr. Merdian, 359-4224; frmerdian@stmatt.net)
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Ushers
In a parish as large as St. Matthew, the ushers provide an invaluable service in maintaining order and direction as well as welcoming visitors and newcomers on Sundays and Holydays. They also collect the offerings of the congregation at Mass and lend a helping hand as needed. Ushers generally volunteer for a consistent Mass time from week to week and their service at each Mass is coordinated by a head usher. (Doug Eppich, 352-4549;deppich@waterflowconsultants.com)
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Greeters
The St. Matthew Greeter Program ministers by providing a warm and spiritual welcome to parishioner and visitors at all weekend Masses. Its purpose stems from the Book of Hebrews 13:2, "do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this, some have entertained angels without knowing it." Hospitality to visitors by Christians was a hallmark of the early Church and even St. Benedict stated, "Let every guest be received as Christ." Greeters are scheduled for each weekend Mass and assist the ushers in providing information, answering common questions and handling out parish bulletins. Greeters make a commitment to volunteer once or twice a month, arrive fifteen minutes before Mass and assist for a few minutes after Mass. (Catherine Sommers, 355-3847, st.mattgreeters@yahoo.com)
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Cantors
The function of a cantor is to promote singing on the part of the congregation during liturgies. A cantor needs a strong voice, but need not be a soloist. This ministry requires competence with reading music, clear enunciation, and singing on pitch. (Loretta Oakley, 359-4224; loakley@stmatt.net)
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Instrumentalists
The primary instrument in leading the congregation of St. Matthew in song is the organ. However, there are many opportunities to utilize other instruments in enhancing the liturgies. String, brass, woodwind players are all invited to share their talents. (Loretta Oakley, 359-4224; loakley@stmatt.net)
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Adult Choir
A non-audition volunteer group, the St. Matthew Adult Choir sings mainly at the 9:30am Mass on the first and third Sundays of the month from September through May, Christmas Eve, the Triduum, Confirmation, Advent Vespers and other major events of the liturgical year. The repertoire of the Adult Choir includes Gregorian chant, great masters as well as contemporary composers. Some music is simple two-part while other selections are more academic and
sophisticated. The Adult Choir meets Thursday evenings in the choir loft from 7:00-8:15pm. These rehearsals not only improve basic music skills but also provide an opportunity for camaraderie with fellow parishioners who enjoy using their musical gifts to enhance the worship of the entire community. (Loretta Oakley, 359-4224; loakley@stmatt.net)
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Children’s Choir
The St. Matthew Children’s Choir includes students from St. Matthew School as well as other school-age children of the parish from grades two to six. This choir routinely sings at the 9:30am Mass on the second and fourth Sundays of the month from September through May, Christmas Eve, Palm Sunday and First Communion. Participation in this choir at an early age teaches proper church etiquette and familiarizes the children with the Order of the Mass. The philosophy of this choral group is that the musical contributions, although secondary, do improve and expand with maturity and time. What is important is that the children take pride in having made a special contribution to the sacred liturgies and prayer life of their parish family. The Children’s Choir meets for rehearsals in the choir loft on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-7:30pm.(Loretta Oakley, 359-4224; loakley@stmatt.net)
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Handbell Choir
A subset of the Children’s Choir, the St. Matthew Handbell Choir consists of fifth and sixth graders of the parish school who meet during the school day at a time commensurate with their regular school curriculum AND Tuesday evenings, 7:00 – 8:00pm. The members of this choir are members of the Children’s Choir who have the added challenge of ensemble work. The bells are enjoyed by everyone, giving the players a new dimension in reading music and an opportunity to produce a new and unique sound. Handbell players follow the same Sunday Mass schedule as the other children of the Choir. (Loretta Oakley, 359-4224; loakley@stmatt.net)
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