Liturgy / Worship

First and foremost, liturgy is the work of ALL the people! The assembly, all of us in the pews and on the altar, is the primary sign of the presence of Christ. The liturgy, the work of the people on behalf of the many, is the source and summit of our Christian life. Good celebrations of liturgy nourish faith; poor celebrations diminish faith. Here at St. Pascal's we are committed to doing liturgy which will foster and nourish faith, encouraging the full, conscious, and active participation of all the baptized.

In attending to the liturgy, certain roles or ministries are necessary to assist the work of the people:

Altar Server | Children's Liturgy of the Word | Communion Minister | Lector | Petitioner | Greeter | Usher | Music Ministry | Cantor | Choirs | Instrumentalist | Pianist | Lay Prayer Presiders | Liturgical Art and Environment | Liturgical Ministers for Funerals

For further information about each of these ministries contact Sharon Balcom at 651-774-1585 ext. 126.

Altar Server Altar Servers are needed to assist the presider and the assembly at each liturgy. This ministry is open to all in the parish grade 5 through adults. New servers are trained each year and update training is provided for specific liturgies of Christmas and Easter seasons. Adults provide server ministry for parish adult funerals. Training for new servers is provided each fall season. Children's Liturgy of the Word Adults and senior high students are invited to prepare the Liturgy of the Word with elementary children on Sunday's. Following the opening prayer of the Sunday liturgies, the children and a lay leader are dismissed to the chapel where the day's readings are proclaimed, listened to and broken open. Prayer and study of the Sunday scriptures is a requirement. Contact Kim Roering at 651-774-1585 ext. 134. Communion Minister Extraordinary ministers of Communion are designated to assist the priest presider in the distribution of the Sacrament under the forms of both bread and wine. They also assist with the cleaning and setting up of the Eucharistic vessels and the bread and wine needed for the assigned liturgy. Training is provided and necessary updating is required. Lector When the Word is proclaimed in the Church, it is God who speaks to the people, and it is Christ, present in his Word, who proclaims the Gospel. The lector's role is to proclaim the Word of God in the Sacred Scriptures at Sunday and daily liturgies. This ministry is open to teenagers and adults who have celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation. Training and yearly update is provided and necessary to good proclamation. Petitioner This is a continuing role of the Lector. The petitioner is one who reads through the petitions previous to the liturgy, holds them in their heart as the Word of God is proclaimed. In light of the Word and homily, the petitioner then leads the assembly in exercising their priestly function lifting to God the needs of all human beings. Training and yearly update is provided and necessary to this ministry. Greeter It is a mission of the Church to recognize Christ in each person. The Greeters are the first people to welcome each person as Christ and they then continue to promote a climate of hospitality of the baptized community to all who enter our doors. Training is required and provided both before and on a continuing basis. Usher Ushers continue the welcoming presence of the Greeter and directly assist with the celebration of the liturgy in seating people before the liturgy begins and then promoting a climate of liturgical prayer during the celebration. They assist with the collection of our monetary offering, the procession of the Gifts, communion and other processions. They see to the general appearance of the room (books and worship aides) and are alert to people with special needs as well as capably handling other situations which arise. Training is required and provided both before and on a continuing basis. Music Ministry The liturgy is nobler when the rites are celebrated with singing. The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value and forms an integral part of the liturgy. Music ministers in their various capacities foster and encourage the active participation of the people in singing. The talents and skills of the St. Pascal Community are called forth to serve in this capacity.

Cantor The cantor is particularly responsible for the singing of the psalms and litanies and also leads and animates the people in their work of singing the liturgy. It is important to lead prayerfully and with capable voice quality and enunciation for people to hear and understand the texts. The cantor also encourages the people to greater participation in their role as a singing assembly. Cantors usually minister alone, however they may be asked to join with another on occasion. Music proficiency is required and ongoing cantor development is provided on a seasonal basis or as needed. Choirs Choirs form part of the assembly of the faithful, but have a special function. Each choir or instrumentalist(s) serve to enhance the sung prayer of the community as well as to offer occasional meditative or festival works. Adult Choir (SATB - 4 part choir) meets on Wednesday evenings, 7:00 to 8:30pm in the music room and sings approximately twice per month as well as the major feasts and seasons of the liturgical year. The repertoire includes a wide variety of styles of music and instrumentation. This choir is open to all in the parish. No audition is required. Music Groups - the Contemporary Ensemble and the Singing Ensemble are small groups who minister approximately every three weeks. Rehearsals are necessary for good music leadership and each has rehearsals scheduled periodically before their scheduled mass. Handbell Choir rehearses one hour a week after 3:30pm on Wednesdays depending on the availability of the members. The 2 octave handbells could use 5-6 ringers. Ability to read music is required. Instrumentalist Instrumentalists who have presented a level of competency and training are invited to step forward on an 'as needed' basis to add to the splendor of the liturgical celebration. A prerequisite meeting with the music minister is necessary to ascertain competency level. Pianist Accompany groups and cantors during the liturgy. A level of competency and training is required as well as ongoing liturgical formation. Lay Prayer Presiders Assist in leading the 7:30am Monday Communion Prayer Services for the community, lead Morning and Evening prayer and vigil prayer services. Training is required and provided. Liturgical Art and Environment This ministry functions at two levels. A smaller group studies, plans and somewhat designs the seasonal atmosphere of the church, outside and inside. The larger group comes for the specific role of placing the array of banners and flowers enhancing the beauty of our worship space, gathering space and outside area in accord with the liturgical seasons of the Church year. All are welcome to be a part of this ministry. Liturgical Ministers for Funerals Adults, men and women, assist with funerals as sacristans, altar servers, ministers of hospitality, lectors, and communion ministers. top