St. Andrew the Apostle Church
3500 School Lane
Drexel Hill, PA 19026
610-259-1169
info@standrewdh.org
Parish Liturgical Ministries
There are many opportunities to serve St. Andrew Parish through a variety of liturgical ministries to our Church.
The liturgy is the central gathering of the Catholic faith, and liturgies at St. Andrew are greatly enhanced by the participation of the laity. St. Andrew Parish encourages all parishioners to share their time and talents by involving themselves in the liturgy through attendance, participation, and service.
Choir
Each choir member joins the assembly in solemnizing those liturgical celebrations whose importance demands the presence of a choir. The choir is an integral part of the music ministry of the parish and serves the assembly by adding beauty and solemnity to the liturgy.
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Special Skills:
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Enthusiasm for singing
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Able to carry a tune
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Desire to sing with the group is the main quality required
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Special vocal talent is not necessary
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Ability to read music is not necessary
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Contact: Mr. Jerry Troy
610-626-5486
Cantors
The Cantor leads the assembly in common sacred songs and in the responsorial Psalm. The cantor is a minister of music and a servant of God's people for he/she leads the people in their prayerful response to God.
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Special Skills:
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Musically inclined
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Able to carry a tune
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Good sense of rhythm
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Vocal talent
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Sufficient courage to sing in front of assembly
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Contact: Mr. Jerry Troy
610-626-5486
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
In every celebration of the Eucharist, there should be a sufficient number of ministers of Holy Communion so that it may be distributed in a reverent and orderly manner. Bishops, priests and deacons distribute Holy Communion in virtue of their office as ordinary ministers of the Body and Blood of the Lord.
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When the size of the congregation or the incapacity of the bishop, priest, or deacon requires it, the celebrant may be assisted by other bishops, priests, or deacons. If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, "the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose. In case of necessity, the priest may also depute suitable faithful for this single occasion (GIRM 162)."
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Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should receive sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence. Each will attend a workshop conducted through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and upon completion, will be commissioned by the Archbishop for a period of 3 years.
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All ministers of Holy Communion should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their demeanor, their attire, and the manner in which they handle the consecrated bread or wine. Once commissioned, the minister is permitted to serve only in his/her home parish.
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Ministers also bring the Holy Eucharist to the homebound and sick of the Parish on Sundays following Mass.
Lectors
For the purpose of assisting the work of the common priesthood of the faithful, the role of the Lector serves as a vital part of the liturgy in accord with liturgical traditions and pastoral needs. Readers exercise a genuine liturgical function.
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Lectors proclaim the readings during the liturgy to speak the Word of God to the assembly with reverence and respect to the Mass.
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This role is open to all and proper training is required through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at an appropriate workshop.
Altar Servers
Altar servers help to foster a spirit of worship and nurture Catholic belief while serving in the sanctuary on Sundays, Holy Days and during the week.
Servers are also present for weddings, funerals and other parish religious celebrations.
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This service to our Parish is open to all boys and girls from the 4th - 8th grade. A special training program is conducted for all new servers.
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Please contact the Parish Offices at 610-259-1169 or speak with Deacon Tom if your child is interested in this beautiful service.
Youth Ensemble
Under the direction of Mr. Jeff Braconnier, all parish children in grades 4-8 are invited to participate in the St. Andrew Youth Ensemble. Practices are Monday afternoons and the Youth Ensemble will sing at the 12:30pm Mass on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Children are encouraged to join in praising God through the gift of song.
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Please contact Mr. Braconnier at jbraconnier@standrewdh.org for further information or to register your child.
Ushers
Ushers are Ministers of Hospitality - men and women who volunteer to greet and assist the congregation with seating. They direct the collection of parishioners' offerings and coordinate the procession of gifts with them at the Offertory.
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Contact:
Chris Petitpren
610-622-4175
Liturgy Committee
The Liturgy Committee is composed of representatives of various parish ministries who work together to serve our community in carrying out the Church’s plan of worship. In addition to special seasonal liturgical events, the work of the liturgy committee will focus on “the basics” — doing the fundamental actions of welcoming, Word, and Eucharist exceedingly well, week after week.
Contact:
Msgr. Grous
610-259-1169
Respect Life
The Respect Life Ministry provides an opportunity for the faithful to work and pray together for the end of abortion and to promote and protect all human life from conception to natural death. We have many opportunities to sponsor and participate in activities to this end.
Contacts:
Mary Raphael Vantine
610-613-7481
Garden Club
The Garden Club volunteers provide seasonal assistance in beautifying the Parish and School grounds. This includes planting, weeding and overall ground beautification maintenance. If you love the outdoors and enjoy making beautiful spaces, your help is always needed and appreciated.
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Contact:
Fran Sherman
610-259-1339
Altar Society
The Altar Society cleans the sanctuary, sacristy and confessionals. They also care for the altar linens and missalettes in the pews. The time commitment for this ministry is less than 2 hours per month.
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Contact:
Parish Offices
610-259-1169
Collection Counters
Counters verify and record donations as collected each Sunday and Holy Day. Collection Counting teams share the responsibilities and rotate throughout the calendar year.
All counters must be approved by the Pastor and individuals may also offer their services on a substitute basis.
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Contact:
Parish Offices
610-259-1169
Pastoral Council
Parish Pastoral Council fosters participation of the entire parish in the life and mission of the Church. The Council, as a consultative body, advises and assists the Pastor in areas of pastoral concern. It develops and recommends parish pastoral plans through consensus in an atmosphere of prayerful reflection. Members represent the entire parish, recognizing and reflecting the parish's diversity.
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Contact:
Msgr. Grous
610-259-1169