Parish Liturgical Ministries
There are many opportunities to serve Saint Andrew Parish through a variety of liturgical ministries to our Church.
The liturgy is the central gathering of the Catholic faith, and liturgies at Saint Andrew are greatly enhanced by the participation of the laity. Saint 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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)."
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should receive sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence.
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.
Extraordinary Ministers also bring the Holy Eucharist to the homebound and sick of the Parish.
Extraordinary Ministers are chosen at the discretion of
Msgr Grous.
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.
Lectors read during the liturgy to speak the Word of God to the assembly with reverence and respect to the Mass.
This role is open to all.
Contact: Fran Crowley
610-626-7134
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.
This service to our Parish is open to all boys and girls from the 5th - 8th grade. A special training program is conducted for all new servers.
Please contact the Parish Offices at
610-259-1169 or speak with Msgr Grous if your
child is interested in this beautiful service.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is appropriate for children in pre-school through 2nd grade. During the Sunday celebration of the liturgy and prior to the first reading, the group of children will gather together in the School Hall. The liturgy will continue to be celebrated with the reading of Scripture at the children's level and will contain an explanation of Scripture which they will understand and appreciate.
The Children's Liturgy of the Word follows the same structure as the adult liturgy: Old Testament Reading, Responsorial Psalm, New Testament Reading, Gospel Acclamation, Gospel Proclamation, reflection and interactive discussion led by the children's minister of the Word, Creed and Prayer of the Faithful.
Children rejoin the congregation for the presentation of the gifts.
CLOW is offered to the children during the seasons of Advent and Lent at the 10am Sunday Mass.
Children do not need to register to attend CLOW. It is open to all children in pre-school through 2nd grade. Adult and high school parishioners are welcome to volunteer.
Volunteers are always needed to assist with the liturgy presentation as well as assisting. Open to all adults and high school students.
Please contact:
Tina Gordon 610-626-5674
Erica Zwilling 610-259-8751
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.
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
Leslie Fitzpatrick
610-853-6304
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.
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.
Contact:
Mary Walsh
610-626-0949
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.
Contact:
Parish Offices
610-259-1169
Rectory Assistants
Adult members of the parish assist the parish secretaries with answering phones, handling scrip transactions, recording Mass intentions, greeting parishioners and visitors to the Rectory and providing general information to answer questions.
General secretarial skills are a plus and a cheerful, enthusiastic attitude is a must.
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.
Contact:
Msgr. Grous
610-259-1169