BUNBURY CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL PARISH
Stewardship - A way of life!
Liturgy Ministries
The following are minsitries that are involved in liturgy. Please do not hesitate to contact the parish (9721 2141) office should you feel called to serve in one of these ministries.
Music
Music that blends both spiritual and artistic excellence is liturgically sacred. Such music has the ability to cultivate, strengthen, and deepen the spiritual experience of those gathered for worship. The musical tradition of the Church is a treasure of immeasurable value.
Liturgical music never dominates, but serves. Sacred music imparts spiritual truth to one's mind, heart, and soul. It displays a dimension of meaning and feeling that mere words cannot. Music makes prayer more pleasing, promotes a sense of congregational unity, and confers greater solemnity upon the sacred rites. When deciding which parts of the Mass are to be sung, preference is given to those which are more important especially those which the priest, one of his assistants, or a cantor is to sing in alternation with the people, or which all are to sing together.
Singing is an expression of joy. In Colossians 3:16, St. Paul exhorts the faithful assembled in expectation of their Lord's return to sing together. He says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.., singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Our relationship with God is one of love, and whether we sing loudly or softly, on pitch or out of tune, sing! St. Augustine very rightly says that, "it is natural for a lover to sing." We might also remember the ancient proverb that tells us "those who sing pray twice." So sing your praise, your love song, to God – He will surely be pleased.
Proclaimers of the Word
Proclaimers of the word are called to a solemn and unique ministry as proclaimers of God’s holy Word. In this vital ministry, they serve the entire worshipping community as an instrument of God’s very voice, which is present in the Word.
By virtue of baptism, we are called to reflect the light and the love of Christ to those at home, at work, in your neighbourhood, and to everyone you can. Responding to the call to serve at the Lord’s altar by proclaiming the Word, you will strengthen the faith of the members of the assembly and enable them to share the presence of Christ in their homes, their workplaces, and their interactions with the larger community.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers for the distribution of Holy Communion are properly formed, instructed and commissioned lay persons. Entry to this ministry is usually by invitation of the parish priest. EMHCs may be male or female. These ministers are appointed for a given parish community to aid in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and to the sick and homebound when ordinary ministers of Holy Communion (priest or deacon) are unavailable.
Altar Servers
The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. This is done through specific actions and by setting an example to the congregation by active participation in the liturgy by their actions, singing of hymns, responses of the people, looking alert and sitting or standing at the appropriate times.
Servers carry the cross, the processional candle(s), hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest or deacon during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary.
Altar servers are chosen from among the faithful who display a desire to participate in an intimate way during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is an extreme privilege to kneel so close to the altar as our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, becomes truly present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity upon the altar.
Children who have made their First Holy Communion are legible to become altar servers.
Acolyte
The acolyte is instituted to serve at the altar and to assist the priest and deacon. In particular, it is for him to prepare the altar and the vessels, and if it is necessary, as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, to give communion to the faithful. In the ministry of the altar, the acolyte has special duties which he alone ought to perform. Entry to this ministry is usually by invitation of the parish priest.
The main functions of the Acolyte are to carry the cross in procession, present the book to the priest or deacon whenever necessary, prepare the altar at the Presentation of the Gifts, help the priest in receiving the gifts of the people. Assist the priest in incensing.
A formally instituted acolyte helps the priest or deacon to cleanse and arrange the vessels after communion. In the absence of a deacon, the acolyte carries the sacred vessels to the side and purifies, wipes and arranges them in the customary manner.
At St Patrick’s Cathedral, the acolyte plays an important role ensuring that everything is ready to go for Mass e.g. have all the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion arrived, are there collectors.
Sacristan
The sacristan plays a very important role in the Catholic church ensuring that everything that is needed for Masses, the celebration of sacraments and liturgies is available, set out, and in an appropriate condition suitable for the sacredness of the celebration.
After each celebration the sacristan purifies and cleans the sacred vessels, refills oil candles, pack's away the books used for the celebration, and ensures that all Altar linen (Altar cloths, Corporals, Purificators and Towels) are washed and ironed appropriately. The sacristan also ensures that priests, deacons, acolytes and altar server vestments are clean and ready for use.
Flower Arranging
Beauty is an important dimension in Catholic liturgy and worship. One of the functions of the Flower Ministry is to be sure that the floral arrangements are kept well attended on a weekly basis. Every major feast requires a major time commitment organizing and planning to be sure that St. Patrick’s Cathedral and its altar are decorated to accentuate the beauty of our church and to enhance worship. The Cathedral is fortunate to have a wonderful group of ladies who do a splendid job arranging our flowers.
Bell Ringing
St Patrick’s Cathedral is blessed to have 8 bells with a magnificent bell ringing platform. The bells are rung at special Masses, and for the celebration of feasts such as Christmas and Easter. The Australian and New Zealand Association of Bellringers (ANZAB) Western Australia branch supports the Cathedral with this task, by training parishioners and assisting with ringing on special occasions. A bell ringer needs to be physically fit, have a degree of strength and have natural timing. Practices are held on Saturdays when the ANZAB ringers from Perth are able to come down. This ministry is open to anyone who has a love for bell ringing.
Collecting
The parish is always looking for people who are willing to assist with taking the first and second collections at weekend Mass. Collectors take bags that are placed on the baptistery pews when they enter Mass and liaise with the Acolyte to determine the section of the Cathedral that they will be taking the collection.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held every Friday from 10am to 10pm. There is a roster where parishioners commit an hour to be in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, ensuring there is someone there at all times Please feel free to come in and spend some quite time with our Lord on a Friday.