Liturgy Committee
The Liturgy Committee works in consultation with the Pastor and the Pastoral Staff in the preparation and celebration of the liturgical seasons and the sacraments. The committee also promotes the work and training of parishioners for liturgical ministers. The committee studies and keeps informed of the current policies and publications of the Liturgical Commission of the Archdiocese and continues to implement the work of Vatican Council II.
Altar Society
The Altar Society of St. John’s is a group from the Parish who offer their dedicated service to the Church. We are involved in the life of the Church in a special way. Through our efforts, we assist the Pastor in maintaining the Altar, Sanctuary and Sacristy. This includes cleaning and setting of the Altar for Services, caring for the vestments, Altar cloths, etc. We also decorate for special occasions and care for the plants and flowers.
Altar Servers
It is a special privilege for a young person to serve at Mass. Parents should consider the serving of Mass as part of their child’s religious education and encourage their youngsters to strive to attain this goal. Youths in grade 4 and older may participate in this very special ministry. Contact us if you have children that are interested in participating in this ministry.
Lectors
Effective proclaiming of the Word of God at the Liturgy is the responsibility of the person who serves as Lector. During Liturgy, we not only hear the Scriptures, but we receive them just as those first Christians did. Anyone interested in this ministry will receive training in proper techniques and delivery.
Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers are key laypersons within the Church. They assist the whole community in the Communion rite. Their primary obligation is to assist the priest in distributing Holy Communion when priests and deacons are not available. In our parish, they assist in this sacred duty at each Sunday Mass and on any other occasion when they may be needed.
Ushers
Our ushers are part of the initial greeters to all who come to Mass at St. John the Evangelist. They are identified by an “Usher” badge. Their contact with the parish family carries through the collection, offertory procession, Eucharist and dismissal at the conclusion of Mass. Ushers serve by keeping good order in the Church, ensure the environment is satisfactory, and assist those with special needs.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
The mission of the Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is to celebrate the Word of God, to have children hear and relate to weekend readings in language suitable for them. CLOW is geared towards children aged 5 to 12. The Sunday Gospel is read and discussion or an activity is conducted by an assigned presenter. The idea is to make the readings relative and memorable to the children and to enhance their worship experience. The children return to the assembly in the main church during the preparation of the gifts as together, we celebrate Eucharist around the table as one family of faith.
Liturgical Music
St. John’s has a steady reputation for excellent worship service music from classical through gospel, and modern praise and worship. Everyone is welcome to participate either in one of our choirs or simply in your worship at Holy Mass.