Nativity of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church
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extraordinary ministers of holy communion

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

A Ministry of Service
“All for the Eucharist; nothing for me.” (St. Margaret Mary Alacoque)

Ministers of Holy Communion are those members of the parish who assist our priests and deacons in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. They may also distribute the Eucharist to the sick at home, in hospitals, or nursing facilities. Eucharistic Ministers must have received the sacrament of Confirmation. Specific instruction is required for every person who becomes a Eucharistic Minister.

  • If you are feeling ill, please do not serve.
  • Dress appropriately for Mass.
  • Arrive approximately fifteen minutes before the beginning of Mass.
  • Ensure all candles in the sanctuary are lit.
  • Verify towels, purificators, lavabo, etc. are prepared for Mass.
  • Be prepared to process from the narthex; carry the cross if no altar servers are present.
  • Assist with serving at the altar when no servers are present.
  • Assist the priest or deacon with the bread, wine, and water; purifying the priest’s hands with the lavabo and towel.
  • Ring the bells during the epiclesis and consecration.
  • Provide the priest or deacon hand sanitizer when requested.
  • Approach the altar after the priest consumes the Precious Blood.
  • Handle the ciborium reverently, with two hands.
  • If a Host falls to the floor, either have the communicant consume or return the Host to the priest.
  • Assist the priest or deacon when purifying vessels at the altar.
  • Take the vessels to the sacrarium after Mass.
  • Rinse the purificator in the sacrarium and place it in the basket. Wash the vessels with soap and water, but do not submerge.
  • Return the vessels to the sacristy
Lectors

Lectors

A Ministry of the Word

“Learn the heart of God from the Word of God.” (St. Gregory the Great)

Lectors proclaim the Readings and Prayers of the Faithful at Mass. Individuals with natural gifts such as strong and clear voices are encouraged to volunteer and be trained to serve in this ministry. Through study and prayer, the Lector develops an understanding of the Word of God and its importance in our celebration of faith.

  • Review and prepare the readings before arriving at Mass.
  • Dress appropriately for the celebration of Mass.
  • Arrive approximately fifteen minutes before the beginning of Mass.
  • Review the readings and the Prayers of the Faithful.
  • Verify with the priest if there is a short or long form of a reading.
  • If a deacon is serving, he will proclaim the Prayers of the Faithful.
  • Be prepared to process from the narthex; carry the Book of the Gospels if no deacon is present.
  • Place the Book of the Gospels flat on the center of the altar.
  • Proclaim the readings with reverence and passion.
  • Read the announcements after the Prayer after Communion, when prompted by the priest.
Ushers

Ushers

A Ministry of Hospitality

“All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Proper honor must be shown to all, especially to those who share our faith and to pilgrims. ” (Rule of St. Benedict, no. 53)

Welcome parishioners and visitors to each of the weekend Masses at Nativity of Our Lord. Our Ushers greet parishioners as they enter church, provide assistance, help seat parishioners, take up collections, distribute the Bulletin, and generally oversee the congregation’s well-being during liturgical services. This is a ministry in which the whole family can participate together, as men and women are invited to participate in this ministry.

  • Dress appropriately for the celebration of Mass.
  • Arrive approximately twenty minutes before the beginning of Mass.
  • Ensure all plastic holders contain an adequate number of bulletins.
  • Warmly greet all parishioners and visitors.
  • This may be the first time someone has ever come to a Catholic church.
  • Select a family or couple to bring forward the gifts of bread and wine.
  • Ensure there are four ushers to gather the collection.
  • Properly seal the collection in the tamper-proof bags.
  • Proceed down the Thorn Avenue side aisle to deposit the collection bag in the drop.
  • Two adults should take the collection to the sacristy hallway.
  • Assist with the flow of communicants toward the altar.
  • Warmly thank all parishioners and visitors for praying with us as they leave.
  • Ensure the plastic holders are restocked with bulletins
Panera bread pick up and delivery

Panera Bread

A Ministry of Service

“You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. That’s how prayer works.” (Pope Francis)

The Panera Bread Delivery Ministry transports surplus food from local Panera Bread restaurants to soup kitchens and shelters. The Orchard Park Panera serves three local food pantries on various days of the week. Anyone (retirees, working people, students, at-home parents, professionals) in the Erie County region can be a Panera Bread volunteer driver; it fits into any schedule – weekdays and weekends available.

  • Pick up on Assigned Nights at 9pm from Panera Bread on N. Buffalo Road in Village of OP Store Overnight (at residence) – No Perishable Items will be Included
  • Drop to Food Pantry the following Morning – Approx 9:30am Call Food Pantry to Ensure Someone will be There
  • Participating Food Pantries:
    Lackawanna Food Pantry: 75 Caldwell Street, Lackawanna, NY | (716) 829-9584
    Genesis Center: 2161 Seneca Street (back of building), Buffalo, NY | (716) 822-1900
    Colden Food Pantry: 8745 Supervisor Ave, Colden, NY | (716) 628-8889