LITURGICAL MINISTIRES
My name is Rich Russo. I have been a lector at St. Timothy’s since 1997. I come before you today representing all of the people who have served in the many liturgical ministries of our parish over the past 50 years.
The Vatican II document Sacrosanctum Concilium teaches us that the liturgy is the source and summit of our faith. In liturgy, we come together as community to praise God in thanksgiving for the great gifts God has given to us, and to offer back to God not only bread and wine that become Jesus’ body and blood, but also to offer in gratitude the gift of our very selves. Through this action, we become the Body of Christ, nourished by the Eucharist to be that presence of Christ to all. The celebration of the Eucharist is central to our lives of faith. Liturgy happens again and again, week in and week out, seemingly without effort. But it is only through great and diligent effort that liturgy is celebrated seamlessly.
Our liturgies are enlivened by the participation of so many people. Lay women and men proclaim the Word of God and assist in the distribution of Holy Communion as Extraordinary Ministers. Talented musicians of our Children’s Choir, Youth Ensemble and Adult Choirs sustain and enrich our worship through the gift of music and song. Dedicated young people assist as altar servers. Others serve as greeters and ushers and many others offer their time and talent quietly and less visibly by baking bread for the Eucharist, caring for our altar linens, or arranging and caring for the altar decorations. All of these efforts contribute immeasurably to beautiful, reverent and worthy liturgical celebrations at St. Timothy’s.
We ask that all who have served in any of these liturgical ministry capacities over the past 50 years, as well as current and former staff members who have worked to help nourish and encourage these ministries, to please stand as we ask God’s blessing on you.
BLESSING (by Cardinal) Gracious God,
Your beloved Son has shown us that true worship comes from humble and contrite hearts. Bless our brothers and sisters who have committed themselves to serving you in the liturgy. Grant that the light of Christ may shine through them; that their preparations may remind us to prepare our hearts for worship; that the beauty created in song by our musicians may echo always in our hearts; and that the presence of all liturgical ministers may make all who enter this church always feel welcome in God’s house. Grant that their ministry may be fruitful and our worship may be always pleasing.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN