Liturgical Ministries
The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed;
at the same time it is the fount from which all the Church's power flows.
Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, #10
You can help make the liturgy a more powerful, meaningful, prayerful form of worship for us all. To volunteer for any of the liturgical ministries or for more information, contact Joe Kouba at 449-5424 (joe.kouba@newmancentercolumbia.org) or other parish coordinator as listed below.
Worship and Spiritual Development Commission
The Worship and Spiritual Development Commission of the Parish Council sets many of the directions and policies for liturgies at St. Thomas More Newman Center. The commission meets monthly. Activities include liturgical planning, budgeting, ministries recruiting and formation. Representation from student and resident parishioners and liturgical ministries are essential components.
"There are different gifts but the same Spirit; there are different ministries but the same Lord; there are different works but the same God accomplishes all of them in everyone. To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good..." (1 Corinthians 12)
Lectors
After careful preparation and prayer, lectors proclaim the scripture readings (the Word of God) during liturgical celebrations. Orientation for new lectors is in two parts and is typically scheduled in September. Additional times are scheduled as needed.
Eucharistic Ministers
In a spirit of reverence Eucharistic Ministers share the Body and Blood of Christ with the assembly. Eucharistic Ministers must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Orientation for new Eucharistic Ministers is typically scheduled in September and October.
Greeters
As the Body of Christ assembles for worship, greeters welcome all who come to the feast, extending a warm smile and friendly "hello"! Greeter orientation is typically scheduled in September. Additional times are scheduled as needed. (Contact Bill Holtmeyer: 442-1461)
Art and Environment
Artists, craftspeople, florists and decorators prepare the worship space through the use of visual arts, creating an atmosphere which is beautiful and inviting to the assembly of believers. Through this ministry a visual and artistic environment of prayer and celebration is created.
Mass Coordinators
In service to the assembly, Mass Coordinators prepare the worship space for the celebration of the liturgy. They serve as cross bearers in the liturgy. Orientation is done individually.
Altar Servers
Young people (5th grade and up) are eligible to be altar servers, assisting at the altar during the worship celebration. Contact the office (449-5424) for orientation times.
Music Ministry
The music ministry is designed to serve the voice of the worship assembly. Vocalists and a wide variety of instruments (keyboard, guitars, strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion) are essential within the entire music ministry. Weekly rehearsals and occasional workshops develop excellence within the choirs and ensembles.
Rehearsal schedule:
Tuesdays 4:30 5:30 Sunday (LifeTeen)
Tuesdays, 7:00: 5:00 Saturday Choir/Ensemble
Tuesdays 8:30 9:00pm Choir/Ensemble
Wednesdays, 5:30: 11:00 Instrumentalists
Wednesdays, 7:00: 11:00 Choir
Thursdays, 7:00: 9:00am Choir/Ensemble
Summer music rehearsals
5PM, 9AM and 11AM choirs: 7PM on Wednesday
Lifeteen choir: 8PM on Wednesday
Liturgical Drama/Movement
The liturgy is enhanced through creative expression and emphasis. Actors, dancers, and others with a background or interest in theater are welcome. (contact Barbara Dawson: 886-9638)
Audio/Visual Technicians
Sound system and powerpoint operators helpers assist the participation of the assembly within the liturgy.
To volunteer for any of the liturgical ministries or for more information, contact Joe Kouba at 449-5424 (joe.kouba@newmancentercolumbia.org)
The very nature of the liturgy calls for full, conscious, and active participation by all the faithful.
Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, #14