LITURGY Ministries

ALTAR SOCIETY
On quiet Monday mornings after Mass, happy disciples are at work: dusting, sweeping, pressing and folding, among other inglorious tasks. They are the men and women of our Saint Luke Altar Society. Without this ministry, the sacred vessels needed for Mass would not be ready, the sanctuary would not be clean, the linens used for sacred worship would not be laundered, ironed, and folded. We take care of the flowers on the altar, the decorations, and the overall look and appearance of the Church.
 
Other members of our Altar Society work twice a year, prepping the church for Christmas and Easter, decorating, setting up the special look of the liturgical season.
 
Although this ministry works in the background, it is an invaluable part of the worship of the community!  
 
Who can help: ANYONE! Students grades 4 and older with their parents, Teenagers (16-18), and adults!
 
When: Monday mornings normally take about 2 hours, but some of our volunteers come for as long as they can, and sometimes once or twice or month as their calendar permits. For the volunteers who work on Christmas or Easter decoration days, the volunteer time takes 5 hours twice a year.
 
Point of Contact: Mary Ann Huerstel

READERS
Readers have a critical role in the celebration of the Mass.  The Scriptural Readings of each Mass are meant to come alive, allowing God to speak to his people.  A Reader accepts the responsibility to prepare well and to continually seek ways of improving his/her ability to proclaim God’s Word through prayer, a continued reception of the sacraments, and bible studies. Readers proclaim the first reading, usually from the Old Testament, and the second reading, usually from the New Testament. In the absence of a choir or a cantor, the Reader also proclaims the responsorial psalm.  In the absence of a deacon, the Reader may be asked to lead the Prayers of the Faithful.

Who can help: Readers must have received the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist, be practicing Catholics, distinguished in their Christian life, faith and morals, have public speaking skills to proclaim the Word of God before the congregation, demonstrate a reverence and devotion to the Scriptures. Readers must have undergone the Archdiocese of New Orleans training.

Point of Contact: Kay Guard, Pastoral Secretary

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SACRED SERVERS
To be a Sacred Server is to assist the parish in worshipping God, by reverent and faithful service. To be "sacred" is to be set apart, holy, consecrated. As a Sacred Server, you are given the opportunity to discover how sacred God made you, while holding and caring for sacred things, and a fellowship with others just like you who are learning how to serve God in small ways, so as to discern how to serve Him with your whole life. The purpose of Sacred Serving is (1) to worship and glorify God, (2) to serve God and His Church, (3) to grow in holiness, and (4) to evangelize others. A member of our Sacred Servers of our young Church who have demonstrated exceptional reverence and generosity to teach and lead others are nominated each year for the Archdiocese of New Orleans Altar Server of the Year award.


Who can help: Anyone who has received Baptism and First Communion and who has been trained by our clergy.

Point of Contact: Johanna Braud or Dave Vedros

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION (at the Holy Mass, for homebound parishioners, and for those at hospitals and nursing homes)
In every celebration of the Eucharist, there should be a sufficient number of ministers of Holy Communion so that it may be distributed in a reverent and orderly manner. Bishops, priests and deacons distribute Holy Communion in virtue of their office as ordinary ministers of the Body and Blood of the Lord.  When the size of the congregation or the incapacity of the bishop, priest, or deacon requires it, the celebrant may be assisted by other bishops, priests, or deacons. If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, "the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose. In case of necessity, the priest may also depute suitable faithful for this single occasion (GIRM 162)." At Saint Luke, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion receive spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence. They follow the guidance of the pastor and our archbishop. All ministers of Holy Communion should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their demeanor, their attire, and the manner in which they handle the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

There are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who serve in different capacities:

• EMHC at the Holy Mass serve at the altar of Saint Luke according to their set dates and Mass times
• EMHC who serve our parishioners who are homebound
• EMHC who serve at local hospitals in our area
• EMHC who serve at local nursing homes

Who can help: Only adults (18 years and older) and who have received the sacraments of Baptism and First Communion and who have undergone the Archdiocese of New Orleans training after permission from the Pastor. Special permission has been granted by Archbishop Aymond which permits High School seniors to serve as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion after completing specialized training. This special permission expires upon graduation. Any student wishing to continue service as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion must complete training for adults. The EMHC who serve outside of the parish for our homebound parishioners and for those in nursing homes and hospitals attend specialized training in order to serve in the community.

When? Mass EMHC volunteers schedule their time according to the calendar through our special Ministry Schedule App at the Mass of their choice. Other EMHC (Homebound, Nursing Home, and Hospital) schedule according to their ministry and according to the pastor's direction.

Point of Contact: Kay Guard, Pastoral Secretary

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ADULT SACRISTANS
Adult Sacristans serve the liturgy by assisting the priests, deacons, and Sacred Servers to prepare for Masses, maintain the sacristy area, and assist Mass Captains to make sure that Masses and special liturgies (like baptisms, weddings, and funerals) run smoothly and reverently.

Who can help: Adults who have been trained by our clergy

Point of Contact: Dave Vedros

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USHERS
Ushers are a friendly, welcoming face for parishioners as they enter mass who distribute bulletins and take up the collections.

Who can help: Anyone fourth grade or older who is able to follow directions and has a joyous disposition.

Point of Contact: ​Alden ​Hufft