Ministry Positions

St. Peter Celestine Church depends upon many volunteers to fulfill the regular ministry needs of the church and the Liturgy of the Mass. Listed here are some of the positions:

• Altar Server

  Eligibility

  • Elementary school students who have received Holy Communion are welcome to assist as Altar Servers. Every altar server must attend every Mass they are scheduled for. When a server cannot be present, that server must arrange for a replacement. Initial training is provided. Contact the office for further information.
  • Parents, speak to your children at length about why they would like to become Altar Server. Altar Servers should be a young boy or girl who display a desire to serve in a more intimate way during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is an extreme privilege to kneel so close to the altar as our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, becomes truly present, body, blood, soul and divinity, at the moment of Consecration. A server is uniquely joined in the Heavenly Supper of the Lamb and serves in the company of those eternally singing "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! Accordingly, a server has a solemn responsibility to do the assigned duties with attention, dignity and reverence.
  • As Jesus "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant . . ." servers should set aside their own liturgical preferences and attend to every action of the Divine Liturgy as a team, all rehearsing the pageant in the same manner and style as their companion servers under the authority of the Bishop.
     

  Vocations: What parents should know

  • The organization of Altar Servers is a very fertile ground wherein the diocese can foster vocations to the priesthood. Thus, the members should be given the basic teachings of the Catholic Church and guided into a life of piety and service. This Religious Instruction Guidebook is intended to supplement the formation they receive from their catechism classes in school or other settings.
  • For the members who are not called to become priests, the doctrine that they learn will be very useful in their response to the vocation received through the sacrament of Baptism - the universal call to holiness, the sanctification of ordinary work and duties, and the spirituality and apostolate of the laity and its role in the mission of the Church - all of which flow from the new and invigorating insights provided by the Second Vatican Council.
     

  Parents:

  Please read the Altar Server’s Manual with your children. Again, and again.

  Altar Server’s Manual
   

• Choir

  Overview:

  The choir member is leading, enabling and proclaiming the Good News in the context of music in Catholic Worship. The Vatican II documents on Sacred Liturgy state that the function of the choir is to help the congregation in finding its voice to praise God as well as to edify the body. The choir helps the community to re-member itself. It is a ministry of the Word which taps into the past, reminds us of the present, and reveals to us the future.

  Activities / Responsibilities:

  • Members are asked to attend rehearsal during the choir season.
  • Choir members are to be dedicated to the Mass and are encouraged to read the Sunday readings as part of their preparation for their ministry.
  • Choir members should have fun and enjoy the gift that God gives in sharing time and talent with other choir members and with the larger community.
  • Regarding the Adult Choir, all people High School age and beyond are encouraged to participate.
  • Choir members are asked to make a commitment to the ministry. They are encouraged to stay for several years, if at all possible.
     

  Skills, Experience, and Qualifications:

  • Is an active participant in parish worship.
  • Choir members are asked to come with enthusiasm, an ability to sing and listen, and a desire to have fun in working as a team.
  • Choir members should also be aware of the document, Music in Catholic Worship, so they understand their role in the Liturgy.
  • They are encouraged to be leaders in the assembly regarding singing in the Church.
     

  Personal Traits and Qualities:

  • Desires to serve the community and to commit time and talents to this ministry.
  • Is honest, trustworthy and enthusiastic.
  • Is able to communicate well with others.
  • Has the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
  • Is comfortable with being accountable and is sensitive to the observance of proper boundaries.
     

  Orientation and Training:

  • Provided by the Choir Master (designated parishioner)
     
• Cleaner

  Overview:

  To provide cleaning services to the parish of St. Peter Celestine Church.

  Importance to the Church:

  The sacred space of the sanctuary should be treated with dignity and respect. The space of the Church is seen as sacred space, that is, an area where the community celebrates and praises God. Therefore, those who keep the space clean and prepared for worship are giving a great gift to the assembly.

  There is also the personal satisfaction achieved from the fact that you are preparing the Church for all of the community to celebrate the Lord’s presence in Word and Eucharist.

  Activities / Responsibilities:

  • To be responsible for ensuring that the Church is cleaned and ready for all services (including funerals and weddings)
    To undertake cleaning duties as required, (i.e. cleaning bathroom, sweep, mops, scrubs and vacuums floors and cleans carpet using cleaning solutions, tools and equipment; dust furniture, window sills, altars and statues and church pews weekly, keeping the space prepared for all liturgical functions)
  • Gathers and empties trash and places out for weekly garbage pickup
  • To undertake all duties in accordance with Health & Safety requirements
  • To report any necessary repairs in a timely fashion to the Parish Council member responsible for maintenance foremost and/or chair of the Parish Council or designate should the person responsible for maintenance not be available
  • To report any user issues or problems to chair of the Parish Council or designate
  • To store and maintain all cleaning equipment in a safe and clean manner
  • To undertake other duties commensurate with those of a cleaner
  • Assists in building security, locking and unlocking
  • Purchasing/ordering materials/supplies and submitting receipt to Finance Administration for verification and reimbursement
  • Arrange hymn books/prayer books neatly in pews
  • Gather garbage (ie left over bulletins, etc. from church pews).
  • Check Kleenex, toilet paper, paper towel supplies and stocking supply as needed
  • Refill liquid hand soap if needed
  • Empty, clean out and refill the Holy Water containers every 2 weeks as a minimum, or as required
  • Flexible in availability to accommodate the schedule of Church activities
     

  Skills, Experience, and Qualifications:

  • A church cleaner needs to be an independent worker. Also, regular lifting and moving furniture and other equipment are a typical daily practice.
  • Having a general or specialized knowledge in cleaning products and methods.
  • Experience as a cleaner is also a plus.
     

  Personal Traits and Qualities:

  • Desires to serve, fulfill the duties of the position and commit time and talents to the work.
  • Is honest, trustworthy and enthusiastic.
  • Is able to communicate well with others.
  • Has the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
  • Having a religious affiliation is optional.
     

  Orientation and Training:

  • Provided by the Pastor, Parish Council/ Responsible Ministry Team or a designated parishioner.
     

  Support, Supervision, and Evaluation:

  • The church cleaner performance will be evaluated annually by the Pastor in cooperation with the Parish Council and the Responsible Ministry Team. The Responsible Ministry Team/Parish Council will meet with the church cleaner on an annual basis to review and revise the work responsibilities.
  • The Pastor and/or Parish Council, Responsible Ministry Team is the first level of support, supervision and evaluation.
  • The church cleaner is accountable to the Pastor foremost and to the chair of the Parish Council, or designate.
     

  Benefits and Working Conditions:

  • The church cleaner is a part-time position and may work at his/her own convenience, an average of 2-3 hours per week.
  • This is a paid position and payment is monthly (there are no tax/unemployment insurance/CPP deductions. Employee is not covered under workman compensation or any other accidental insurance plan and there are no benefits) (Employee initialize that they have read and understood this statement)
  • There is no paid sick leave, vacation, or paid holidays for part-time staff
  • If time off is required longer than two weeks then the Pastor and Parish Council must be notified. The church cleaner can recommend a substitute if required.
  • Payment schedule is monthly based on the work completed.
  • No timecards or logging of hours worked are required, however the Pastor/Parish Council can enforce at any time.
     

  Resignation/Termination procedure:

  • The church cleaner is required to present in writing to the Pastor and Parish Council a letter of resignation a minimum of 30 days prior to the date of resignation. Notice will be given to the church cleaner by the Pastor and Parish Council a minimum of ten days in advance in the event of termination.
     
• Collection Counter

  Overview:

  • Our parish is a "Sacrificial Giving" community where every member is encouraged to share his/her Time, Talent, and Treasure. Collection Counters share their time and talent by keeping up to date financial information for the parish.
  • Money counters must have a police check and sign a confidentiality form prior to performing the job.
     

  Activities / Responsibilities:

  • Open envelopes, ensure that amounts checked correlate with amounts given. Count all monies, tally amounts and balance, fill out the report provided and the deposit slips.
  • Be an active participant in parish worship.
  • Duties require approximately one-half hour after mass on Saturday/Sunday (and other days/special masses as may be required).
     

  Skills, Experience, and Qualifications:

  • General math and money handling skills are helpful. Dependability and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Must be a parishioner for the last five (5) years at St. Peter Celestine Parish.
     

  Personal Traits and Qualities:

  • Desires to serve the community and to commit time and talents to this ministry.
  • Is honest, trustworthy and enthusiastic.
  • Is able to communicate well with others.
  • Has the ability to be part of a team.
     

  Orientation and Training:

  • Provided by the Financial Administrator/Parish Council/Responsible Ministry or a designated parishioner.
     

  Support, Supervision, and Evaluation:

  • The Financial Administrator/Pastor and/or Pastoral Team is the first level of support, supervision and evaluation.
     

  Benefits and Working Conditions:

  • The opportunity to work with a small group of parishioners, sharing time and talent, while counting the treasure.
     
• Extra Ordinary Minister

  Overview:

  • Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion help priests to prepare and to serve the Eucharist--Holy Communion--at Mass. The Eucharist is the Sacred Sacrament, which for Catholics and other Christian denominations becomes the body and blood of Christ with a priest's consecration of Communion wafers and wine. While Extraordinary Ministers are not ordained, their roles carry spiritual value. An Extraordinary Minister must be a practicing Roman Catholic.
  • Extraordinary Ministers must dress appropriate to the service being provided to the congregation and in reverence/respect to the Eucharist.

  Activities / Responsibilities:

  • Extraordinary Ministers proceed to the altar to prepare to distribute the Eucharist. After consecrating the bread and the wine, the priest distributes the Eucharist to the Extraordinary ministers, altar servers and readers and then hands the Extraordinary Ministers the ciborium with the consecrated hosts.
  • For distributing the body (Hosts) at Sunday Mass the Congregants line up in all three isles before the Extraordinary Ministers and the celebrant. An Extraordinary Minister holds up the Host, saying reverently, "Body of Christ." The Extraordinary Ministers return the ciborium to the altar after distributing the Eucharist to the congregation. This concludes the Extraordinary Minister’s duties unless he/she is designated to clean up after Mass.
  • If the blood of Christ is being distributed then the Extraordinary Minister holds the chalice of the blood of Christ before each parishioner, saying, "Blood of Christ." After the recipient drinks, the Extraordinary Minister wipes the rim and turns the cup a quarter of a turn. The Extraordinary Minister returns the chalice to the altar after distributing the Eucharist to the congregation.
     

  Cleanup if required:

  • Cleaning the chalices/cups requires specific actions mandated by the Catholic Church. After Mass, the Extraordinary Ministers may return chalices/cups to the sacristy – although this is often done by the altar servers. The Extraordinary Ministers – or the parishioner designated to do so – rinse out all of the chalices/cups and bowls from the Eucharistic celebration. (Note: At St. Peter Celestine, this duty is assigned to a designated person and not normally the Extraordinary Ministers.) The Extraordinary Minister or the priest must drink any remaining wine.
     

  Skills, Experience, and Qualifications:

  • Is an active participant in Parish worship and a member in good standing within the Parish.
     

  Personal Traits and Qualities:

  • Desires to serve the community and to commit time and talents to this ministry.
  • Is honest, trustworthy and enthusiastic.
  • Is able to communicate well with others.
  • Has the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
  • Is comfortable with being accountable and is sensitive to the observance of proper boundaries.
     

  Orientation and Training:

  • Provided by the Responsible Ministry or a designated parishioner.
     

  Support, Supervision, and Evaluation:

  • The Pastor and/or Pastoral Team is the first level of support, supervision and evaluation.
     

  Benefits and Working Conditions:

  • Will directly contribute to the social well-being of the community.
  • Will further develop relational skills.
  • Opportunity to perform community service and gain experience for the purpose of school or career advancement.
  • This is a volunteer position requiring a time commitment of three or four hours per month.
  • Must be able to attend training sessions as required.
     
• Lector

  Overview:

  • The Lector proclaims the Word of God to the assembly when we gather for Liturgy. The importance of hearing God’s word is reflected in the scriptures when we hear: “If today you hear God’s Word, harden not your hearts”. Therefore, the Lector proclaims the Word so we may hear and respond as one family with one voice.

  Activities / Responsibilities:

  • Those who proclaim the Word of God and the other proceedings (Prayers of the Faithful) of the Mass must prepare ahead of time for this important ministry. It is important that the Word of God be in their hearts and on their lips. They proclaim the Word on a regular basis according to the proceedings for the Mass attended (Easter and Christmas are special masses) and based on an established schedule developed by the coordinator for this ministry. Lectors should arrive 15 minutes before the liturgy will begin. Lectors are responsible for obtaining a replacement from the lectors’ list provided to all lectors when they know in advance that they cannot read on the scheduled evening/day.
  • Please dress in a way that conveys the significance of ministering God’s Word.
  • The Parish asks that volunteers for this ministry commit to a minimum period of two years, with the option of renewing on a yearly basis thereafter.
     

  Responsibilities During Liturgy

  Before mass:

  • Re-read and contemplate the messages of the readings and the Prayers of the Faithful. Check with the celebrant regarding any hard to pronounce words/place names.
  • Ensure the readings are the correct ones for that particular date as per the Missal – always best to verify, since mistakes can be made and/or the ribbon marking the reading can be accidentally moved.
  • The Lector responsible for reading announcements and Prayers of the Faithful will proceed to the altar to read announcements as the celebrant, other lector, altar servers and celebrant proceed to the back of the church. (Note: The lector at Saturday evening mass normally performs all roles: announcements, readings, and Prayers of the Faithful.)
  • Be particularly conscious of speaking clearly, loudly and slowly. Parishioners, especially elderly ones, may have difficulty hearing.
  • Once the announcements have been read, this lector takes his/her seat.
     

  Entrance Procession:

  • As the opening song begins the Lector processes in just after the altar servers and in front of the celebrant with the Book held in front at chest level or above the head, depending on the comfort of the individual (if the steps leading up to the altar are a problem, please hold the book at chest level until the steps have been cleared). The decorative side of the book’s cover should be visible to parishioners while carried in procession.
  • Join the celebrant and servers in a bow of reverence to the altar.
  • Proceed to lector stand and lay the Book on the lector stand and open to appropriate page.
  • Proceed to the seating area.
     

  Liturgy of the Word:

  • When the congregation sits down after the opening prayer, remain standing and come forward to the lector stand.
  • Adjust the microphone to the proper height, being careful to leave enough room so that the pages do not brush against the microphone.
  • Begin the reading with the printed introduction: “A reading from the book of...” etc. End the reading with “The Word of the Lord.”
  • Be particularly conscious of speaking clearly, loudly and slowly. Parishioners, especially elderly ones, may have difficulty hearing and feel left out if they cannot hear.
  • Pause after the first reading.
  • If the Psalm is sung, then remain standing at the lector stand. If the Psalm is not being sung then proceed to read the Psalm.
  • Begin the second reading with the printed introduction: “A reading from the book of...” etc. End the reading with “The Word of the Lord.”
  • Return to the seating area on the altar.
  • The lector normally reading the announcements will also read the Prayers of the Faithful at the appropriate time during mass. Please ensure to read clearly, loudly and slowly. Pause before saying “We pray to the Lord”. Do not rush.
  • When finished reading the Prayers of the Faithful, return to the seating area.
     

  Procession Out:

  • After the final blessing and during the closing song the celebrant will proceed to kiss the altar. At that time the lector comes forward from his/her seat and picks up the Book at the lector stand.
  • The lector moves to the floor immediately in front of the altar - lowest platform of the sanctuary - and with the altar servers bows as the celebrant bows.
  • Process out the second to the last in the procession with only the celebrant behind.
     

  After Mass:

  • Return the Book/Lectionary to the vestry. Make sure that the bookmark is on the correct page.
     

  Skills, Experience, and Qualifications:

  • Be an active participant in Parish worship, understanding that to be on the altar means that one is representing the congregation as a whole.
  • Because the Liturgy of the Word is so important to our worship at Mass, we ask that Lectors read well, remain relaxed and confident and be able to share the gift of God’s Word with conviction and strength. Since this is an important ministry in the Church, we ask that those interested participate in workshops and be receptive to feedback from the Parish Priest/celebrant or coordinator with respect to improving the required skills.
  • Be willing to seek guidance/advice from the Parish Priest and/or coordinator in order to better interpret the readings.
  • Clarify proper pronunciation of words/place names within readings as much as possible.
     

  Personal Traits and Qualities:

  • Desires to serve the community and to commit time and talents to this ministry.
  • Is honest, trustworthy and enthusiastic.
  • Is able to communicate well with others.
  • Has the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

  Is comfortable with being accountable and is sensitive to the observance of proper boundaries.
   

  Orientation and Training:

  • Provided by the Responsible Ministry or a designated parishioner.
  • Training as a lector consists of learning to read from Sacred Scripture in a way that will inspire all who hear the text. Prayerful reflection on the readings several days before Mass is essential to your ministry.
     

  Support, Supervision, and Evaluation:

  • The Pastor and/or Pastoral Team is the first level of support, supervision and evaluation
     

  Benefits and Working Conditions:

  • Here is an opportunity to become more familiar with the Word of God and grow deeper in your knowledge of the Scripture which is central to our faith. In sharing the Word with the community, you also enhance the worship of others.
  • Will directly contribute to the social well-being of the community.
  • Will further develop relational skills.
  • Opportunity to perform community service and gain experience for the purpose of school or career advancement.
  • This is a volunteer position requiring a time commitment of approximately three or four hours per month.
  • Must be able to attend training sessions as required.
     
• Education

  

  Overview:

  • Catholic Education is one element in the formation of children. It is the teaching mission of Jesus Christ which has been entrusted to the Church. Catechists echo the Gospel. They support parents as primary teachers of the faith. Faith is formed in the young person first and foremost in the home, then as the family worships with the congregation, and finally in the classroom.
  • St. Peter Celestine Church offers religious education classes to Grade Two students. The students must be baptised prior to receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist.

   

   

  Activities / Responsibilities:

  • A Coordinator of Religious Education should be fully initiated and in full union with the Catholic faith.
  • To coordinate and facilitate the process to enable St. Peter Celestine Parish to offer religious education classes to Grade Two students who have received the Sacrament of Baptism.
  • To provide an atmosphere which is conducive to the learning needs and styles of children, while also in compliance with the safety policies of St. Peter Celestine Church and the Archdiocese of Ottawa.
  • To assist and encourage the children in the development of a communal and personal prayer life.
  • To provide children with opportunities to be of service to others and the skills and knowledge to reflect upon those opportunities in light of their baptismal call.
  • To communicate with parents on an ongoing written basis, as well as orally.
  • To communicate concerns, questions and suggestions to the Pastor and Parish Council.
  • Provide training/assistance to the Catechist when required.
  • Must be a visible member of the Parish community especially in regard to attendance at Mass.
  • Dress in a way that conveys the significance of ministry.
  • Maintain a Library of resource books and AV materials to supplement textbooks.
  • When required purchase student workbooks at St. Paul’s University, Main Street, Ottawa.
  • To become personally acquainted with the children in the group.
  • To plan, present and evaluate lessons based on the materials and schedule provided by the Diocese; supplemental materials may be used with approval.
  • Substitute as a class Catechist when required.
  • We ask that you volunteer for a period of two years, with the option of renewing on a yearly basis.
     

  Skills, Experience, and Qualifications:

  • Is an active participant in parish worship.
  • Should enjoy working with children.
  • Be willing to develop growth in his/her faith by studying the Roman Catholic faith’s major components of scripture, sacraments, and morality as well as developing a deeper prayer life.
  • Bring his/her own creative talents to the classroom when needed in order to keep children enthusiastic and engaged. Teaching experience is helpful, but not mandatory; however, a willingness to work on a team and collaborate for the good of the community is a must.
     

  Personal Traits and Qualities:

  • Desires to serve the community and to commit time and talents to this ministry.
  • Is honest, trustworthy and enthusiastic.
  • Is able to communicate well with others, especially children.
  • Has the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
  • Is comfortable with being accountable and is sensitive to the observance of proper boundaries.
     

  Orientation and Training:

  • Provided by the Arch Diocese, Responsible Ministry or Parish Council.
  • Training is conducted by attending workshops and becoming familiar with the material used in preparation of Reconciliation and Eucharist.
  • Directly responsible to the Pastor and Parish Council.
     

  Support, Supervision, and Evaluation:

  • The Pastor and/or Pastoral Team is the first level of support, supervision and evaluation.
  • The Coordinator of Religious Education will provide Onsite supervision. On rare occasions, a substitute may be designated.
     

  Benefits and Working Conditions:

  • Adults, from the young through to the old, who accept the responsibility to teach, find themselves part of a special community within the parish. They are a living witness to the Word of God and to their Baptism. Friendships develop as they work with one another as well as with the families whom they teach. You will gain a sense of fulfillment in serving the community, a sense of accomplishment and true joy in serving the Lord and helping others know God.