St. Bartholomew Church

This team of individuals collects, mends, washes, irons, and organizes the various linens that are part of the Mass. Each person is responsible for cleaning one week’s worth of linen about once every two months.

[Cheryl Mushaben]

Any Catholic in 4th grade or older (including adults) can be trained to assist the celebrant during Mass by carrying the cross, holding the book, bringing items to the altar, etc. In addition to providing training, we try to help new servers by pairing them with more experienced servers who help them “learn the ropes”.

When scheduling servers, we try to accommodate Mass time preferences and family schedules as best we can, with an eye toward having servers fulfill their role at least one weekend Mass per month. (Weekday Masses also need servers.)

The perfect ministry for those with an artistic eye! Art & Environment decorates the interior of our church for special liturgies, feast days, and liturgical seasons (Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter).

The beautiful flowers that grace our sanctuary (altar area) are made possible by the generous donations of our parishioners.

This ministry serves the family of deceased parishioners in planning the funeral liturgy. Trained ministers provide guidance in the selection of readings, songs, and petitions used at the Mass. The bereavement ministers also act as liaisons between the funeral director/funeral home, the parish, the priest, and the family. Volunteers work together to fulfill these responsibilities:

• Funeral Planning and Follow-Up

• Attend Funerals to Support Families or Fill a Liturgical Role

[Alicia Bourbeau]

Proclaims the Word of God on a level understandable to young children.

[Jennifer Schaber]

Members of this ministry visit homebound parishioners on Sundays to bring them the Eucharist. Ministers with patience and compassion are a wonderful blessing to our homebound parishioners!

If you would like to learn more about this ministry or would like to inform us of a homebound parishioner who would like to receive the Eucharist, please contact the Family of Parishes Office.

After training, these ministers are formally commissioned to distribute the precious Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. At each of our weekend Masses we have a total of 12 individuals distributing Holy Communion. [Alicia Bourbeau]

You are welcome here!” That’s the message our Greeters send through their warm words and honest smiles to those who come to celebrate Mass with us. And at the end of Mass, Greeters are there again to send folks off with a smile on their faces and a bulletin in their hands.

Greeters can be any age, and you can greet as a individual, a couple, or even a family. If you’re a warm, friendly person who can serve at the same weekend Mass time regularly (and arrive 15 minutes early), this is the ministry for you! Most Greeters serve on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule. [Alicia Bourbeau]

Lectors play a critical role in the celebration of the Mass by proclaiming the Word of God through the Scripture readings that precede the Gospel reading at each Mass. In addition to being comfortable and clear in public speaking, it’s important for a Lector to prepare in advance and develop spiritually so that they are sharing the Holy Spirit in the Word of God, not just “reading aloud”. We provide training and a lector workbook to aid in lectors’ preparations.

Two lectors are assigned to each weekend Mass, and one to each weekday Mass. Lectors are asked to arrive 15 minutes early, and are typically scheduled for one (occasionally two) weekend Masses per month.

[Alicia Bourbeau]

The music ministry provides uplifting, spirit-filled music with a goal of leading the congregation in praise and worship of the Lord and bringing them more fully into the celebration of the Liturgy. We have an adult choir, a contemporary choir, and cantors (by audition).

[Milt Goedde]

Who remembers to turn on the lights and sound system? Who prepares the vessels used in the liturgy (cruets, chalices, ciboria, etc.)? Who makes sure we have enough wine and hosts? And who cleans everything up afterward? The Sacristan.

At each Mass, a trained sacristan arrives about 30 minutes early to be sure that everything is in place for a smooth, uninterrupted celebration. This important role is perfect for someone who has a deep love for the Mass but prefers to work behind-the-scenes.

Ushers keep things flowing smoothly for members of the congregation by:

• Managing the offertory collection and presentation

• Managing any unique seating needs for special groups, celebrations, or individuals

• Directing the flow of the Communion Procession

• Assisting anyone who might need aid

Each weekend Mass has an usher team that typically serves on a weekly basis.

[Ken Radziwon]