“Know, O Christian, that the Mass is the holiest act of religion. You cannot do anything to glorify God more, nor profit your soul more, than by devoutly assisting at it, and assisting as often as possible.”
St. Peter Julian Eymard

There are many opportunities for our parishioners to become more committed and involved in the beautiful celebration of the Mass. Our goal is to provide worship experiences that nurture and renew the hearts and souls of those who gather in the name of Christ.

Altar Servers are a trained and dedicated group of youth (second grade and up who have received First Communion) who serve at all Masses. They are trained in their duties and the proper manner in which to conduct themselves while serving Christ and the priest at the altar. They are scheduled on a rotating basis (usually at their preferred Mass time).

This ministry is a ministry at the service of the word. The reader proclaims the readings at Mass, reads the prayers of the faithful if no deacon is present, and reads the announcements. In addition, tthis ministry may extend to other duties such as leading the stations of the Cross during Lent and aiding with Liturgies of the Word in the absence of a priest, penitential services and the like. Youth who have received First Communion and been properly trained can also become readers.

The sacristan is responsible for setting up and cleaning up the vessels for Masses and other liturgical events, keeping the office informed regarding supplies of hosts and communion wine, laundering the linens and vestments, and working with the Art and Environment Team when there are special needs and seasonal changes. 

Extraordinary Minsters of Holy Communion assistthe priest and deacon by distributing the sacred Body and Blood of Christ during Mass, taking the Eucharist t the home-bound, displaying the Eucharist for Adoration, and leading Eucharistic services outside of mass when necessary. Minsters are trained according to the standards of the Diocese of Austin and are scheduled on a rotating basis (usually at the Mass of their preference).

The acolyte was initiated for service at the altar assisting the Priest and Deacon. It is the acolyte’s responsibility to prepare the altar and the sacred vessels and, if necessary, distribute the Eucharist to the faithful as an extraordinary minister. The acolyte supports the roles of the Priest, Deacon, server(s) and thurifer and assures that everything is present, assisting in the continual flow of the liturgy. In some extraordinary circumstances an acolyte may be entrusted with publicly exposing the Blessed Sacrament for adoration by the faithful and afterward replacing it, but not with blessing the people. 

This ministry serves as the face of God, welcoming all to His house at Mass. They welcome parishioners, take up the offertory collection, coordinate reserved seating, direct the Faithful as they go to receive Communion, and hand out bulletins after Mass. Greeters are also present to answer any questions parishioners or visitors may have, as well as passing out informational matterials like Parish Registration Forms. Both Ushers and Greeters are scheduled at the Mass of their preference. 

Our Music Ministry is composed of any musician or singer who is willing to make a joyful noise to the Lord by leading the congregation deeper into prayer and encouraging the musical participation of everyone present. They meet an hour before each Mass to prepare and practice. 

For More information, please contact:
Veronica Williams
Music Ministry (English)
musmin@saintstephenchurch.org

This group is responsible for seeing that the sanctuary is appropriately decorated and adorned for all liturgical celebrations and seasons. They perform various services such as caring for the sacred vessels, altar linens, maintaing altar server's vestments and other items used during the liturgy