The primary function of the altar server is to assist the priest during Mass and involves learning the parts of the Mass, assisting the priest as he prepares the altar, participating in the prayers of the Mass and in the singing along with the congregation. Altar Servers are scheduled to serve at all weekend Masses and on Holy Days of Obligation. They are also asked to serve at special liturgies (i.e. Confirmation, Weddings, Funerals).
Who may be an Altar Server? Altar Servers consist of boys and girls from our parish who are in the 4th grade or higher and who have completed training. Please contact Deacon Andy Geisz for more information.
Lectors
Lectors joyfully proclaim the Word at Masses! We typically have two lectors per Mass, one for the First Reading and another for the Second Reading.
Great lectors:
The Lector ministry is open to confirmed teens and adults of the parish. Training is provided.
To learn more about being a lector or to volunteer, please contact the parish office at 410.326.3535 or [email protected]
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) "must be persons whose good qualities of Christian life, faith, and morals recommend them. Let them strive to be worthy of this great office, foster their own devotion to the eucharist, and show an example to the rest of the faithful by their own devotion and reverence toward the most august sacrament of the altar." ~ Immensae Caritati
EMHCs reverently aid the parish priest in distributing Holy Communion to the people both during the Mass and throughout the week to our homebound. Personal prayer, reflection, and time before the Blessed Sacrament are encouraged for anyone considering to serve in this very important ministry. EMHCs undergo training and commissioning by the parish priest in service to the faith community.
Those interested in serving should contact the Parish Office at 410-326-3535 or [email protected].
A Sacristan is in charge of preparing the altar for the celebration of Mass. It is the Sacristan's duty to care for the vestments, vessels, and other Sacristy items.
The Sacristan is the one who oversees that the Mass is ready by preparing the materials used during the Mass including the Sacramentary, Lectionary and Lector's book.
Serving as a Sacristan is a wonder way to provide a deeper appreciation and love for the Blessed Sacrament, our Catholic Tradition, and Liturgy. It will enrich your love of our Lord, Jesus Christ, as you serve to prepare for the gift of His Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist.
Contact the parish office at 410.326.3535 or [email protected] to get involved.
The purpose of this ministry is to provide liturgical support to the priest during funerals.
At each funeral Mass, there are usually two Arimatheans who perform the following tasks:
With each funeral Mass, Arimatheans hope to do their small part in comforting a grieving family in the example of their namesake, who must have comforted Mary with his care of the body of Jesus.
Ideally, an Arimathean is someone with flexibility in their work schedule or retired, a fully initiated Catholic and a desire to serve. Training is provided.
Contact the office at 410.326.3535 or [email protected] for additional information.
Greeters open doors for parishioners as they enter the church for Mass. This is a perfect opportunity for families to serve together. It is a great way to be a disciple - one who welcomes everyone to our parish places of worship. There are no meetings to attend and you may choose whatever Mass you generally attend, but you are required to be at the church half an hour before the Mass starts.
The Greeter Ministy is on a rotating schedule. Please contact Dee Hoofnagle for more information or to be added to the schedule
Our ushers serve at Masses, helping to seat parishioners, pass the offertory baskets to the people, and pass out bulletins at the conclusion at Mass.
Please contact the Parish Office at 410-326-3535 or [email protected] if you would like to volunteer.
Music is a beautiful avenue through which the faithful can praise and worship our Lord during the Sacred Liturgy. As St. Augustine famously said, "To sing is to pray twice".
Here at Our Lady Star of the Sea, we are blessed to have a number of talented musicians who eagerly share their gifts during Sunday Masses as well as weddings, funerals, and other liturgies. We are always looking for talented musicians to join us. If you were gifted with musical abilities, please join us!
If you would like to get involved or are interested in learning more, please contact Carolyn Keefe
The Choir at OLSS supports the liturgies at 2 Masses each month and at Christmas and Holy Week. Membership is open to all who share a love of music and a love of sung prayer. No prior choir experience is needed, just a willingness to learn and support your fellow choir members at rehearsals and at Mass. The choir enriches the liturgy and worship and supports the assembly.
The OLSS choir meets on Wednesdays from September to June from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Parish Church.
For more information, please contact Georgia Harvey.