Welcome to the Sacristan Ministry! We hope you find this to be a very rewarding and meaningful ministry and enjoy making our liturgies go as smoothly as possible for our fellow parishioners and visitors. Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the sacristan ministry as well as the contact information for the Director of Liturgy should you have any additional questions. We hope that you will prayerfully consider joining our ministry!
What does a sacristan do?
As Sacristan, we have three main roles: Security, Mass Set Up and Clean Up, and Mass Coordinator. You will serve all three roles each time you are a Sacristan, though some of the roles may play a bigger part than others, depending on the mass.
Below is a brief explanation of each role:
Security
We are also responsible for keeping the Holy Tabernacle secure.
Setup and Cleanup
Mass set up and clean up vary slightly depending on the individual mass and presider. At every mass, you are responsible for setting up for both Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist which means preparing all the books, vessels, offertory, candles and incense when appropriate.
Coordination
As Mass coordinator, a sacristan also assists the presider with whatever details/duties they need completed. The sacristan will check to make sure the altar servers are ready and in place as well as making sure the assigned Readers and key Extraordinary Ministers are present and ready to serve. Always check with the Director of Liturgy for specifics before you begin your ministry.
Which mass will I be assigned to?
We need sacristans at all of our weekend masses and daily masses. You primarily work at the mass of your choice, but all sacristans help cover masses when there is a need, especially on Feast Days, Holidays, Sacramental Celebrations, and sometimes when other sacristans can’t cover their Mass.
How often do I serve?
Depending on the number of sacristans assigned to a particular mass, you may serve once or twice a month or more infrequently. You can choose to serve only as a substitute or serve on a rotating basis.
What’s the time commitment?
Generally, the time commitment is 40 minutes before and a 20 minutes after the Mass you are assigned. This will vary depending on the particular Mass you serve. If you serve at the first Mass of the morning (whether that is a daily mass or on the weekend), you will open the church which takes a little more time.
Formation
Training is available for any new or returning sacristan.
Whom should I contact if I have more questions?