Liturgical Ministry at Christ the King

The central and definitive act of any Catholic congregation is to gather on Sunday, the Lord’s Day, to remember Christ’s death and resurrection in the Eucharist. all members of the Church of Christ the King, by virtue of their baptism, are called to the ministry of assembling on sunday to participate fully, actively, and consciously in the church’s prayer. In the Sunday assembly, we praise and glorify God through the Spirit of Christ Jesus and we perform an act of compassion by making prayerful intercession on behalf of all in this world who are in need of God’s love and care. From the greater assembly, ministers are called forth to give service and leadership to those who gather to worshp in Christ’s name.

Greeters & Ushers

This ministry is open to persons of all ages. The role includes arriving early for Mass to greet worshipers, pass out worship aids, and assist guests with questions. During Mass, some of these ministers assist in collecting the financial contributions for the maintenance of the parish. After Mass, greeters and ushers help to distribute the parish bulletin and gather up any remaining worship aids from the pews. This is an excellent ministry for families with young children to do as a group.

Acolytes

The role of acolyte is open to youth grade 6 and older, and to adults. The acolyte assists the presider and other ministers in maintaining a smooth flow of the liturgical ritual. Training is provided.

Lector

The lector’s job is to proclaim the Word of God in the liturgical assembly. The role is open to persons of any age who can proclaim God’s Word with understanding, conviction, and clarity. Training is provided and regular rehearsal is required, by arrangement with the liturgical director.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Ministers of the Eucharist distribute the Body and Blood of Christ to all who come forward for communion. Belief in and reverence for the Eucharist is required. Training for this ministry is provided.

Liturgical Art and Environment

Before our assembly gathers for worship, our ministers of liturgical art and environment prepare the space for liturgical celebration. The work is seasonal, and is open to any who are willing to work. Artists, seamstresses, and strong, able bodies are especially encouraged to participate in this ministry.

Ministers of the Word for Children

A children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered September through May at our Sunday 9:30 a.m. Mass. Leaders are needed to serve with a team on a seasonal basis (usually four to six Sundays per year) to read the Word of God with young children and lead an age-appropriate homiletic reflection, often using mediums of art, music, and story-telling. Training is provided, as well as support and encouragement from experienced Children’s Ministers of the Word. A love of children and of God’s Word is required. Special talents are welcome!

Music Ministry at Christ the King

The music ministry at Christ the King exists to support the parish in fulfilling our mission to gather, especially on the Lord’s Day, to celebrate our experience of the risen Christ in the Breaking of the Bread. Music ministry is the right and duty of every member of teh worshiping assembly. All who gather for liturgy are invited and encouraged to assume their proper role as full, active, and conscious participants in the church’s prayer. From our greater assembly, members are called forth to serve as cantors, choir members, bell ringers, and instrumentalists.

Youth Choir

The Christ the King Youth Choir is a vehicle of faith formation. Through participation in choir, young people learn full-throated participation in the church’s liturgy. The group rehearses most Sundays (October through December; March through May) immediately following the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Rehearsals conclude by 11:15 a.m. The ensemble is open to singers of reading age (usually first or second grade) through the sixth grade.

Adult Choir

The adult choir is the primary ensemble of music ministry for the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass (September through June). The group is open to all singers grade seven through adult. Rehearsals are held most Wenesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., as well as on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. The rehearsal schedule varies slightly during the Lenten season to accommodate the parish’s Wednesday evening weekly prayer.  While it is preferable that a singer commit to a consistent schedule of attendance at Wednesday rehearsals and ministry on Sundays, the ensemble does include several singers who, because of work and family obligations, are unavailable to rehearse and serve on a weekly basis. There is always room in the adult choir for one more singer!

First Sunday Singers

Twelve months of the year, on the first Sunday of each month, anyone who would like to sing with the adult choir is invited to gather to prepare for liturgy at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday and sing with the choir for the 9:30 a.m. Mass.  Attendance at the preceding Wednesday evening rehearsal (September through May) is admired but not required. Please contact Moya McGinn Mathews in advance if you will be serving as a First Sunday Singer so that sufficient music is available for all singers.

Bell Choir

The bell choir is the newest addition to the music ministry at Christ the King. Using funds from a funeral memorial, we purchased two octaves of handbells in the fall of 2005, and in February of 2006 an ensemble of ringers started meeting on Saturday mornings, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The group includes musically inclined individuals ages senior high to adult.

Instrumentalists

Brass, wind, string, and percussion players with three or more years of ensemble experience are invited to enhance our liturgical music at various times and seasons. Rehearsals are by arrangement with our music director, Moya McGinn Mathews.

Cantors

The cantor is the primary leader of song at the Saturday 4:30 p.m. Mass throughout the liturgical year, and at the 9:30 a.m. Mass, many Sundays of the summer. Together with the Adult Choir, the cantor serves as psalmist on Sunday mornings and supports the participation of the assembly through various elements of the Eucharistic ritual. Most cantors are members of the Adult Choir. All require rehearsal and training, which can be arranged with the music director.