Liturgical Ministry

As Catholics, the Liturgy of the Eucharist is our most important act of worship as a community praising and honoring God. With others throughout the world, we come together to celebrate the sacrifice and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

While the primary participants in the Mass are the priest and the assembly, there are many others, including lectors, extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, sacristans, altar servers, hospitality ministers (ushers), cantors, and musicians. 

After completing the Safe Environment certification (click on link to the left for further information), liturgical ministers (with the exception of cantors and musicians) are assigned to one weekend Mass monthly (rotating the fifth week as needed) based on a team rotation schedule. Members of the parish's Music Ministry are assigned at the discretion of the Music Minister.

Please consider joining one of the liturgical ministries described below to participate more fully in the liturgy and serve your fellow parishioners. You may call the parish office at (859) 252-7551 for more information about joining. We are always in need of new ministers as our teens graduate, parishioners move, and current ministers become unable to serve. If you are unable to join any of our liturgical ministries, please pray that other parishioners will hear the call to assist at Sunday Mass.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist assist the priest in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ. The ministers attend an initial training session, followed by periodic trainings to update them on any liturgical changes affecting the distribution of the Eucharist. Through training, they are able to administer the Eucharist under both species with confidence, respect, and reverence. 

Lectors assist the priests in proclaiming God’s Word to the congregation. When one answers the call to be a lector, he/she enters into a deeper relationship with the Word of God as revealed in sacred scripture. Christ speaks through our lectors to bring the printed word to life. A lector at St. Peter's is an adult or teen parishioner with deep respect for God’s word who is able to speak in public with confidence, poise, and clear articulation. 

Sacristans work to ensure that our liturgical celebrations run smoothly. They are the first to arrive for Mass and the last to leave. Their role includes placement of linens, chalices, hosts, and water and wine. Sacristans are also responsible for the cleaning of the sacred vessels following liturgical functions.

Altar Servers, also known as acolytes, are parish boys and girls in the third grade or above who have received First Eucharist. They serve at regular Sunday Mass, and at holy day Mass and funerals when assigned. Servers assist the priest, prepare the altar, lead processions during Mass, and make sure that what is needed for the celebration is brought, carried, or moved into place. Outside of the priest or deacon, servers (more than any other liturgical ministry) are concerned with almost every aspect of the celebration of the liturgy.

Hospitality Ministers (Ushers) welcome and help parishioners with seating, and take care of the collection. Money is collected in baskets and then brought as a community gift to the altar. Ushers may help visitors find their way around the church. Men and women volunteers are always welcome to join this vital ministry that is is the oldest lay ministry in the Church, going back to the clerical order of Porter in the 3rd century. 

Cantors and Choir Members. Music serves a vital role in enhancing and serving the liturgy. The music ministry at St. Peter Church seeks to fulfill our parish's spiritual needs through the medium of music. In turn, the ministry provides our volunteers with a closer spiritual connection to the mass and our parish community. 

St. Peter Church Adult Choir is comprised of singers from high school through adults of all ages. A wide range of music is performed such as chant, traditional selections, contemporary music, and spirituals. The choir sings weekly at Mass in addition to holy days. Practices are held on Wednesday evenings in the sanctuary. No formal audition is required.