"The Ministry of Sacristan is an ancient one in the life of the church"

“(we pray) for these sacristans, that the preparations they make for the celebration of the liturgy may remind us to prepare our hearts for worship…” (Book of Blessings, chapter 62)

The ministry of Sacristan is an ancient one in the life of the church. St. Jerome, in the 4th century, called Sacristans “ministers of God” and said, “I call the Lord to witness that I longed to begin my holy service with the name and office of sacristan.”

Sacristans are responsible for the preparation of Sunday and weekday Masses. They set out the sacred vessels: the Presider’s Chalice and the bowls and cups used for the Body of Christ and the Precious Blood during communion. They place the Lectionary, from which are proclaimed the Sacred Scriptures, on the Ambo. And they place the Roman Missal to be used by the Presider during Mass on the credence table. Training will be provided.

In addition to the Sacristans at Mass, we have ministers who volunteer to work ‘behind the scenes.’ We have a dedicated group of Laundresses who launder and iron the Purificators used during Mass along with the Altar Cloths and Corporals, and the Priests’ and Altar Server Albs. They use their own washers and dryers and thus are able to perform these tasks in their own homes.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Parish Office at 708.429.6767.