Being an altar server is a sacred privilege and a special responsibility. Duties include lighting candles, helping set up the altar, carrying liturgical books, and assisting the priest in celebrating the Mass. Altar servers are leaders, setting an example of how to participate during Mass by listening, praying, responding, and singing. To be eligible to serve, Altar Servers must have received their first Holy Communion. Saint John Berchmans is the Patron Saint of Altar Servers.
For more information, contact Darlene McCumiskey at [email protected]
The Altar Society is responsible for laundering and ironing the sacred Mass linens, maintaining the holy water fonts, replacing the candles and organizing the pews. These duties are performed quietly and reverently, and while they often go unnoticed by parishioners, are vital to the function of the church. The time commitment is minimal and training is provided. “They were responsible for the care of the sanctuary on behalf of the Israelites.” (Num 3:38)
For more information, contact Shannon Mezza at [email protected]
Throughout history, church music has enhanced the worship of God and spread the gospel. Singing creates a deeply spiritual connection to the words of the liturgy and devotion to God. In Music Ministry, members of the choirs meet weekly to rehearse music that the congregation will sing in regular weekend Masses, solemnities, funerals and other special occasions throughout the church year. The COKAS Music Ministry includes an ongoing Youth Choir program and opportunities for instrumentalists. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Col 3:16)
For more information, contact Donna Valvo at [email protected]
Guardians of Adoration offer an hour of prayer each week before the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration occurs every Friday after Mass in the Church from 9:40 am to 6:00 pm. The Blessed Sacrament can never be left alone. As a weekly guardian, you will make a weekly Holy Hour, whereby you come to Adoration at your appointed time, sign in, and remain in the Church until the next set of guardians come to relieve you for the next scheduled hour.
The goal is to schedule two guardians for each hour. This is to ensure someone is always guarding the Blessed Sacrament. If there is a conflict, the guardians need only communicate with their peer guardians.
Please consider saying YES to spending just one hour of your week with Jesus, who is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. Guardians are needed most on Fridays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
For more information or to sign up, please email Marietta Dubus at [email protected]
When there is an insufficient number of Ordinary ministers during Mass, Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist prayerfully and reverently distribute the Body and Blood of Christ to our brothers and sisters in faith. In addition, extraordinary ministers bring Holy Communion to the homebound who are unable to attend Mass at church. An extraordinary minister should seek to cultivate holiness through personal prayer, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, attendance at daily mass if possible and regular confession. “If in this world there be any knowledge of this Mystery keener than that of faith, I wish now to affirm that I believe in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in this Sacrament, truly God and truly man, the Son of God, the Son of the Virgin Mary. This I believe and hold for true and certain.” St. Thomas Aquinas (c. 1225-1274)
For more information, contact Shannon Mezza at [email protected]
“The faithful who are ill are deprived of their rightful and accustomed place in the Eucharistic community. In bringing communion to them, the minister of communion represents Christ and manifests faith and charity on behalf of the whole community toward those who cannot be present at the Eucharist. For the sick, the reception of communion is a privilege and a sign of support and concern shown by the Christian community for its members who are ill” (Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rite of Anointing and Viaticum, 73).
For more information, contact Darlene McCumiskey at [email protected]
The Funeral Ministry serves the needs of family members, friends, and the officiant for the Funeral Mass of a deceased parishioner. This ministry's members understand the Funeral Mass's order, organize flowers, set up the altar, and ensure all sacramental protocols are followed. Volunteers serve in various parts of the Funeral Mass when needed. Providing support and comfort to grieving families is a special way to serve our church community. “Blessed are those who die in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” Rev. 13:14
For more information, contact Lana Barth at [email protected]
The Lector Ministry serves the faithful by bringing God’s Word to life at Mass. Through the readings, the Lector recalls to those present how God has revealed Himself throughout Jewish history and through His gift of Jesus Christ to the world. Lectors are not merely readers; instead, they are tasked with proclaiming God’s Word through the voice of the Holy Spirit to inspire those who hear it toward discipleship and furthering God’s Kingdom here on earth. “In the readings, the table of God’s Word is prepared for the faithful, and the riches of the Bible are opened to them.” Sacrosanctum Concilium #51 “The Lord has given me a well-trained tongue that I may speak to the weary a word that will rouse them.” Isaiah 50:4
For more information, contact Marie Mason at [email protected]
The Ushers and Greeters Ministry welcomes parishioners and visitors into Christ Our King and Savior Catholic Church. Ushers and greeters provide information and guidance, ensure a safe environment, and help anyone needing assistance. All ushers and greeters strive to have a servant’s heart, and are committed to thoughtfulness, tactfulness, and teamwork. “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.” Ephesians 6:7
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For more information, contact Ralph Conti at [email protected]
The Wedding Coordinators Ministry assists future brides and grooms with all aspects of planning their nuptials at COKAS. The wedding coordinators initially contact the bride and groom to complete a questionnaire. At the preliminary meeting, the coordinators serve the needs of the bride and groom by helping them choose Scripture readings and music, and plan the details of the wedding rehearsal and ceremony. The wedding coordinators give further support and aid by their presence at the rehearsal and wedding ceremony. “So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
For more information, contact Mary Sterrenberg at [email protected]