Lay people take an active part in worship at the Cathedral Parish. Young and old serve as acolytes (altar servers), lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, cantors, choir members, instrumentalists, song leaders, and ushers. Others contribute time and talent by planning and organizing the liturgy… by keeping the church, its vessels and vestments clean and in good order… and by providing decorations that reflect the feasts and seasons of the Church’s year.

Those who serve in ministries must know how to fulfill their roles with reverence, dignity, and understanding. The Cathedral provides special training for all who have been approved for liturgical ministries.

We encourage you to consider your gifts, prayerfully reflect on God’s call, and speak to one of the parish priests. Those who wish to serve in our worship must first be found eligible by the pastor and then must receive the proper training. All who serve in liturgical ministries must also comply with the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s Safe Environment policies.

Young Catholics are given the opportunity to grow in their faith and become more active in the Mass through the ministry of Altar Server. It is the honor and privilege of the altar server to assist the priest during the celebration of the Mass. In St. John Paul’s address to altar servers in 2001, he reminded them of the privileged place they hold in liturgical celebrations, saying, “Those who serve experience from close at hand that Jesus Christ is present and active in every liturgy.” Boys and girls in Grade 3 or above who have received First Holy Communion, attend Mass regularly, believe in the teachings of the Holy Catholic Church, and have a strong desire for this ministry are invited to serve at God’s altar following the prescribed training. The invitation to serve is extended by the pastor through the religious education program at a time determined by him and the altar server trainer.

While the Bishop/Priest alone is the Ordinary of the Eucharist since only he can consecrate the Sacred Species, a layperson may be commissioned as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. This ministry complements and extends the ministry of the clergy. The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is properly formed, instructed, and commissioned for an appointed time to aid in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ at Sunday and Holy Day Masses. An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion may also be deputed to offer Holy Communion to the sick and homebound. The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is approved by the pastor before undertaking this ministry.

Requirements for one considering the ministry of Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

• Has approval of the pastor

• Is at least 18 years of age

• Demonstrates a mature faith

• Is a fully initiated member of the Church, i.e. has received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation

• If married, is validly married according to the laws of the Church

• Participates in all formation sessions and is open to ongoing enrichment, both spiritual and practical

The lector has been entrusted with the honor of proclaiming the Word of God to the assembly during the Liturgy of the Word at Mass. Treating the proclamation of the Scripture seriously, solemnly, and sacredly, the lector prays with and studies the Word of God before proclaiming the Scripture clearly to provide the assembly with a meaningful encounter with the living Word. The lector may also read the General Intercessions and make the parish announcements.

The ministry of usher has a long history in the Catholic Church. Referred to as porters in the Third Century, ushers guarded the church doors against disruptive intruders. Today, ushers serve to welcome parishioners and visitors to liturgical functions. They also assist in a variety of other ways: seating Mass attendees, passing collection baskets, assisting with the Offertory and Communion processions, and distributing the parish bulletin.

The ministry of usher is open to men, women, and teenaged parishioners.

The Music ministry serves for “the glory of God and the sanctification and edification of the faithful” through the use of sacred music to foster “fully conscious and active participation” in liturgical celebrations. Using their God-given talents, choir members, cantors, and instrumentalists enhance the liturgy by drawing the assembly to a deeper awareness of the sacred and by calling the community to active participation.