Sacristan Ministry
This ministry is seeking new members so that all liturgies (Weddings, Baptisms, Holy Day Masses, Stations of the Cross, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Benediction, First Communions, Confirmations) at Our Lady of Good Counsel will have a sacristan. Currently, only weekend Masses and funerals are covered. Please call Deacon Ed Heffernan at (856) 905-5019 or email deaconheffernan@comcast.net if you wish to volunteer or have questions. At present, a sacristan leader for each weekend of the month is appointed. This leader and his or her team serve the same weekend each month. The individuals on each weekend team serve at two weekend Masses per month: the 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM Saturday Masses, or, on Sunday, the 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM , or the 10:30 AM and 12:00 noon Masses. In addition, a small group of sacristans now handles all funerals in the parish.
History and Duties of the Sacristan Postion at Our Lady’s Parish
In 2006, Fr. Damian McElroy established the Ministry of Sacristan at Our Lady of Good Counsel; sacristans prepare the worship space and everything used in our parish liturgies. Each Mass requires considerable preparation (often not visible to the congregation). Sacristans open and close the Church, and organize the sacristy for each assigned Mass. They must know the sacred vessels, vestments, altar linens, cloths, and books used during the liturgy. Sacristans prepare all locations where Mass is celebrated here: the Church, Crypt and the all-purpose room (gym). Preparing the gifts of bread and wine, assisting the priest and deacon to ready for Mass, and verifying that all readers, altar servers, and ministers of Communion are present are the sacristan’s responsibility. Sacristans also remain in the sacristy during Mass in case of emergency. To fulfill their duties in accordance with the pastor’s wishes, sacristans receive training and ongoing guidance from parish clergy to maintain the sacristy for liturgical ceremonies. Members of this group are installed as sacristans and as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist because of the occasional need to assist with Communion at Mass. Installation by Fr. Damian usually occurs during a weekend Mass.