Liturgical
Altar Service
The primary role of the altar server is to assist the Presider/Deacon in the celebration of the Mass. This is done through active participation in the liturgy and performance of specific activities. These activities may include: carrying the processional Cross and candles, holding the book for the Presider, singing hymns, responding to prayers, being alert, performing reverently, and sitting/standing at the appropriate times.
Altar servers are chosen from those faithful who display a desire to participate in an intimate way during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is an extreme privilege to be so close to the altar as our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, becomes truly present in Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. It is wise and necessary for servers to perform all duties with attention, dignity and reverence. Just as Jesus “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant” servers should set aside their own preferences and attend to every action of the Divine Liturgy.
All actions of the server are woven from signs and symbols whose meanings are rooted in the works of creation and in human culture, specified by events in the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament. It is imperative that all servers reverently perform their assigned tasks in the prescribed form and manner.
The ministry of Altar Server is open to adults and to youth of St. Joan of Arc parish. Youth servers must be in the 5th grade or higher and must have received the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist. Adult servers must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation. All altar servers should have a good understanding of the Order of the Mass.
If you desire to become an Altar Server or have questions about the ministry, please contact Tom O’Reilly, Randy Vis or the Parish office.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs)
Your willingness to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist reflects not only response to your Baptismal call to serve the people of God, but a commitment to Christ as you share in the preaching, teaching and leading aspects of the church.
By offering the Eucharist, you recognize the Body of Christ in those to whom you minister and ultimately you act as the Body of Christ by fully participating in the life of the parish and wider community. Your willingness to prepare properly for your service and to arrive on time dressed appropriately for the Mass, further reflects that commitment. To serve as a Eucharistic Minister serving the congregation at Mass, contact Denis Morhiser at 757-369-1403, or via email to dmor1950@gmail.com.
Ministers of Hospitality
Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers)
Thank God for your interest of being a Minister of Hospitality/Usher. St. Joan of Arc has always been known as a Welcoming Parish (All are Welcome). The Ministers of Hospitality play a vital role in Welcoming and assisting Parishioners in many ways. You need not have any special talents, just a Love of the Lord and a wanting to help. We are typically the first they see and the last they encounter when coming to worship. Being a part of this Ministry is rewarding beyond words, your Relationship with God and those you encounter will embrace a Spiritual Growth.
If you are interested in becoming part of this Ministry, please contact Mary Ann Vogelbein (757) 509-9422 via email mav@vims.edu
Bishop Knestout encourages anyone aware of sexual abuse of minors on the part of clergy or staff of our diocese to notify civil authorities,
call the Attorney General’s Clergy Abuse Hotline at 1-833-454-9064, and reach out to the Diocesan Victim Assistance at 1-877-887-9603.
https://richmonddiocese.org/protecting-gods-children/
