About Our Liturgy
“The Mass is at the heart of the Catholic Church. It conveys the depth of Catholic theology, especially in the Eucharist, which is at its center. Rich in symbolism, the Mass provides a deeply sacred moment for those who participate in it, and even sometimes for those who merely observe it.”
USCCB, 2018
The Liturgy is the “source and summit” for us to encounter God’s Divine Presence. We rely on several individuals prior to, during, and after the Mass to help create a meaningful environment that encourages full, conscious, and active participation.
Liturgical Ministries
At our parishes, our Liturgical Ministries provide an excellent opportunity to fulfill our baptismal call of service to one another. Listed below are the various ministries and descriptions our parishioners can be involved in. Please click on each button or scroll down for more information regarding each ministry, training, and how to sign up.
Liturgy Volunteer Scheduler
NOTE: The Liturgy Volunteer Scheduler link is ONLY for St. Patrick Church of Merna volunteers. St. Mary Church in Downs volunteers can contact Deacon Gary Koerner at deacongary2012@gmail.com for scheduling purposes.
Lectors
The lector proclaims the Word of God during Mass, allowing all to hear and absorb the Holy Scriptures. Lectors proclaim the Scriptures so that they command the rightful attention and reverence of all gathered. A lector must have the skills to interpret and understand Scripture and sufficient public speaking skills.
Parishioners high school age and older are invited to help proclaim the Word of God for each Mass. Those interested must attend a required training where they will receive a workbook and more information regarding responsibilities, scheduling, and expectations.
St. Patrick Church of Merna
Please contact Lindsey Adams for more information or to volunteer.
St. Mary Church in Downs
Please contact Deacon Gary Koerner for more information or to volunteer.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist with the distribution of Holy Communion during the daily, weekend, Holy Day, and special liturgies as needed. These individuals can also be trained to bring Holy Communion to the sick, elderly, and homebound.
Parishioners 18 years of age and older are invited to consider becoming an EMHC for each Mass. Those interested must attend the required training and be commissioned by the Diocese of Peoria before participating in this ministry.
St. Patrick Church of Merna
Please contact the parish office for more information or to volunteer.
St. Mary Church in Downs
Please contact Deacon Gary Koerner for more information or to volunteer.
Ministers of Hospitality
Ministers of Hospitality serve as ushers and greeters each Sunday Mass, Holy day Mass, and other special liturgies as needed. Ushers and Greeters are often the first contact parishioners have upon entering the church. Their warmth and friendliness are crucial to a parishioner’s experience of the church.
Responsibilities include: greeting people as they arrive, helping people find a seat, and straightening the worship space to prepare for the next Liturgy. This ministry provides a great opportunity for families to serve their parish communities together.
St. Patrick Church of Merna
Please contact the parish office for more information or to volunteer.
St. Mary Church in Downs
Please contact Deacon Gary Koerner for more information or to volunteer.
Altar Servers
Altar servers assist the priest and deacon during Mass. Responsibilities include carrying the cross during the procession, assisting with preparing the altar, and various other important tasks before, during, and after Mass.
We invite all our young parishioners, entering 5th grade and older, to consider becoming an Altar Server for each Mass. High School students are invited to become an MC, or Master of Ceremony, whose job it is to guide the younger altar servers during Mass. Those interested must attend the required training before participating in this ministry.
St. Patrick Church of Merna
Please contact Lindsey Adams for more information or to volunteer.
St. Mary Church in Downs
Please contact Deacon Gary Koerner for more information or to volunteer.
Music
“As a manifestation of the human spirit, music performs a function which is noble, unique, and irreplaceable. When it is truly beautiful and inspired, it speaks to us more than all the other arts of goodness, virtue, peace, of matters holy and divine. For good reason it has always been, and it will always be, an essential part of the liturgy”
St. Pope John Paul II (December 23, 1988).
Music plays an integral part within the Catholic Liturgy. At St. Patrick Church of Merna, our dedicated, hard-working singers and instrumentalists strive for excellence while also seeking to bring our congregation to a closer union with God.
Listed below are various opportunities to share your talents and become involved within the St. Patrick’s community:
For more information or to volunteer, please contact Lindsey Adams.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered at St. Patrick Church of Merna at 9 a.m. Mass. It is an opportunity for children to hear and understand the Gospel message in a language suitable to their age and learn how it pertains to them in their own lives. Children are invited to break open the word, share prayers of the faithful, and say the Creed, all with a little fun thrown in! Children will be encouraged to reverently return to the assembly for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Volunteers (teens and adults) are always needed!
For more information or to volunteer, please contact Lindsey Adams.