Liturgical Ministries

The purpose of the Eucharistic liturgy, as well as all Sacraments, is to make us holy, to build up the Body of Christ and to worship God. (see SC 59). The liturgy “nourishes, strengthens and expresses faith” (Catechism, 1123). From the time of the apostles, Christians have continually come together to celebrate, to listen to scripture and to offer thanksgiving. Those responsible for preparing the liturgy cannot forget that “Christ always truly associates the Church with himself in this great work wherein God is perfectly glorified and the recipients made holy” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 7). The liturgy is a communal encounter of Christ that brings together all of the Church’s activity such as personal prayer, faith community activities and daily Christian living.

* Except where noted, if you are interested in participating in any of these ministries or if you have questions, please contact the Pastoral Center (626) 792-4183

Altar Servers

Composed of children and young people who assist priests in the service of the altar during the celebration of Mass. They serve regularly at Sunday and weekly Masses and other special liturgies. 

For further information call the Pastoral Center at (626) 792-4183.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

“The Church was born of the paschal mystery. For this very reason the Eucharist, which is in an outstanding way the Sacrament of the paschal mystery, stands at the center of the Church's life” (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, no.3). Since 1973, the Holy Father has given bishops permission to appoint extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion (EMC). The EMC’s assist with the distribution of communion whenever there is no ordinary minister (priests, deacons, or instituted acolyte*) to assist. They are engaged in the important role of distributing the Body of and Blood of Christ to the assembly; they also work to ensure that the reverence for the Blessed Sacrament is preserved; they are called to be living examples of the mercy of God by their compassion and service.
For further information call the Pastoral Center at (626) 792-4183.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Sick

These ministers are commissioned to take Holy Communion to the sick and homebound and those confided to Convalescent and Skilled Nurse Facilities and to those who cannot worship with us. As they visit they share the Word of God as well as the Body of Christ to give consolation and spiritual comfort to those going through illness and in need of support: This ministry is coordinated by a team of Volunteers.

Lectors

“Christ is present in the liturgy through the Eucharist, the priest, and the assembly that prays and sings. He is also present in the Word since it is He Himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church” (Catechism, 1088, see also SC 7 and Mt. 18:20). Proclaiming the word of God is much more complex than simply standing in front of the assembly and reading a text. It involves the proper understanding and appreciation of scripture, careful preparation, the use of the voice, and attention to acoustics and liturgical movement.
For further information call the Pastoral Center at (626) 792-4183.

Liturgy of the Word with Children

"Sometimes, moreover, if the place itself and the nature of the community permit, it will be appropriate to celebrate the liturgy of the word, with the children in a separate, but not too distant room. Then, before the Eucharistic liturgy begins, the children are led to the place where the adults are celebrating their own liturgy of the word."—Directory for Masses with Children, #17T

This celebration with children will enable them to discover and recognize themselves in the stories proclaimed in the Gospels. When they make the discovery from within their experience, they can then thank, and praise, and bless God in their daily lives. No registration is necessary for this program; our goal is to lead them into full, conscious and active participation in the Sunday Mass. After the Opening Prayer, the children are called forward. The celebrant gives a blessing and dismisses the catechists and children from this part of the Mass. In procession, carrying the Children's Lectionary, the children proceed to the Chapel.

Mass Spanish is at 11:00am mass.

Music Ministry

Those who offer their musical talents for leading the assembly in sung prayer are pastoral musicians that serve as accompanists, instrumentalists, cantors, and choir members. The Music Ministry enhances the liturgy with songs and instrumental music and also enriches the lives of the participants. Singers: Anyone with a love and aptitude for music is welcome. An ability to read music is not a requirement. Musicians: Anyone who can play an instrument at a proficient level is welcome.

Contact Mr. Steven Ottomanyi - Music Director

Sacristans

The sacristans fulfill an important role in the care of the sacred linens and furnishings and sometimes assists with the environment for the various seasons of the church year. As priests travel from one church to another to celebrate Mass, the role of the sacristans becomes even more important so that everything needed for Mass is prepared when the priest arrives. Every sacristan will have different duties depending on the parish and the pastoral leader with whom they work. As a norm, sacristans are often responsible for setting out the following items prior to worship: bread, wine, water, towels, purificators, vessels, liturgical books, candles, altar cloths, vestments, incense and holy water (when used).

Hospitality, Greeters and Ushers

The ministry of hospitality comes from the Jewish tradition of the “gatekeeper” in the Old Testament. Their duties included watching over the doors of the temple and collecting money offerings from the people (see 2 Kings 22:4,Chronicles 9:19 and Chapter 26, Jeremiah 35:4). Today, the ministry of usher involves much more than collecting money and serving as doorkeeper. The ministry of usher is perhaps the most important for setting the tone for worship. The usher, who should be comfortable meeting and greeting others, extends a welcome to others prior to prayer. Collections, as offerings to God, have always been part of our preparation for the Eucharistic prayer. We place before the altar the work of human hands.

Bereavement Ministers

For parishioners who have had a death in the family, our Bereavement Ministers are available to offer support and guidance to you and your family in planning the funeral services. Resources, counseling and referrals are available for the bereaved. Saint Andrew has an annual Memorial Mass on November 2nd, All Souls Day, to remember those who have died.

Devotions

Popular devotions of the Christian people are to be highly commended, provided they are in accord with the laws and norms of the Church. (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy--no. 13, Vatican II Documents). “Devotions describes the various external practices (e.g. prayers, hymns, observances attached to particular times and places, insignia, medals, habits or customs). Animated by an attitude of faith, such external practices manifest the popular relationship of the faithful with Divine Persons, or the Blessed Virgin Mary in her privileges of grace and those titles which express them, or with the Saints in their configuration with Christ or in their role in the Church's life.” (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy. "Principles and Guidelines" [13] (DPPL), Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments; Vatican City, December 2001).

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Saturdays after 8:15am Mass

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Exposition is a manner of honoring the Holy Eucharist, by exposing Him, with proper solemnity, to the view of the faithful in order that they may pay their devotions before Him. Tuesdays 6:00pm to 8:00pm in the church, except on days where special Masses are celebrated.

Gatherings are the First Friday of each month.
Holy Hour - Tuesdays at 7:15pm to 8:15pm in the church, First Friday at 9:00am and 7:15pm

Blessings

The custom of giving blessings goes back to the very earliest times. In the morning of Creation, on the completion of each day's work, God blessed the living creatures that came from His hands, bidding them increase and multiply and fill the earth (Gen. i-ii). The Church has adopted this practice and provides a variety of blessings for various occasions.