Being a sacristan is a very beneficial way to serve our church community and an active way to participate in a Catholic Mass. Sacristans have very important roles before, during, and after Mass. Duties include setting up the sacred vessels in the sanctuary and on the gifts table, as well as preparing and setting out other needed items. During Mass, the sacristan helps direct the gift bearers and retrieves the ciborium. Once Mass is over, the sacristan returns the vessels to the vestry for the next Mass or storage. This role may have other duties as needed, such as for special times of the year.
Time: Volunteers are scheduled on a rotating basis through Ministry Scheduler Pro. You determine your availability and schedule. Volunteers arrive at least a half-hour before Mass time and will normally be finished 15 to 20 minutes after Mass.
Gifts and talents: A sacristan is an EMHC (Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion) who receives additional training. The training is not long and is best done by shadowing a sacristan for a few Sunday Liturgies. This is a rewarding ministry for a few good smiling people who like to help things run smoothly.