Liturgical Planning

The Liturgical Planning Committee gathers to plan the seasonal liturgies, particularly Advent-Christmas and Lent-Easter, as well as special liturgical celebrations throughout the year. If you are interested in joining the committee, contact Jo Anne Ibex at 410-665-1054 Ext. 110.


Liturgical Environment

The Liturgical Environment Committee is responsible for decorating the church for the Christmas and Easter celebrations as well as major feasts and parish celebrations. Chair: Dee Harant. If interesting in joining the work of the committee, contact Jo Anne Ibex at 410-665-1054 Ext. 110.


Altar Servers

Altar servers assist in the priest in the celebration of the liturgy. Besides weekend masses, altar servers also minister at special liturgies such as weddings and funerals as well as at devotions such as Stations of the Cross or Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. To be eligible to serve at St. Michael’s one must:
  • be at least in the fourth grade;
  • be enrolled in either Catholic school or a religious education program;
  • have received the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist;
  • be a practicing Catholic; that is, regularly attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation;
  • be responsible in showing up when assigned (or arranging for a substitute);
  • and exhibit reverence when serving on the altar.
If you are interested in training to become an altar server at St. Michael’s, please contact either Fr. Jim Proffitt at 410-665-1054 Ext. 103 or Deacon Henry Davis at 410-665-1054 Ext. 109 to arrange for training.



Lectors

Lectors hold the ministry of proclaiming the Word of God at the sacred liturgy. Qualities necessary for lectoring at St. Michael’s include:
  • be a confirmed practicing Catholic; that is, regularly attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation;
  • live a lifestyle in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church;
  • possess a dedication to preparing the scripture readings prior to the liturgical celebration;
  • have some degree of comfort in speaking before a large gathering and proclaiming the scripture readings boldly and clearly;
  • be reliable in fulfilling Mass assignments or arranging for a substitute; and
  • be committed to ongoing formation and education.


Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist assist the priest with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass as well as bring the Eucharist to those who are sick or homebound. Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, according to archdiocesan policy, serve for renewable three-year terms and are nominated by the pastor and appointed by the Archbishop of Baltimore.

To qualify to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist one must:
  • be a confirmed, practicing Catholic at least 18 years of age who attends Mass regularly on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation;
  • be capable of conducting oneself with reverence in handling the Body and Blood of the Lord;
  • live a life in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church;
  • possess and love and devotion to the Holy Eucharist;
  • be reliable in fulfilling Mass assignments or arranging for a substitute; and
  • be committed to ongoing education and formation.
Confirmed Catholics who are at least 16 years of age are eligible to serve as Special Ministers of the Eucharist for renewable one-year terms, assuming the above qualifications are met.

If you have an interested in being considered for ministry as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, please contact Fr. Jim Proffitt at 410-665-1054 Ext. 103

Ushers

Ushers serve as ministers of hospitality at our weekend liturgies. They are responsible assisting with the taking of the collection, the stocking of the bulletins, assisting with seating worshippers, and other tasks that insure the smooth flow of the liturgy. Furthermore, ushers are also responsible for being able to act in case of emergencies and simply serving as parish ambassadors, particularly to those who are visiting.

If you are interested in serving as an usher, simply contact any usher at the Mass that you regularly attend.


Children's Liturgy of the Word

Children's Liturgy of the Word is a liturgical experience, not to replace formal religious instruction, whereby children ages 4-9 are invited to hear scripture readings and a reflection geared to their level. The CLOW is normally offered at the 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Masses. If you are interested in serving as a leader or assistant, please contact Jo Anne Ibex at 410-665-1054 Ext. 110.


Music Ministry

PARISH CANTORS: Facilitate assembly participation in sung prayer at parish Liturgies. Meetings/rehearsals held on Thursdays, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Must have strong vocal ability and confidence in public.

PARISH CHOIR: Sings at the Sunday 9:30 AM Liturgy and special celebrations. Rehearses on Thursday evenings from 8:00 – 9:45 PM, September through May. Open to all parishioners, ninth grade through adult.

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ENSEMBLE: Sings at the 11:30 AM Sunday Mass and special celebrations. Rehearses on Thursday evenings at 7:30 PM. Vocalists and instrumentalists, ninth grade through adult, are welcome. Director Jim Kraus may be contacted at 410-529-5446.

SPANISH SCHOLA: Provides music at the 11:30 AM Spanish Mass in the Marian Chapel. Rehearses on Saturdays at 3:00 PM. All ages welcome!

FUNERAL CHOIR: Provides music and prayerful support at parish funerals. Open to all parishioners with flexible morning schedules.

SEASONAL CHOIR: Sings at special liturgies, e.g. Thanksgiving and Holy Week services. Ideal for those who love to sing but are unable to commit to year-round rehearsals. Rehearses Thursday evenings, 7:00 – 8:00 PM, before the special event only. Dates will be posted in the bulletin.

CHILDREN’S CHOIR: Sings at the 6:00 PM Mass and special services. Grades 1-3 rehearses on Tuesday afternoons, 3:15 – 4:15 PM. Grades 4-8 practice on Wednesdays, 3:15 – 4:15 PM. An additional rehearsal is held on Wednesday evenings, 7:00 – 8:00 PM for students in Grades 1-8, who are unable to attend afternoon rehearsals.

CHILDREN’S CHIME CHOIR: Rehearses Tuesday evenings, 7:00 – 8:00 PM. Ability to read music is helpful, but will be taught at rehearsal.

Children’s groups are open to all students, regardless of which school they attend.

HANDBELL CHOIR: Rings during the Christmas and Easter seasons. Rehearses on Wednesday evenings during Advent and Lent, 8:15 – 9:15 PM in Choir Loft. Open to all parishioners, ninth grade through adult.

INSTRUMENTALISTS: Any parishioner experienced in performing on a musical instrument, and interested in providing music at parish liturgical celebrations, is encouraged to contact JoAnne.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT Jo ANNE IBEX AT 410-665-1054 ext. 110.