Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B.

EXPLORING OUR FAITH-LITURGICAL MINISTRY

All Christian ministry is about service, not power or prestige.
All those who minister in the Church act in Christ’s name. Jesus offered the Church a model of true Christian service shortly before his death when he removed his outer garment, wrapped a towel around his waist, got down on his hands and knees and washed his disciples’ dirty, smelly feet.
‘liturgical ministry’ refers to service within and to the worshipping community.
Community members are called to perform particular liturgical ministries to facilitate the assembly’s liturgical prayer. These liturgical ministers include the priest celebrant or presider, ministers of communion, sacristans and servers, readers, ministers of music and hospitality ministers.
People are called to different ministries depending on their particular gifts and personalities. Someone should only perform a particular ministry if she or he has the skills and qualities needed to serve the community well in that role.
The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy states that all involved in liturgical ministry ‘must be trained to perform their functions correctly and orderly’ (CSL 29).
All liturgical ministers should ask themselves after carrying out their role, ‘Did I help the community to pray?’

(From Elizabeth Harrington)