Sacristan
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Sacristan is a highly important coordinator position for each Mass and close collaborator with the Celebrant during the Mass. The Sacristan gains a deeper involvement in, and appreciation of, the Mass, as well as more personal relationships with the clergy and other ministers.
How the Ministry Works:- New Sacristans are by appointment only; the Pastor and associate clergy must approve anyone to be invited into this ministry.
- New Sacristans are trained via “on-the-job training” with the Sacristan coordinator and the other Sacristans who serve at the same Mass; training period is approximately 1 month.
- They will then apprentice with experienced Sacristans for another month before doing a Mass on their own.
- Sacristans typically specialize in one weekend Mass (e.g. only the 8:45 Sunday Mass); typically there are three or four Sacristans for each Mass and they are scheduled to serve a month at a time.
- All Sacristans are also Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Lectors so they can substitute for an absent minister if a sub has not already been arranged.
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The Sacristan’s responsibilities before, during, and after Mass include:
- Make sure proper quantities of bread and wine are set out for consecration
- Ensure the proper number of ciboria, chalices and purificators are available for the distribution of the Eucharist
- Monitor attendance at the Mass and adjust quantities as appropriate;
- Set lectionary for readings of the day.
- Sacristans ensure the required number of Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers are available, and that they know their assignments and positions.
- During Mass, they cue the Altar Servers as needed so they perform their duties in a timely fashion.
- After Mass, they supervise washing of vessels and setting out items for the succeeding Mass.
- Sacristans must arrive at Mass at least 20 minutes early and stay after Mass until all post-Mass tasks are complete.
- Sacristans must be extremely reliable, very well organized, highly attentive to details, and intimately familiar with all aspects of the Mass; numerous years of reliable service as an EM is a prerequisite for consideration for this ministry; similar service as a Lector is also very helpful.