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.
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.
Expectations:
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.