Liturgical Ministries

“Liturgy is like a strong tree whose beauty is derived from the continuous renewal of its leaves, but whose strength comes from the old trunk, with solid roots in the ground. “
– Pope Paul VI

Liturgy, the celebration of the Holy Mass, is the very height of our Catholic experience. This is where we are gathered as a community of disciples, nourished by the Word of God and the body and blood of Christ himself in the Eucharist, and then sent forth in mission to share the Good News with the world through our words and actions. 

Divine Mercy Parish is committed to liturgies that welcome, inspire and encourage all who gather. We seek to celebrate the rich beauty of our Catholic tradition, and according to the directions of the Second Vatican Council, to encourage the full, conscious and active participation of all gathered.

The Church needs you. Good liturgy depends on your spirit, participation and service. We would be delighted—honored, even—if you would share your gifts with Divine Mercy as a liturgical minister. Please contact info@divinemercynl.com to learn more about training, scheduling, and serving in any of ministries listed below.

  • Hospitality Minister

Our Ushers embody the Divine Mercy’s mission and desire to foster a warm community that welcomes and values each person in the name of the Lord.  These volunteers serve by greeting and gathering the assembly, assist with seating and other special needs, take up the collection, distribute worship aids and bulletins and straighten up the church in anticipation of the next celebration.  

  • Sacristans

Our Sanctuary, holding both the altar and the tabernacle is the holiest of places in the church.  The sanctuary is a place of peace, where one can go to commune with the Lord. Sacristans prepare the church for the celebration of the Mass and oversee the care of liturgical vessels, vestments, and assist the presiding clergy in the sacristy.  The role of the Sacristan is to help the Mass run as smoothly and as prayerfully as possible from “behind the scenes.”  

  •  Altar Servers

Altar Servers assist the presiding Priest in the Mass.  They perform tasks such as lighting candles, carrying the Processional Crucifix, and holding the Presider’s ritual book.  Young people who wish to take part in this ministry should be at least  nine years of age and have received all three of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist).

  • Eucharistic Minister

Eucharistic Ministers, by assisting the priest in distributing Holy Communion to the assembly, nourish the assembly with the gifts from the sacred table. Through our Visitation Ministry, this also extends to members of our community who are in hospital, long-term care facilities and homebound.  This ministry is open to all Catholics who have been fully initiated with the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

  • Lector

Lectors bring God’s Word to life at Mass, as they proclaim the Scriptures and lead the Prayers of the Faithful. They devote time to preparing and reflecting on the readings in advance, so they may be proclaimed with familiarity, reverence and love.

  • Music Ministry

St. Augustine said “singing is praying twice.”  Our Music ministry has the vital task of helping animate the singing and participation of the congregation in giving glory to God in the prayer of the Mass.  

 
 
 

Other Sunday Ministries

Team Livestream

Divine Mercy Parish livestreams the Sunday 11am Mass as well as other special events taking place in the church.  This ministry, along with our Visitation ministry, allows us to reach out to members of the community who are unable to be with us in the person for the Mass or special parish events.  Members of Team Livestream run the streaming equipment in the church and ensure the upload to our Facebook live and Youtube channels.   All skill levels are welcome.  Not a techie?  No worries, the Parish will provide you with all the needed information and training.  If you are interested in joining this team, please contact the Parish Office by calling 709-726-9924 or email us at info@divinemercynl.com.  

 
 
 
 

Children's Mass Time

This ministry serves the youngest of our parishioners by offering a Children’s liturgy of the Word during our 11 am Sunday Mass.  Through this ministry we hope to create a warm and fun environment that will help make the Mass accessible to children and enhance their experience of church.   

You can serve in a variety of ways in this ministry, including leading a session, being a small group helper and assisting in the set up and take down of the environment. Volunteers in this ministry have an enthusiasm for the faith and a willingness to share it with young people.  This ministry has a strong team approach and volunteers will enjoy sharing in faith and service with their peers.  Materials, resources and training will be provided by the Parish.  For more information contact us  through the parish office at info@divinemercynl.com 

 

fellowship Ministry

We have started something new in the parish – Fellowship after Sunday Mass.  By way of experiment, we will be offering hospitality after our 11am Sunday Mass (St. Paul’s site), in the Foyer, every other Sunday.  If all goes well, we hope to expand to every Sunday at all our Masses. 

Would you like to help our new Fellowship Ministry?   Perhaps you would like to be part of a group that we can call upon to supply donations of sandwiches and cookies on an occasional basis following mass. Or you might like to help with the set up and service of coffee and baked goods.  If you are interested in helping, please leave your name and contact info with the Parish office at 709 726 9924 or sign up on the sheet provided in the foyer.   Hospitality is a great time for all of us to get to know each other, please consider helping if you can.

  • Divine Mercy Parish is wholly committed to supporting the personal faith development of those who serve in parish ministries.  The Parish will provide materials, resources and training for interested volunteers, as well as on-going faith formation. 
  • Divine Mercy Parish is also fully committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the community, especially the most vulnerable.  For more information see the  Archdiocesan Screening Initiative or contact us at info@divinemercynl.com