An usher’s primary service is one of hospitality. The usher helps maintain a prayerful atmosphere in the church by directing parishioners and guests to seats and attending to special needs areas before and during Mass, taking and securing the offertory, and assisting the assigned family during the Offertory Procession. Additionally, ushers tend to the needs of parishioners and guests alike by helping answer questions, providing resources and fostering a welcoming environment for all. Ushers should be stationed in the vestibule approximately 15 minutes before Mass begins. Assigned approximately twice a month.

Dust Busters dust the altar and pews, straighten the books, discard trash left in pews, and generally make the church, chapel and soothing rooms tidy for the weekend celebration of Mass.

Extraordinary Ministers (EM) of Holy Communion assist our priests and deacons in distributing the Body and Blood of our Lord during Mass and participate in homebound ministries by taking communion to those unable to attend the Sunday liturgy. Participation in this ministry is subject to approval. EMs must have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion, and be in good standing with the Church.

Greeters offer a smile, an open door, and a sincere welcome to members and guests alike as they arrive for Mass. This is a great opportunity for families to create a hospitable atmosphere as they serve together at the Mass of their choice. Greeters arrive 20 minutes prior to their scheduled Mass and are assigned approximately once a month. Ability to contact substitutes through our website.

Lectors proclaim the first or second readings of Sacred Scripture. Lectors are trained on the proper use of the ambo microphone and must be committed to prepare to proclaim the readings through prayerful study and repetitive review beforehand. Lectors are required to arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before their scheduled Mass and are assigned approximately once a month. Substitutes can be accessed through our website. Appointment subject to approval.

The role of altar servers is to facilitate the worship of the congregation as they dutifully assist the priest and deacon at Mass. This ministry is open to children who have completed second grade and have received their first Holy Communion. They are assigned once a month for Sunday liturgies and on a volunteer basis as needed for funerals, weddings, holy days and Masses throughout the year. Servers must check in 15-30 minutes before the start of Mass. Servers and/or their parents must be able to use the Ministry Server Pro scheduling system (website or app). Training sessions are typically offered quarterly.

Liturgical Assistants have an important ministry that facilitates the flow of the liturgy and helps lead the congregation to a deeper awareness of the presence of God during the Mass and afterwards. They also play an important role in leadership of the altar servers as the master of ceremonies.

Sacristans cleanse the altar vessels and linens, preparing the worship space for liturgy. Sacristans are also assigned to set out the elements for consecration (the hosts, wine and water) and set the Lectionary for the daily Masses at 8:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (Tuesday—Friday) and on Holy Days.

Spend quiet time with our Lord. Adoration occurs in the Mary, Queen of Peace Chapel Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. While all are welcome to join on their own schedule, there is also the opportunity to sign up for a dedicated holy hour every week. 

Sign up

• Saturday Vigil Choir
  • The Saturday Vigil Choir enhances worship at the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturdays. Rehearsals are on Saturdays at 4:15 p.m. in the Marquette School Music Room
• Sunday 9:15 a.m. Mass Choir
  • Members of this choir sing at 9:15 a.m. Sunday Mass, accompanied by piano, guitars and other instruments. Practice is at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays.
• Gallery Choir
  • Choir members raise their voices to praise God with traditional hymns at 11:15 a.m. Sunday Mass. They are accompanied by the pipe organ and, on occasion, other symphonic instruments.  Rehearsals are on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
• Sunday 5 p.m. Mass Ensemble
  • Practices are at 4:00 p.m. in the church on Sunday afternoons before mass. Providing this contemporary and engaging music for Mass is a great opportunity to serve the parish community. Vocalists, guitars, strings and other instruments are invited to join.  
• Hand Bell Choir
  • This unique choir adds a joyous ring to our worship, approximately once a month at 9:15 a.m. Sunday Mass. Practice is on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the church choir loft. Reading music is not required.
• St. Cecelia's Children's Choir
  • Sings at 9:15 a.m. Mass monthly. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 3 – 4 p.m. in Fletcher Hall (snacks provided).

To learn more or get involved, please contact Music Director Tom Starnes via email or at 918-584-4788 ext. 203.