Liturgy & SPIRITUAL LIFE MINISTRIES

  
     
 

Liturgy & Spiritual Life Ministries:  Adult Traditional Choir, Altar Servers, Cantors,
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Liturgy Committee, Praise Band, Praise Band - Youth,
Readers (Lectors), Sacristan/Altar Care, Ushers & Gift Bearers

  
     
 

Liturgy and Spiritual Life Ministries directly support the liturgical celebrations of our Parish. 
"The Second Vatican Council rightly proclaimed that the Eucharistic sacrifice is 'the source and summit of the Christian life'.  For the most holy Eucharist contains the Church's entire spiritual wealth:  Christ himself, our Passover and living bread"  (Encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharista, 1)

  
     
 

MINISTRY CONTACTS

  
 

Adult Traditional Choir

  
  One of the early "Fathers" of the Church said, "those who sing, pray twice." Although all parishioners sing parts of the Liturgy, there is a need for adult traditional choir members to lead and enhance the Liturgical Celebration. The Adult Traditional Choir sings each Sunday at the 11:30 AM Mass and at other Liturgical Occasions. Members rehearse on Tuesday evenings each week.  
   
 

Altar Servers

 
  Altar Servers after thorough training, assist the Priest during Mass and in other liturgical functions.  Youth Altar Servers primarily assist at weekday Masses during the school year and year round at weekend Masses. Adult Servers function at summer weekday Masses, the Wednesday Evening Mass, and at the monthly Mass at Shore Acres Rehabilitation and Nursing Home.  
   

 

Cantors

 
  Cantors lead the congregation in song at weekend and Holy Day Masses. Training is available for interested parishioners.  
   

 

 EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

 
  (see bulletin webpage for Eucharistic Minister Schedules)
Mass - In 1973, Diocesan Bishops were authorized to commission Catholic laity to assist the Priest in the distribution of Holy Communion during Mass and to take Holy Communion to the sick.  Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion are commissioned after they are trained in all aspects in the distribution of Holy Communion.

Homebound - Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the Priest by taking Holy Communion to the homebound.  In many instances, they become friends with these Catholics who because of old age, frailty, or illness are unable to attend Mass.

Nursing Home - Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the Priest by taking Holy Communion on Sundays to Catholic residents at Shore Acres Nursing Home.  These volunteers become friends with patients in great need.  Additionally, there is a monthly Mass at Shore Acres and room visits with the priest to the sick unable to attend Mass.

 
   
 

Liturgy Committee

  
  It is the function of the Liturgy Committee to provides for, conveys and offers instruction toward the better exercise of rite and function in the celebration of the Eucharist, the sacraments, and the prayer of the Church. Serving on the committee are priests and laypersons who are involved in organizing the sacred worship of the Mass and Sacraments.  
   
  PRAISE BAND - click here for web page  
  Established in 1995, the St. Raphael's Praise Band & Choir offers a wide selection of contemporary Christian music. This ministry regularly participates in the Sunday 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM Masses.  CD's of their music are available in the Church Office.  A second album, "Amazing Love," was released in 1998. Praise Band & Choir Webpage  
   

 

PRAISE BAND - YOUTH

 
  High school Teens of the parish share their vocal and instrumental skills with the Praise Band once a month at the Sunday 5:30 PM LIFETEEN Mass.  
   

 

READERS (LECTORS)

 
  Readers are parishioners who proclaim Scripture at weekday and /or weekend Masses.  Readers must study and prepare to properly proclaim Scripture to the congregation.  Group and individual training is available before the Pastor commissions Readers. (see bulletin webpage for Reader Schedules)  
     

 

SACRISTAN (Altar Care)

 
  Working in conjunction with the Sacristan, members of Altar Care work a scheduled Mass and other liturgical functions performing several activities both before and after the Mass. They set up the credence table, prepare vestments and ensure items are ready for the mass. After Mass, these items are returned to the sacristy.  
   
 

USHERS & GIFT BEARERS

  
  Ushers are responsible for taking up the collection and delivering it to the priest at all Masses.  They also greet parishioners as they enter the church and facilitate the receiving of Holy Communion by the congregation.  Offertory Gift Bearers present the congregation's Gifts of Bread and Wine to the Altar.  We invite all parishioners to join in this activity by simply using the "Gift Bearer Card" on the table in the main entrance of the Church or letting the Users know that you desire to do so.    
     

St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1376 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
Phone: 727-821-7989 |  Fax: 727-896-9619