The word "liturgy" has its origins in Greek. It is from two words, laos (people) and ergon (work). The term was used to mean public service or a work of the people. In our Christian worship the term applies to the activity of all who worship, all of us bring a work for the common good in our relationship with God. "Liturgy is the worship of the Father through Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit." If it is not about how we worship God in the Trinity, it is not liturgy. The liturgical ministries at Sts. Peter & Paul are as follows.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist:

Extraordinary Ministers can assist in two ways: at Mass and to the homebound.

During Mass, they help the priest in the distribution of the Holy Eucharist. A brief orientation and training session is required and they must be mandated by the Archbishop of Denver for a period of three years and receive the recommendation of the Sts. Peter and Paul Pastor.


For the Homebound and Hospital:

To the homebound (parishioners who are ill in their home, in nursing homes or those hospitalized), our Extraordinary Ministers take the Holy Eucharist offsite. The Eucharist must be obtained from the Tabernacle during the week. These Ministers must also receive a brief orientation and training session and be mandated by the Archbishop of Denver upon recommendation of the Sts. Peter & Paul Pastor. Note that anyone ministering at Lutheran Hospital must also attend a 4-5 hour volunteer training Program required by Lutheran Hospital.

"Approximately 50 shut-ins are adopted and visited weekly by Extraordinary ministers who take them our Lord in Holy Communion and a parish bulletin to keep them in touch with the parish family. Approximately 60 residents at Sandalwood Manor and the Christopher House receive Communion weekly from the Legion of Mary Extraordinary ministers. The outreach to the elderly and the sick of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish continues with approximately 100 persons receiving our Lord in Holy Communion."
--Betty Willis

Lector:

Lectors proclaim the Word of God in the context of the Mass. Responsibilities include the ability to read clearly and carefully and to be comfortable reading in front of a congregation of people. Training is required.


Sacristan:

A Sacristan prepares the Credence Table and the Gift Table prior to Mass. They insure that the current Prayers of The Faithful sheet is in the binder at the ambo and on the counter in the vesting sacristy and prepare the altar for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. A training session is required.


Usher:

Ushers seat parishioners for Mass and assist them with various needs. They take up the collection at Sunday Masses, prepare the gift bearers who take up the bread and wine to the altar. Ushers are asked to attend the same weekend Mass. Substitutes are available when needed. Training is required.


Greeter:

Greeters welcome people as they arrive and enter the church. It is necessary for greeters to arrive 15 minutes before Mass begins.
Greeters are encouraged to attend the same Mass each weekend. Substitutes are available when necessary.

Contact our Director of Music and Liturgy Julie Plouffe


Choir:

Those who sing in the choir have the desire to praise God in song and music.
Choir members must have ability in either voice or instrument. Rehearsals are every Wednesday evening.


Altar Servers:

Young people in the 4th grade or older are invited to be altar servers. Altar servers carry the crucifix in procession, carry candles, incense and thurible, assist the priest at the altar during Mass and also the Eucharistic Ministers at Communion, and in addition assist the priest and deacon with various duties during the Masses.


Vestment and Linen Care:

This ministry is ongoing and pertains to the task of maintaining the priest's vestments by sending to the cleaners and the cleaning of the altar cloths and purification by laundering at home.


Floral Altar Arrangements:

You can help glorify God and honor a loved one by participating in a new program here at Sts. Peter & Paul's. This program is a way of fulfilling the doctrines of the church by having "genuine flowers and plants" in the sanctuary. These arrangements not only beautify our church but will also be a form of intercession for you. You can purchase an arrangement for $40.00 and have the arrangement in honor of your living or deceased loved one. It could also commemorate an anniversary. The envelopes will be at be at the back of the church and you can fill it out with a donation and put in the offertory collection. Your loved one or intention will be put in the bulletin with your name. "Flowers are symbolic of our joy in Christ's resurrection. It is a gesture of thanksgiving for the gifts from the Creator.



Holiday Church Decorating:

Special committees are formed to prepare our church for the Christmas, Lenten and Easter feasts. This ministry can require some lifting and climbing. Watch the church bulletin around these holiday seasons requesting volunteers.

Bereavement Luncheons:

The parish is proud to provide a luncheon reception after funeral services in the church. Parishioners are needed to help in the set-up and clean-up. This is a sporadic ministry depending on the number of funerals at any given time.