Worship Ministries

Lay Worship Ministries

At The Church of the Holy Family, worship is something we do together. Our liturgy comes alive through the voices, hands, and faithful presence of our people. While clergy guide and preside, it is the whole congregation that offers prayer, proclaims Scripture, welcomes newcomers, and helps create a space where all can encounter God.

There are many ways to serve in worship, as ushers and greeters who extend hospitality from the moment someone walks through the doors; as acolytes who assist at the altar; as lectors who proclaim God’s Word; as lay Eucharistic ministers who help share the sacrament; and in other roles that support our common prayer. Each ministry is an invitation to deeper participation in the life of the Church.

Worship at Holy Family is not a performance to watch, but a sacred work we share. If you feel called to serve in any of these ways, we would love to help you find your place. Please see below for information about each ministry.

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild serves behind the scenes to prepare and care for the altar and worship space, working in teams of three to four. Members clean and ready the altar area on Saturday mornings, vacuuming, dusting, caring for the wood floors, changing candles, and polishing vessels (about an hour). They also set up and clear the altar vessels and supplies for Sunday services (about 30 minutes), and assist with occasional weekday services as available. Guild members typically serve once every five weeks, in this quiet but essential ministry that supports our worship life.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM’s)

Eucharistic Ministers support the clergy in the distribution of communion as chalice bearers. We offer the cup with the words “the blood of Christ, the cup of salvation” or “Christ’s blood shed for you.” Eucharistic Ministers join in the distribution of Holy Communion at every 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday mornings and can serve at other services as needed, including at the services on Wednesdays at noon, if available.

Acolytes

The Acolyte Ministry offers parishioners in fourth grade and older a meaningful way to serve the congregation with a manageable commitment of about an hour and a half per month. Acolytes serve in teams of two or three, typically once a month, assisting at God’s altar and helping lead the congregation by example in active worship—most often at the 10:30 liturgy and on major feasts and holy days. They carry the processional cross, the Gospel book, and torches during the liturgy, and occasionally other sacred objects. Acolytes are an important part of supporting the beauty and reverence of our worship.

Ushers

Ushers serve at each Sunday service, offering a warm welcome to all who arrive. They greet worshippers, provide service bulletins, answer questions, pass the offering plates, and help guide the congregation during Holy Communion. Ushers also assist at weekday services, funerals, and weddings as available. Often the first point of contact for newcomers and longtime members alike, ushers play an essential role in ensuring that services run smoothly while offering a ministry of hospitality. This is also a wonderful opportunity for children and youth to serve alongside a parent or other trusted adult.

Music Ministry

From Miriam’s song praising God on the shores of the Red Sea to the choir of saints singing the song of the Lamb in Revelation, the musical worship of God is woven throughout scripture. Songs of joy, songs of lament, and songs calling for deliverance abound. Music is a universal way of responding to God that we are called to incorporate into our personal and communal spiritual practices.

The Music Ministry at Holy Family strives to foster a welcoming, prayerful, and vibrant ministry that offers thoughtfully prepared musical support of our common worship.

Lectors

Lectors are lay persons who read the lessons that precede the gospel. The role of lector is among the oldest of the liturgical lay ministries, and we welcome anyone who enjoys reading aloud.

Flower Team

The Flower Team helps bring beauty and life to worship by ordering and arranging flowers for each week. They prepare the altar arrangements for Sunday services and, as available, for funerals and weddings. After services, the team also creates small bouquets from the altar flowers to share with parishioners celebrating birthdays, honoring donors, or bringing a bit of cheer to those who are sick or homebound.

Prayer Team

The Prayer Team offers a quiet and meaningful ministry by meeting with parishioners to pray during communion on Sunday mornings at the 10:30 a.m. service. This ministry provides an opportunity for members of the congregation to connect deeply and spiritually, supporting one another through prayer and presence during worship.