All are called to an active participation in the liturgy, which involves the heart, voice, and body. Some are needed to fulfill certain important liturgical roles such as Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC's), Servers, and those involved in music. Requirements to serve as EMHC's, Lectors, or servers are (1) commitment to Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church, (2) practice of the faith and being in good standing with the Church, and (3) faithful fulfillment of one's particular liturgical responsibilities. Below are brief descriptions of each role.
If you are interested in serving Saint Sebastian Parish through a liturgical ministry please contact Bob Short at ssricgs@gmail.com.
To be able to assist the priest in the celebration of the Mass is a great privilege. Servers assist in many roles during the Mass — carrying the cross, processional candles, incense and censer, and assisting the celebrant as required. An altar server has a sincere desire to serve Jesus and to experience a growth that comes from offering one’s self and one’s gifts and talents for others. Girls and boys from fifth grade on are accepted for this ministry.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion help distribute the precious Body and Blood of Jesus at Mass. Training is offered. EMHC's are expected to cultivate a special devotion to the Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. They can serve at Sunday Masses, daily Masses, or both. There is also a need for certain EMHC's to bring Holy Communion to the homebound.
When the word of God is read during Mass, it is said that God Himself is speaking to the congregation. God’s word speaks to people of all generations in a way that is accessible to them, and this is promoted further by the words of the homilist.
The opportunity to proclaim the Word of God within the context of liturgical celebrations with excellence at Sunday Masses is a great privilege granted by the church for the good of the community and of each lector. We continually seek people who are articulate, can project their readings well, and are willing to serve once or twice a month at an assigned Mass. The lector is expected to dress appropriately and move about the sanctuary with respect and dignity.
The Children's Choir performs at Laurelmead Senior Living Home for Christmas.
Building a vibrant parish takes all kinds of talents. Take a look at a few of the ways you can serve the Saint Sebastian community.
If you are interested in serving St. Sebastian Parish through a council or committee please contact Bob Short at ssricgs@gmail.com.
The Parish Council serves as the primary advisory group of the Parish to the Pastor. As representatives of their fellow parishioners, the Council Members help the Pastor in setting and achieving goals for the life and ministry of the Parish. Saint Sebastian’s is blest to have a Parish Council that is filled with people of great heart, faith, and vision. The members of the Parish Council are: Patricia Recupero, Sarah Garcia-Mata, Janice Opalenski, Gerry Codola, Catherine Denning, Karin Schrott, Toni Dumville, Rob Lough and Amy Thomas.
The Finance Council offers the Pastor their particular expertise in helping to oversee the annual budget and the financial life and stability of the Parish. The members of the Finance Council are: Ann Carnavale, Jim Daly, Doug Nani, and Elisa Vele.
The Parish Trustees in conjunction with the Bishop of Providence and the Pastor of Saint Sebastian, constitute the Corporation of the Church of Saint Sebastian, Inc. The current trustees are Chip Rogers and Catherine Taylor.
The Spiritual Activities Committee helps to plan activities that foster spiritual growth and fellowship in the parish. In the past, they have planned speaker series, book studies, bible studies, Lenten retreats, movie nights and more.