Sacristans Guardians of the Eucharist

Welcome to the Sacristan Ministry! We hope you find this to be a very rewarding and meaningful ministry and enjoy making our liturgies go as smoothly as possible for our fellow parishioners. Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the sacristan ministry as well as the contact information for the coordinator of the sacristans should you have any additional questions. We hope that you will prayerfully consider joining our ministry!

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What does a sacristan do?
As Sacristan, we have three main roles: Security–(of the sacristy and most importantly, the Eucharist), Mass Set Up and Clean Up, and Mass Coordinator. You will serve all three roles each time you are a Sacristan, though some of the roles may play a bigger part than others, depending on the mass. Below is a brief explanation of each role:
Tabernacle IHS: Jesus Christ

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Security: We are responsible for assuring proper treatment of the Holy Species, namely that of the Sacred Blood and Blessed Sacrament during and after the celebration. We are also responsible for keeping the Holy Tabernacle secure.

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Mass set up and clean up vary slightly depending on the individual mass and presider. At every mass, you are responsible for setting up for both Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist which means preparing all the books, vessels, offertory, and incense when appropriate.

As mass coordinator, a sacristan also assists the presider with whatever details/duties he needs done. The sacristan will check to make sure the altar servers are ready and in place as well as making sure the assigned Readers and key Extraordinary Ministers are present and ready to serve.

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Which mass will I be assigned to?
We need sacristans at all of our weekend masses and especially at our daily masses. You primarily work at the mass of your choice, but we ask that all sacristans help cover masses when there is a need, especially on Feast Days, Holidays, Sacraments, and sometimes when other sacristans can’t cover their normal mass.

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How often do I serve?
Depending on the number of sacristans assigned to a particular mass, you may serve once or twice a month or more infrequently. You can choose to serve only as a substitute or trade off with the other sacristans and serve on a rotating basis.

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What’s the time commitment?
Generally, the time commitment is a half hour before and a half hour after your mass. That may vary depending on the particular mass you serve and how fast you work. As you get accustomed to the duties, you are generally able to go a little faster.

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Are there meetings?
Our only meetings are when there are changes to our routine or when called for by our pastor. Generally, the meetings are very few and average once a year. There will be training sessions for all the new sacristans.

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Whom should I contact if I have more questions?
Feel free to speak to any of the sacristans that serve at our masses and talk with them about their experience as sacristan. If you have any further questions, please contact Robin Basham.