Groups
The word ministry comes from the Latin word “Manus”, which means hand. In the liturgy we worship the Lord using whatever gifts He has given us. St. Paul says: “Together we make a unity in the work of service, building up the body of Christ”.
In a parish, if we believe that our worship is a community worship, in which we all partake, the question arises as to what that part should be?
“The church earnestly desires that Christ’s faithful, when present at this mystery of faith should participate knowingly, devoutly and actively. They should be instructed by God’s Word, and be refreshed at the table of the Lord; they should give thanks not only through the hands of the priest, but with him, they should learn to offer themselves too”.
To achieve this, we have many people actively involved in the various ministries in our church, all helping to make each person’s faith become living, conscious and active. We have flower arrangers,altar society, collectors and sacristans, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, readers, choirs, Altar servers, those who take part in the Offertory processions – all of whom take pride in their work and contribute hugely to the smooth running of the various ceremonies and help to create an atmosphere of prayer and worship.
A sense of belonging and community is surely one of the great aims of ministry. Being involved, whether through our presence, prayer, support, or actively offering our hands to help, seems to be one of the most effective ways of achieving this.
.