2 minute read
Preparing for the Mass, Sacristans Provide a Valuable Service
Have you ever noticed how beautifully prepared our sanctuary is for each and every Mass? The altar sits ready for the celebration of the Eucharist, the holy vessels gleam, the tabernacle candle is lit. All of these details come together to provide a peaceful and reverential atmosphere for worship, though many of us may not know who we have to thank for ensuring that the sanctuary remains such a sacred haven — our sacristans.
Not long after Patricia Bloodworth and her husband converted to the Catholic faith seven years ago, she received a call from the parish asking her if she could fill in for an absent sacristan and prepare the sanctuary for Mass.
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“I had no idea what I was doing!” says Patricia of that first experience. “But between myself and the little altar server, we did pretty well. You need a group of laypeople to learn what we do, how to do it, and why we do it, for those times when no one else is there to help prepare for the Mass.”
Most of the work of sacristans happens in a behind-the-scenes way, yet their tasks provide an invaluable service to our faith community. They inventory and order supplies for the sacristy, including the wine, candles, incense, and more. Also, they keep the sacristy clean and organized and prepare the Host, the wine, and the chalices for Mass as needed. Finally, sacristans ensure that the altar is arrayed in the correct liturgical colors and the tabernacle candle remains lit.
In the role of a sacristan, Patricia has found that these extra moments spent in the Lord’s house have continued to draw her closer to Christ.
“As a convert, it has made me appreciate more that Jesus is actually present there,” she says. “This has made me more aware of the tabernacle and Jesus in the Body and Blood, and it has helped to deepen my faith. I have learned more about the faith and about why we do things. I just feel like it’s such a privilege and an honor to be able to serve the Church and to serve Jesus.”
Feeling richly blessed by her experience as a sacristan, Patricia encourages anyone who may be interested in living out intentional discipleship at St. Boniface to prayerfully consider giving of their time and talent in this essential ministry.
