SACRISTAN MINISTRY: Performing Essential Role in Preparing for the Mass

The celebration of the Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith. Many of us come to Mass each Sunday, sit in our pew and partake in this beautiful liturgy. But for things to run smoothly, a little preparation is required. That is where the sacristan ministry comes in.

The role of a sacristan could be compared to preparing your home for dinner guests. You prepare the table and the food so that everyone has everything that they need to simply come in and enjoy themselves. Similarly, the sacristan prepares everything so the priest can walk in and celebrate Mass and the parishioners can come in to partake in the liturgy.

While the specific duties of a sacristan can vary based on what is needed for each liturgy and the preferences of each priest, the basic job of a sacristan is to prepare the items needed for that Mass. This typically would include filling the ciborium with the unconsecrated hosts and placing it at the back of the church to be brought forward at the presentation of the gifts, filling the cruets and pitcher, seeing that the purificator, corporal and lavabo towels are all ready to be used during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Finally, they assist with the cleanup after Mass.

Amie and Ray Schultz have been performing the sacristan duties at Christ the King for many years. “Ray and I are both of the mindset that when you see something that needs to be done, you step up and do it,” Amie says. “There was a need in the parish, so we became sacristans and have been doing it ever since.”

Currently, the Schultzes are the only sacristans in the parish. The hope is to have more of the young ladies of our parishes step up and fill this role.

“Father says that if you have received your First Communion, you are old enough to serve in this way,” Amie says. “It is such a privilege to assist with Mass in any way, but being a sacristan is special. You are filling this role because you love God and the Eucharist. You are doing it to help the priest and your parish family.

“It gives you this sense of connection to the Mass,” she adds. “Attending Mass is a beautiful thing, but it means so much to be a part of it by assisting.”

There are many opportunities to be involved in our parishes and assist at Mass including being a greeter, usher, lector, or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Being a sacristan is a great ministry for those who prefer to serve in a more behind-the-scenes way. It is a quiet role that allows you to serve God and others.

“It is a great way to be involved that doesn’t require you to put yourself out there as much,” Amie says. “It is great for those that are more introverted.”

Training for this ministry is very hands-on. Anyone interested in becoming a sacristan can come to Mass 30 minutes early — the current sacristans will teach the trainees where things are located and how to prepare everything.

Amie Schultz — Christ the King Suzan Tugman — St. Jude Thaddeus