2 minute read
Behind the Scenes with the Sacristans Ministry: A True Labor of Love for God and Our Church
For Parish Administrative Assistant Kelley Coppens, being a sacristan isn’t just about participating in an important liturgical ministry.
It is about something far more profound. It is about growing in her relationship with Our Eucharistic Lord and allowing Him to become her best, eternal friend and Savior.
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“This ministry is a great way to grow in your devotion to the Eucharist,” she says. “When you set up to do your sacristan work, the church is normally very quiet, and you can be alone with Jesus in the tabernacle. I enjoy genuflecting in front of Him there as I go about my duties; it makes me feel closer to Him. Since I became a sacristan, I have developedbetter understanding of the Sacrament of the Eucharist. It has enriched my prayer life and given me a deeper perspective on the Mass.”
Our parish sacristans normally arrive about 30 minutes before Mass to check the tabernacle and set up everything that the celebrant will need, including the proper number of hosts; put the key in the tabernacle; set out the bowls with the number of hosts that will likely be needed for Mass; put out the chalices and purificators; and set the credence table with items such as the Communion Plate, water, cruets, and a hand towel.
“This is a behind-the-scenes ministry, but it is a very important one,” Kelley says. “The celebrants rely on us to make the Mass go smoothly.”
As coordinator, Kelley schedules various sacristans to serve for the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Masses and makes sure they receive the training they need as well.
Sacristan Debbie Brockman prepares the vessels for Mass
The ministry holds four brief organizational meetings per year, and substitutes are available for those who find themselves unable to serve on their scheduled Sunday.
“When people express interest in helping with this ministry, I ask them which Mass they normally attend, and then assign them to cover that Mass,” she says. “I post a schedule in the sacristy. I usually pair the new sacristans with experienced sacristans so they can help alongside them until they feel comfortable doing it themselves.”
Over time, Kelley has also found that coordinating the Sacristan Ministry helps her share her talents with our parish community in a meaningful way.
“I am glad I can be here for my church family and serve them through this ministry,” she says. “It helps me get to know my fellow parishioners better and grow closer to them. Being a sacristan is a great way to give back!”
More sacristans are needed to serve Jesus truly present in the Eucharist through this beautiful ministry.
