Liturgy is like a strong tree whose beauty is derived from the continuous renewal of its leaves, but whose strength comes from the old trunk, with solid roots in the ground.”
– Pope Paul VI
Liturgical ministry is just one of the many opportunities available for us to fulfill our baptismal call of service to one another. Whether behind the scenes, planning or through a public role of service, liturgy uses the talents and gifts that God has given to serve the community. To meet the spiritual needs of our community and to make our liturgies truly life-giving celebrations requires the gifts of everyone. Our hope is that you will prayerfully consider becoming a part of one of our liturgical ministries.
At Our Lady of Fatima we are guided through the liturgical documents of the Church and approved by the Diocesan of Wilmington guidelines, the Liturgy Department coordinates the liturgical life of Our Lady of Fatima parish with the guidance of our Pastor. The Liturgy office is responsible for determining goals and specific objectives for the liturgical life of our parish in conjunction with the pastoral plan. The Liturgy office is responsible for the scheduling of ministers to serve at the Masses, including Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Music Ministers, Ushers and Altar Servers. The liturgy office is responsible for the following:
Promoting and developing the prayer life of the community through proper liturgical practice.
Coordinating the liturgical life of the parish.
Guiding and advising the parish on liturgical issues.
Preparing Sacramental celebrations.
Coordinating sacramental, liturgical and devotional celebrations of the parish.
Evaluating the liturgical life and celebrations of the parish.
If you are interested in serving in one of our liturgical ministries or would like additional information about any of our ministries, please complete the ministry application form and drop it in the weekend collection basket or forward it to fatimachurch@aol.com
Altar servers assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy. Besides weekend masses, altar servers also minister at special liturgies such as weddings and funerals as well as at devotions such as Stations of the Cross or Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
To be eligible to altar serve one must:
be at least in the fourth grade
be enrolled in either Catholic school or a religious education program
have received the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist
be a practicing Catholic; that is, regularly attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation
be responsible in showing up when assigned (or arranging for a substitute)
exhibit reverence when serving on the altar
Lectors
Lectors hold the ministry of proclaiming the Word of God at the sacred liturgy. Qualities necessary for lectors at Our Lady of Fatima include:
be a confirmed practicing Catholic; that is, regularly attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation;
live a lifestyle in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church;
possess a dedication to preparing the scripture readings prior to the liturgical celebration;
have some degree of comfort in speaking before a large gathering and proclaiming the scripture readings boldly and clearly;
be reliable in fulfilling Mass assignments or arranging for a substitute
be committed to ongoing formation and education.
Greeters
The purpose of this ministry is to provide an enthusiastic, positive, spiritual and friendly welcome to each person entering Our Lady of Fatima before every celebration and special service. This ministry is committed to help make every worship experience at Our Lady of Fatima, positive and spiritually up lifting for everyone, at every time. Greeters are supportive and sensitive to the needs of the church and the congregation by assisting the ushers, deacon, pastoral staff and other ministries as needed. Greeters are responsible for the following:
Welcome each person entering for worship at OLF in a friendly, uplifting manner
Provide assistance, information and direction to church facilities and services
Educate members of the ministry on maintaining positive attitudes
Support the mission and goals of the church
Eucharistic Ministers
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist assist the priest with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass as well as bring the Eucharist to those who are sick or home-bound. Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, according to diocesan policy, serve for renewable four-year terms and are nominated by the pastor and appointed by the Bishop of Wilmington.
To qualify to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist one must:
be a confirmed, practicing Catholic at least 16 years of age who attends Mass regularly on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation
be capable of conducting oneself with reverence in handling the Body and Blood of the Lord
live a life in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church
possess and love and devotion to the Holy Eucharist
be reliable in fulfilling Mass assignments or arranging for a substitute
be committed to ongoing education and formation.
Ushers
Ushers serve as ministers of hospitality at our weekend liturgies. They are Responsible for assisting with the taking of the collection, the stocking of the bulletins, assisting with seating worshippers, and other tasks that insure the smooth flow of the liturgy. Ushers are also responsible for being able to act calmly in case of emergencies and serve as parish ambassadors, particularly to those who are visiting.
Flowers
A familiar advertising motto. We hear it every day in TV commercials, see it in our monthly magazines and experience the wonder of their beauty in our summer gardens.
Remember the phrase “flower power?” The power of flowers is unquestionable. Flowers speak for us when we can’t find the words. Flowers are unspoken messages for “I’m sorry” and “I love you,” and we can send or receive flowers for nearly every event in our life. Likewise, flowers are very important in our church as well. They add elegance and grace to our altar.
We watch Advent bring new life as we wait patiently for the Christmas cactus to bloom and we experience the trumpets of heaven resounding when we see the Easter lilies. Their unspoken message speaks of hope to our grieving families at funerals and joy to our wedding couples. As we come to offer praise and thanksgiving we remember those people and events that have marked our lives.
If you would like to make a special offering for flowers, please call the Rectory Office at 302-328-3431 or email fatimachurch@aol.com. Altar flowers are donated each weekend in honor of a loved one, to remember someone’s passing, or to celebrate a special occasion. Following all the weekend masses, the flowers are usually moved to the chapel for the remainder of the week.
