Liturgical Ministries
Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church
Altar Servers
Altar servers are children and youth in second grade [who have received the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist] through high school who assist the priest at weekend Masses, Holy Days of Obligation, Stations of the Cross, and weddings [when needed and available]. Training sessions for new altar servers are held at intervals during the year. Beyond the initial training period, special practices are held for the major feasts and celebrations of the Church including Christmas, Holy Week and Easter. If you are interested in having your son or daughter train for this very important ministry, call Father Vincent at 724-478-4958.
Greeters
Creating a warm atmosphere for all worshipers is the first priority of the our greeters. Entire families are also encouraged to participate in this ministry, which often sets the tone for how people will feel while participating in Mass. If you have a gift for making others feel welcome and are willing to arrive a little early for Mass, then God may be inviting you into a new role. Our parish is looking for friendly people who would be willing to wait at the doors of the church on Sunday mornings and offer a warm greeting to all who arrive to celebrate the sacred liturgy with us. To learn more or to become a greeter please call Father Vincent at 724-478-4958.
Ushers
The ministry of ushers is the oldest lay ministry in the Catholic Church. The ushers of today have descended from a long line of people of God who have gone before them. During the time of Christ, the doorkeepers of the temple numbered in the hundreds and were the forerunners of today's ushers. Today the ushers help parishioners to find seats, assist with the offertory collection and offertory gift procession, and supervise the safety and other needs of the congregation. This ministry is open to all parishioners 18 and older; men and women; senior citizen, parent and teenager. Ushers are friendly people who welcome all ages and nationalities. Their faith enables them to see Christ's presence in individuals and in the gathered community of believers. For more information or to volunteer please call the parish office at 724-478-4958.
Eucharistic Ministers
Parishioners with a devotion to the Mass, the sacraments and the Church are invited to become Eucharistic Ministers. The purpose of this ministry is to assist the priest in the distribution of the Eucharist during Mass. Having individuals serve in this role is especially helpful since Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish celebrates the Eucharist under both forms – the Body and the Blood of Christ being distributed and shared in communion at all Masses. Eucharistic Ministers are appointed by the Pastor with the approval of the Bishop. To become a Eucharistic Minister you must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church. All new Eucharistic Minister are trained beforehand regarding our own parish customs, as well as Diocesan and Papal guidelines. If you are interested in becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, please call Father Vincent at 724-478-4958.
Lectors/Readers
Proclaiming the Word of God to His people is the task entrusted to those who join the ministry of lectors at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish. Lectors are scheduled for Sunday Mass, Holy Days of Obligation and special celebrations. The lector, along with proclaiming the Word, also leads the congregation during the Prayers of the Faithful and helps direct them with announcements. Individual training is provided to prepare those wishing to become lectors. Group refresher courses are also held periodically to reaffirm existing lectors. A lector's workbook is provided for those who may find the text to be helpful. Confirmed Catholics are eligible to join this ministry. Interested parishioners should call Father Vincent at 724-478-4958.