“The sacristan diligently arranges the liturgical books, the vestments, and other things that are necessary for the celebration of Mass.” General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), #105(a)

Welcome to the Liturgical Ministry of being a Sacristan

The Eucharistic Celebration constitutes the very life of the Church, for the Lord said; “I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me shall ever be hungry; no one who believes in me shall ever thirst." (John 6:35) “The LITURGY is the SUMMIT towards which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time, it is the FONT from which all power flows.” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy - Documents of Vatican II)
 

Role of the Sactristan

A sacristan’s role is to prepare the sacred space to welcome the faithful, as well as the table to welcome Jesus in the Word proclaimed and the sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist.

We are called to serve one another as members of the parish community and are challenged by the example of Jesus to reach out in loving service to others, offering hospitality and welcome to the community at large. Strengthened by our prayer together, we are empowered to make our faith present in our daily lives.

The ministry of sacristan is crucial as it is so visible in the Church. Certainly, the attitude, conduct and even the appearance of the minister of hospitality directly affects, either positively or negatively, the experience of the faithful at Mass. The term Sacristan comes from the Latin word, “sacer,” which means sacred. Sacristans are often behind the scene prayerful ministers that bring to mind the words of Jesus when He said we should not do good works just to gain rewards (Matthew 6:1).

Requirements for Service

Those who desire to serve in the ministry of sacristan should be active and faithful members Divine Mercy Parish. They should be people of faith and prayer, of Godly character and reputation, with a deep devotion to the Eucharist and to the environment where the faithful gather together to worship. Respect for others, discretion, and appropriate decorum are the hallmarks of a sacristan.

Above all, ministers should be noted for their care to the assembly. These qualities are found in a mature Christian – qualities that transcend chronological age. Moreover, the minister should be comfortable inviting and/or directing others in a welcoming and loving manner.

There are times when further assistance is needed at mass, and it is up to the sacristan to solicit that help. As Jesus called and invited people to serve, our relationship with Christ calls us to imitate his model. “An evangelizing community knows that the Lord has taken the initiative, he has loved us first (cf. 1 Jn 4:19), and therefore we can move forward, boldly take the initiative, go out to others, seek those who have fallen away, stand at the crossroads and welcome the outcast.”