Lectors are the ministers of the Word, responsible for proclaiming the first and second readings, introducing hymns, and reading the petitions and announcements during liturgies. Training sessions are held throughout the year. Each reader is given a workbook, which includes the year's scripture readings and explains effective reading techniques. New readers are welcome at any time and are scheduled approximately once a month. The Center for Liturgy Sunday (http://liturgy.slu.edu/)
Ushers are ministers of hospitality. These men and women assist the Assembly by helping people find seats, taking up the collection, directing the flow of people during communion and distributing the parish bulletins as people leave at the end of Mass. In general, they are concerned about the good order and comfort of the Assembly and are serving signs of God's presence among us.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are distribute the Eucharist during parish liturgies. Training is provided for all new ministers and formation opportunities are available.
Eucharistic Ministers to the Homebound take communion to people living in nursing homes and to people who can't leave their homes. Formation opportunities are available as needed.
