How to Become a Sacristan Minister
A sacristan is a church helper who prepares the mass for Holy Communion. The responsibilities of a sacristan minister include preparing the bread, wine, lighting the candles, assisting altar servers before mass, and other duties as needed. Sacristan duties vary from church to church, so sacristan training is necessary at each congregation.
Instructions
-
How to Become a Sacristan Minister
-
1
Become a member of the church. Introduce yourself at the parish office and fill out the church's member information sheet. Express your interest in becoming a sacristan minister to the parish secretary. She will sign you up for the next sacristan training session.
-
2
Attend church. Attending church will not only fortify you with God's word and love, but you will be able to see how the church performs the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.
-
-
3
Watch the order and preparation of the Eucharist. Understand the role of a sacristan minister by seeing the proper order of mass. Notice the other roles such as altar servers, deacons, priests, gift bearers, choir, and other church helpers.
-
4
Attend sacristan training. The church's deacon usually provides training. Ask the deacon for a print out of the sacristan duties to provide assistance for your first sacristan experience. The church bulletin board may have the sacristan duty list posted in case you need it for reference. After this training, you will be able to perform the sacristan role.
-
5
Show up 30 minutes before mass starts on the days that you are assigned sacristan duties. sacristan ministers will receive a schedule in the mail for the mass that is assigned to each sacristan. The week you are scheduled for sacristan duties, your name will appear in the weekly church newsletter and posted on the church bulletin board.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Be respectful of all the holy items you will handle during your duties.
You do not need to be Catholic to perform sacristan duties in a Catholic Church. All of those who want to serve and prepare a mass are welcome.
Show up on time for your sacristan duties or you may not be scheduled in the future for this special role.
- Photo Credit www.sxc.hu/jeinny