by Don Harrington

Welcome to Saint Cecilia, Father.

I'll be there early tomorrow (Friday) to set up for you; lights, microphones, Chalice, Ciborium, etc.

You will have:

• A server to assist at mass.
• A lector for the entrance antiphon, the old Testament reading, responsorial, alleluia,  and the communion antiphon.
• A Eucharistic minister for the Chalice. He/she will come to the alter during the "Lamb of God" prayer.

For each Saturday or Sunday Mass there is a Head Eucharistic Ministers (HEM) assigned. He/she is vested (the Alb) and will assist you at Mass.

He/she will set up beforehand, process with you to the altar, prepare the altar after the Creed and the Prayer of the Faithful (bringing the Sacramentary, the Corporal, and a Purificator to the altar). They will assist in receiving the Gifts and, at the 10 o'clock, prepare three additional cups, filling them from the flagon during the "Lamb of God" prayer. At this time the required additional Eucharistic Ministers (EMs) will come to the altar to assist with Communion.

After Communion the HEM will receive from you any remaining Hosts and take them back to the tabernacle. He/She will then come back to the altar, fold and remove the Corporal and bring the Sacramentary to the table near you. As Mass ends, all process out.

Additionally, there are Altar Servers and lectors assigned. During the Prayer of the Faithful (before the closing prayer) the lector reads additional intentions from members of the congregation. At your discretion, they might also read intentions which you may have prepared.

This is not to say, "THIS is the way we do it at St. Cecilia's!" I just wish you to know of the resources available to you. All of us stand ready to assist you in any way possible.

Again, welcome!