"To bear witness to God the Father, follow the teachings of Jesus Christ,
and be guided by the Holy Spirit."
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For home-bound individuals we
live-stream Mass on Sundays at
10 am.
Please note: The Taizé Prayer Service is cancelled on Wednesday evening Sept 18 at Nativity Church.
Rev. Michael J. Goyette, Pastor
49 West North Street
Clayton, New Jersey 08312-1114
Main: (856) 881-9155 Fax: (856) 881-9166
Liturgical Ministries
Liturgical Ministry is an excellent opportunity to fulfill your Baptismal call of service to God and to one another. Our liturgies utilize the talents and gifts that God has given this community to the fullest extent. Whether participation is through "behind the scenes" preparation and planning or through a public role of service with the Mass, Parishioner contributions help our liturgies and services to be truly life-giving celebrations. Please prayerfully consider joining one of these ministries.
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Dressing for Mass is an act of love and honor for God, a wonderful outward sign of awareness of the priceless grace of our baptismal garment. Let us remember our main focus while we are in church should be the honor and glory of God through our full, active, and conscious participation in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and other liturgical devotions. As we prepare to come to Mass each week, let us choose our clothing in a spirit of modesty and respect for the Lord and for one another.
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Please continue to read down the page beyond the links to our current schedules to learn more about these important ministries of the Church.
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Our current Liturgical Ministers' Schedule can be found here.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Those appointed to be Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion must be at least 16 years of age and mature enough to consider the importance of this ministry. They must be fully initiated into the Catholic Faith (having received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion) and a registered member of the Parish in which they serve. They must have been practicing Catholics for at least one (1) year. They must be in good standing with the Catholic Church.
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Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may be appointed to assist with the distribution of Holy Communion during the celebration of the Eucharist or they may also be appointed to take Hoy Communion to the sick or homebound members of the Parish. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion serve as ministers of Christ's Body or ministers of His Holy Blood. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are to serve only in the Parish in which they have been trained and commissioned.
Lectors / Readers
A Lector or Reader is the person who proclaims the First or Second Reading during Mass. This person may also lead the Prayers of the Faithful in the absence of a Deacon. Lectors are members of the Faithful called forth to publicly proclaim the Word of God. Men and women are entrusted with the responsibility of proclaiming the Sacred Scriptures to the Christian Assembly.
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Candidates who desire to pursue the Ministry of the Word need to be persons of mature faith, good Christian witness, and sacramentally active in the life of their church. They have received all of the Sacraments of Initiation.
Ministry of Hospitality - Greeter's Ministry
Ministers of Hospitality comprise the duties of a Greeter. Greeters welcome, offer helpful information as needed, and pass out materials as needed. The primary duty of a door Greeter is to stand at the door and greet people as they arrive to Mass. Greeters promote a hospitable, friendly, and cheerful entrance to our church. Our Greeters are in the forefront as representatives and hosts of the church. Greeters have a servant's heart. They are watchful to acknowledge visitors and welcome each person as they enter the building.
Ministry of Altar Server
The Ministry of Altar Server, like all ministries, arises from our Baptism and is rooted in service. Servers minister to the worshipping assembly, specifically by assisting the Celebrant, especially at the Chair and the Altar during Mass and other liturgical celebrations.
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Servers are to have already received Holy Communion for the first time. They should actively participate in the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church. They must be mature enough to understand the duties they are undertaking and to be responsible for them. They should possess the ability to carry out their sacred functions with the dignity, grace, and reverence which is befitting the Liturgy.
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Servers may carry the Processional Cross, the Candles, the Thurible and Incense, present the Gifts to be offered or assist the Priest when he receives them from members of the Assembly. During the Mass, Servers hold the Roman Missal when the Priest or Deacon is not at the Altar, wash the hands of the Priest and ring the bells during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
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Bearing in mind that the place next to the Celebrant is normally reserved for the Deacon, Servers should be seated near, but not necessarily in the Sanctuary, in a place where they can have easy eye contact to assist the Priest and Deacon.
Ministry of Usher
The Ministry of Ushering is a vital part of Church Ministry. Ushers represent the Church in a very visible way, and help to set the tone in preparation for the worship service, as well as assisting with the smooth operation within the Liturgy. Ushers serve the Church by assisting with seating, order, and security, collecting tithes and offerings, distributing bulletins, and other duties on an as-needed basis.
If you would like to learn more about our Liturgical Ministries, please click here and fill out the Ministry Interest Form. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible.