Youth (at least 9 years of age) assist the priest during the celebration of Mass. This ministry usually has at least one fun social event each summer. Msgr. Marucci especially encourages all high school students to join this ministry as it assists him tremendously at the altar.
Specially trained men and women serve in a special capacity as Masters of Ceremony, to assist the priests and deacons. They also serve along with our younger servers providing guidance and direction. For more information about this ministry or training sessions, contact the Parish Office at 856-784-3878.
This ministry allows volunteers to invoke their inspiration and creativity to assure that the altar, the sanctuary and other sacred spaces represent the spirit of the scripture readings and liturgical seasons. Activities include planning and arranging flowers, decorating and assisting for special occasions, etc.
These ministers assist in the distribution of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Their duties include bringing the Eucharist to those who are unable to come to Mass due to illness. They serve at masses held at area nursing homes. There are special requirements to become an Extraordinary Minister. For more information contact Tom Carter.
Holy Hour is a Catholic devotional tradition that involves spending an hour devoted to prayer, often in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. During this hour, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed. People pray silently or quietly remain in the presence of God. At St. Andrew the Apostle, we observe Holy Hour Monday through Friday immediately following the 8:00 AM Mass and all day Wednesday until 8:00 PM, closing with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. All are welcome to join us during this time.
These ministers proclaim the first two readings of the liturgy. God's Word is voiced through them as they bring the printed Word to life for the congregation. There are special requirements to become a lector.
Sacristans help to make each liturgy a beautiful, meaningful experience for the community. They are responsible for preparing the worship space before each Mass. This includes preparations for the proclamation of Scriptures for the offertory, preparation of the gifts of bread and wine, and preparation for the communion rite. Sacristans also ensure that the lector, ushers, and children's liturgy leader are present for the Mass.
Ushers assist in seating visitors and parishioners as they enter the Sanctuary to celebrate the Mass. They also assist the families that offer the gifts, oversee the offertory collection, direct parishioners at Communion and see to any special needs at Communion.
Abigail Walsh, Pastoral Associate for Music & Worship
Phone: 856-784-3878
The Adult Choir is a community of men and women, high school age through adult, who enjoy singing and praising God Together. The group rehearses Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 PM in the church and sings regularly at the 10:00 AM Masses September through June.
The Festival Choir is a community of men and women, high school age through adult, who enjoy singing and praising God Together. The group sings for all major feasts and special liturgies and only rehearses one time before each event.
The Children's Choir offers children grades 1 through 8 the opportunity to praise God through song. The Children's Choir practices bi-weekly and sings at Mass once a month and for special occasions or Masses September through June.
Cantors lead sung prayer at all Masses. Singers who present advanced musical ability and leadership skills are called upon to be cantors. Cantors rehearse every Wednesday at 10:30 am, and on alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays. An audition is required. Time Commitment: 1-2 times per month.
Using the beautiful parish chimes and hand bells, the Hand Bell Choir rehearses regularly and enhances our worship during the Liturgical Year. Time Commitment: 1-2 times per month.
Teens or adults who have had instrumental training are welcome to share their gifts at both weekly worship and special celebrations. An audition is required. Time Commitment: 1-2 times per month.
Opportunities to Serve
We Offer Over 100 Ministries Through Which You Can Serve the Lord...
Pastor
Rev. Msgr. Louis A. Marucci
Parochial Vicar
Rev. Anthony Infanti
Hospital Chaplain
Rev. Robert D'Imperio