Chapel Ministries
Every student at Franciscan University is invited and encouraged to participate in Chapel Ministry. There are a variety of ministries available that allow students to use their gifts and talents to glorify God through serving at liturgical celebrations.
“The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time it is the fount from which all the Church’s power flows” (“Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy,” No.10). “In liturgical celebrations, each one, minister or layperson, who has an office to perform, should do all of, but only, those parts which pertain to that office by nature of the rite and principles of liturgy. Servers, readers, commentators, and members of the choir also exercise a genuine liturgical function. They ought to discharge their office, therefore, with the sincere devotion and decorum demanded by so exalted a ministry and rightly expected of them by God’s people. Consequently they must all be deeply imbued with the spirit of the liturgy, in the measure proper to each one, and they must be trained to perform their functions in a correct and orderly manner” (“Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy,” Nos. 28, 29).
Ministries available for students are:
Sacristans - Sacristans are responsible for preparations prior to all campus Masses and Holy Hours, as well as some special events. Requirements include a love of the Mass and attendance of a training meeting.
Altar Servers - These ministers assist at the altar during Mass, Holy Hours, and other liturgical celebrations. Requirements include a desire to serve the Lord and this campus, regular participation in the Mass, and a commitment to meetings and other responsibilities. Men must attend a training seminar.
Readers - Those involved in reading ministry serve as readers at Masses throughout the school year. Students interested in this ministry must prepare a scripture reading for an audition and attend a training workshop.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion - These ministers assist the ordinary ministers of Holy Communion—bishops, priests, and deacons—in distributing the Body and Blood of our Lord at Masses and to the sick. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion must be approved and commissioned by the bishop of the Diocese of Steubenville. Those interested are required to attend a training seminar.
Sound - Sound ministers serve in setting up and operating the sound system for celebrations in Christ the King Chapel. This ministry requires a willing heart and a certain aptitude for electronics. A training session and occasional meetings are required throughout the semester.
Sacramental Ministers (Extraordinary Form Servers) - This ministry is in charge of the preparation and organization of various Holy Hours, baptisms, and the occasional wedding. Men interested in this ministry need no prior experience and will attend training sessions.
Ushers - Ushers serve to provide organization and order at liturgical events, such as Masses and Holy Hours and assist line for Confession. They are asked to attend a training meeting at the beginning of the semester.
Martha Mary Ministries - Martha Mary Ministries fall under Sacred Art's direction. Ministry members assist with cleaning the chapel and other tasks to keep the building worthy of God and the celebration of the Mass.
Music Ministry - Music ministers provide music for liturgical services such as Mass, Holy Hours, vespers, etc. An initial audition and participation in a weekend Music Ministry Retreat are required each semester for all who participate in this ministry. Music ministers are assigned to a particular group and Mass for the entire semester. The group determines practice times.