Sacristan Ministry
Sacristan Nancy A. Pothier
Our Sacristan here at St. Agnes works very closely with our priests and with the lay parishioners. The Sacristan sets up each weekend Mass to the celebrant’s needs at the particular Mass he is celebrating. Duties include assigning Eucharistic Ministers to their posts, having Lectionary ready for lector, assisting altar servers with their assignments, and speaking to members of the family whose Memorial Mass is being celebrated, asking if they would like to bring up the Gifts during Mass. The Sacristan also helps train our Eucharistic Ministers, either as needed, or during our once a year sign-up.
The Sacristan makes sure supplies such as altar breads; candles, sacramental wine, etc. are always available, for both the upstairs and downstairs church. Family Liturgy and daily Masses are held in the downstairs church.
This ministry is very important when there is only one priest available. Should the priest be hearing confessions immediately before Mass, he can come in, vest, and celebrate Mass without being concerned about the set-up. Should a priest be on retreat, on an emergency call, teaching in our Sacramental Program, be ill, or on vacation, this set-up is essential.
In addition to preparing for both daily Masses (7:00 and 9:00 a.m.), Sacramental and Holy Day celebrations, this ministry is especially important during Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter celebrations.