“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.”
(Ps 27:4)
Sacristans are people in charge of the sacristy and ceremonial equipment in the church. As a team, the sacristan ministry accomplishes what is seldom noticed. They are the unsung heroes of most churches, who prepare all of the items for liturgy, from cups and plates to vestments and lights, who clean, press and assist in countless ways at the liturgy.
Who we are: We are “humble servants” of Christ, a group of parish volunteers at St. Thomas the Apostle Church who like to serve closer to the Table of the Lord, using our energy and desire to care for beauty and order of the sacred space at our church.
What we do: We help serve the liturgical needs of the parish at Mass by:
- preparing the altar and sanctuary for Mass, arranging the liturgical books and sacred vessels, bread and wine.
- caring and maintaining the sacred vessels, vestments, linens, oils, holy water, and all liturgical items and sound/lights before and after Mass,
- assisting the presider, especially visiting priests,
- providing a clean and tidy worship space, including the sanctuary and the sacristy.
Time commitment: Generally we arrive half an hour before Mass and complete our work 15-20 minutes after a Mass.
Requirements: Teens and adults with devotion and understanding of the Liturgy of the Eucharist are always welcome. Training is provided.
Contact: parish office, (773) 324-2626 or parishoffice@stapostleparish.org
“The word Sacristan comes from the Latin word, sacer, meaning sacred. This sacred and essential parish ministry is most often work performed behind the scenes, but very visible if not performed with diligence and accuracy.”