Extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist are lay people, entrusted to perform a special role or function in their local Church community.

What is the Eucharist?

"The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life." [LG 11]  The other sacraments, and indeed all the ecclesiastial ministries and works of the apostolate are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. In the Eucharist, Christ Jesus is made present in the appearance of bread and wine.

Who are the Extraordinary Ministers?

 Extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist are lay people, who have received the three sacraments of initiation (Baptism, The Holy Eucharist and Confirmation) and entrusted to perform a special function in their local Church community. This new ministry was brought about because of necessity. Pope Paul VI addressed this special need in 1973 when he promulgated a document known as Immensae Caritatis (Immense Love).

In this document, the Pope said, "Present-day conditions demand that...greater access to Holy Communion should be made possible so that the faithful, by serving more fully in the fruits of the sacrifice of the mass, might dedicate themselves more readily and effectively to God and to the good of the Church and mankind.

Training is provided for those who wish to serve in this ministry. For more information, please contact Fr. Jose at 318-445-6700 or Mrs. Marjorie James at (318) 792-4202.

                                    

A lector is a lay person (man or woman), who has been trained and is competent to proclaim the Word of God.  In addition, he or she may read The Psalms or announce the intentions of The Prayers of the Faithful. One of the ideals of any lector or reader should be to carry out his or her work of service with the best skills and efforts possible and to produce the finest and most admirable results possible. St. Juliana Lay Readers Association has a training program for this ministry and are able to train new members. The ministry of a lector (or reader) is a special one. Through this minsitry, God's Word continues to be proclaimed to His people, to the young and old, the troubled, the homeless, the happy, the content, to those in need of challenge and to those in need of comfort. Our work is the Parable of the Sower, who generously cast the seed on the earth.  An opportunity for personal growth through Christ is made available to the lay reader. Come and join us. Men and women, who are interested in becoming a lector, should contact Roxane Barnes at  (318) 445-0531

                                          

Altar servers assist the priest at the altar. They are the priest's right-hand helpers. This important ministry can be traced to biblical times. The Bible tells the story of a young boy, named Samuel, who was called by God. Samuel served in a temple with a priest, Eli. He dedicated his life to serving God and following God's Word. Samuel grew up to be a famous prophet and priest, who annointed the first king of Israel, who was Saul. (1Samuel 3)  Being an altar server is a very important calling.  Any boy or girl, who has received First Holy Communion, is eligible to become an altar server. Practice is on Saturdays at 10:00 A.M. If you would like your child to become an altar server, please contact Mr. Donald Davis at (318) 445-7857.

                                          

Ushers have many solemn responsibilities during mass and other celebrations. They welcome parishoners and guests who have come to worship. They inform the pastor when visitors are present. Also, they collect the offerings during mass and other celebrations, as directed by the pastor. Ushers secure the church after everyone has left.  Anyone who is interested in serving in this ministry should contact Mr. Cleveland Obey (318) 445-7827