At the request of Father John Connell, students are becoming active participants in ministries for the Mass. Eleventh and 12th graders have been trained as Extraordinary Ministers of Communion. Ninth and 10th grade volunteers are acting as ushers while others in those grades are learning to assist as Sacristans for the school Masses. Sacristans have charge of the contents of the church, especially the sacred vessels and vestments. They're essentially stage managers who prepare the altar, church and chapel for celebration of Mass and other liturgies.
High school religion teacher Phyllis Eubanks was especially pleased with the help she got from Sacristan assistants Samuel Luyet, Max Gilbert, J.B.Failla and Aidan Fornash. "They were of great value in setting up for Mass recently," Ms. Eubanks said. "They moved chairs, pews and various other items. It's been such a blessing to have them and many other students show their love and dedication to their faith by volunteering as ministers at Mass." She's also proud of all the student lectors and choir members for their contributions.