There is something for everyone at St. Augusta and your participation is both welcomed and encouraged!  We have programs for every age group and every interest.
 

Altar Servers

Altar Servers assist during the celebration of the Eucharist and are a visible example to the assembly of active participation during the Mass.

 Altar Servers perform many tasks before, during and after Mass.  Servers carry the cross and processional candles, hold the book for the priest when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts, assist the priest when he receives the gifts from the people and generally assists during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
 
This ministry is open to boys and girls who have received their sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation (or are currently enrolled in a confirmation program).  There is no maximum age limit; 7th grade through college age students are welcome to consider becoming an Altar Server.
A greeter welcomes people coming in and out of church.  Greeters look presentable, smile, greet people, hold open doors (weather permitting), distribute hymnals and distribute bulletins.
 

Art & Environment

Our Art and Environment Committee works to create an atmosphere of beauty that supports prayerful worship.  The committee is responsbile for planning and implementing seasonal décor that communicates the mood and message of each liturgical season.

 

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Formerly called Eucharistic Ministers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) are acolytes or lay persons who have been commissioned to distribute Holy Communion.  The term "extraordinary" distinguishes such a person from the ordinary (normal, regular) minister of Holy Communion, namely a bishop, priest or deacon. 
 
EMHCs serve the community by helping serve the Body and Blood of Christ during the liturgy.
 
EMHCs present the Body and Blood of Christ to those who approach for Holy Communion.  EMHCs are properly formed, instructed and commissioned lay persons. EMHCs may be male or female.  They should reflect the cultural diversity of their parish community.  EMHCs are appointed for a given parish community to aid in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and to the sick and homebound when ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are unavailable.

Greeters

Greeters should dress appropriately for Mass and arrive at least 15 minutes before mass begins and stay until all parishioners have left.
 
Any confirmation student in 8th grade and higher as well as adults are welcome to choose to be a Greeter.
 

Lectors

Lectors minister to the community by proclaiming the Word of God during the liturgy.
 
The proclamation of Scripture is a powerful and galvanizing force for the Christian presence and action in the world. Lectors have the challenge to bring the reading and telling of Scriptures to life.
 
Adults as well as teenagers are welcome to consider becoming a Lector.
 

Music

Music Ministers serve the community by helping to lead the assembly in song during the liturgy.
 
Cantors announce music, invite the assembly to sing and provide a sense of pitch and rhythm.
 

Instrumentalists are musicians who support singing of the assembly and enhance the prayer of the Church.
 
Soloists are those singers who share their gift of song with the assembly by supplementing the community’s voice with harmonization and musical artistry.  The soloist generally assists the cantor in the singing of the psalm and Gospel Acclamation and adds harmonies and/or descants when appropriate.
 

Sacristans

Sacristans serve the community by helping the presiding priest attend to the details of preparing for the liturgy.
 
Sacristans are seasoned liturgical ministers, familiar with each ministry’s function and practices.  Their service includes setting up the vessels, hosts and wine needed for each Mass as well as cleaning and putting vessels away.  In addition, the sacristan fills any last minute ministerial vacancies at each Mass.
 
This service assures the dignity and completeness of each liturgical celebration. Formation is provided.
 

Ushers

An Usher is the first official representative of the congregation seen when entering the church.  Ushers play many roles before, during and after Mass.  The primary role of an Usher is to help people feel welcome and comfortable when they come to church.  Ushers are an outward sign of our parish’s hospitality and commitment to Christian service.  Ushers also play an important role in ensuring that various parts of the mass flow smoothly and in an organized manner.  They facilitate the communion procession, gather the weekly offering, direct the gift bearers and attend to the needs of the parishioners as necessary.  After mass, Ushers make sure that nothing has been left in the pews, lock the doors, turn off the lights and make sure that books and materials are presentable for the next mass.
 
Adults as well as Jr. High through College students are welcome to consider being an Usher.