St. PatrickCatholic Church
Prepare the altar, vessels, and vestments for a beautiful Mass
Sacristans prepare the altar, the sacred vessels, and the vestments before Mass, and care for them afterward — the quiet, faithful work the Church describes as “diligently arranging the liturgical books, the vestments, and other things that are necessary in the celebration of Mass” (GIRM 105).
It is a hidden service with glorious company: St. Thérèse of Lisieux, pictured above with the sacred vessels before her, served as sacristan in her Carmel and treasured the privilege of preparing what would soon hold her Lord.
This is a ministry of the young and adult women of the parish, hopefully creating a prayerful space for one to discern a possible vocation to the religious life. Sacristans serve on a rotating schedule for Sunday and daily Masses, and training is provided by our Sacristan Coordinator.
Documents for sacristans: