Sacristans

The sacristan, always under the general direction of the clergy, is responsible for the general preparation of liturgical celebrations, including everything that is needed for special days such as Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday.

The sacristan arranges the books necessary for the celebration, places the vestments and anything else necessary for the celebration, such as crutches, chalices, ciboriums, bedding, oils, processional crosses and candles.

The sacristan in harmony with the pastor also ensures that vestments, church furniture, liturgical vessels and decorative objects are kept in good condition.
The sacristan makes sure that the things necessary for worship are always available. There should be a ready supply of fresh hosts and duly authorized wine, sufficient clean, bodily purifiers, hand towels, incense, and coals.

In this context, the sacristan is responsible for ensuring that those who wash the linens on the altar do so according to the instructions of the missal and that the water for the first wash is poured through the tabernacle or into the earth. The sacristan is also responsible for burning old linens and other objects that are no longer suitable for liturgical use.

Sacristans ensure that the sanctuary lamp has enough oil, that altar cloths are changed regularly, and that holy water fonts are clean and frequently replenished.

The pastor may also decide to entrust other responsibilities to the sacristan. This could include coordinating others who help with the overall decoration of the church, such as cleaners and flower arrangers. The sacristan can also maintain practical dealings with outside agents such as funeral directors and photographers so that proper decorum is maintained at all times.

To carry out these duties, the sacristan needs to have a fairly good idea of the content and norms of the main liturgical books and an understanding of the intricacies of the liturgical calendar.  Training will be provided to carry out this ministry in our parish.
 

To become a Sacristan, please contact the Church Office 931-645-6275