Liturgical Ministries
Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors
Music Ministry - Loyola Singers
Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors
Students from all four classes have the opportunity to be trained as Eucharistic Ministers (EMs) and Lectors, to serve at Sunday Masses, on Holy Days, and at all special Masses throughout the school year. EM and Lector training take place in the fall of each year.
Contact: Carolyn Rusiackas, ext. 2901
cmrusiackas@mail.fairfield.edu
Eucharistic Ministers and Lector Meetings
In addition to participating in liturgies, each ministry meets every two weeks during the academic year. The goal of these meetings is ongoing spiritual formation and the student ministers' development as future lay leaders of the Church, by enriching their spiritual lives with discussions and speakers in the area of faith, justice and morality, introducing them to different kinds of prayer, the experience of conducting a Communion Service and participation in service projects and building community.
EM and Lector Training
In the fall, 24 students are selected to become EMs, and 8-12 to become Lectors. Each group undertakes a five-week training program tailored to the needs of their specific ministry. The training culminates with an overnight retreat with their respective communities, and their Commissioning. The training is multi-faceted, focusing on the privilege of what they do, including a deeper understanding of the Eucharist, procedures, daily journaling and faith-sharing, to ensure a clear understanding of their responsibilities. Each is assigned a mentor to guide them through the training.
EM Retreats
During the first semester, EMs and the EM candidates participate in an overnight student-led retreat. The retreat serves to welcome the 24 new Ems, to deepen community among the EMs, and to give them a greater understanding of their commitment and responsibility as Ministers of the Eucharist, through prayer, talks by retreat team leaders, small group discussions and celebration of the Eucharist. Second semester, there is a one-day retreat to continue their growth as EMs and as a community.
Click here for pictures from the EM Fall 2005 retreat
Lector Retreat
In the fall, as a culmination of their training, the eight to twelve Lector candidates join the veteran Lectors for a student-led overnight retreat. The retreat serves to welcome the new Lectors into the Lector community, and to foster for all a deeper understanding of their commitment and responsibility as Ministers of the Word, through prayer, talks by retreat leaders, small group discussion and faith-sharing.
Joint Ministries
Once each semester, the EMs and Lectors come together in a joint meeting. The purpose is two-fold: to get to know the other ministers they serve with at Mass - to build community; and to become more informed and more reflective Catholic Christians with the presentation/discussion of relevant topics.
Loyola Singers
Every Sunday, music for the 9:00 p.m. Liturgy is provided by the Loyola Singers, a group of student singers and instrumentalists. Please come and share your talent with us.
Contact: Carole Ann Maxwell, Director of Liturgical Music, ext. 2577 (e-mail: cmaxwell@mail.fairfield.edu)
EM Fall Retreat Pictures
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