Liturgical Ministries & Altar Society
Liturgy
The Liturgy is at the very heart of parish life for it is in the Liturgy that “the work of our redemption is accomplished,” and especially in the divine sacrifice of the Eucharist, that the faithful “may express in their lives, and manifest to others, the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the true Church” (Sacrosanctum Concilium ¶2). This will best be accomplished, if “. . . the entire celebration is planned in such a way that it leads to a conscious, active, and full participation of the faithful both in body and mind, a participation burning with faith, hope and charity (GIRM Chapter I, ¶18).”
Dr. Frederick B. Mabalot, Director of Liturgy and Music:
For all inquiries regarding our various Liturgical ministries below, please send e-mail to: drmabalot@assumption.org
Altar Server Ministry
Altar servers assist the celebrant and assembly in the celebration of the Liturgy of the Mass, special liturgies and celebrations, and the celebration of the Sacraments. They are blessed to have an intricate role in the Mass and to have the opportunity to learn more about their faith and the Mass. This ministry provides a strong foundation for evangelization and stewardship. This ministry is open to all people in grade 4 and above who have received First Holy Communion.
Leadership Team
- Training: Zachery Armstrong, Alan Chang, Michele King, Rob Viggers
- Scheduling: Dr. Mabalot
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, commissioned by Church of the Assumption under the Guidelines of the Archdiocese of Seattle, assist at Mass in administering the Eucharist with the utmost respect and reverence. We also serve those who are not able to take their rightful place at the Eucharistic Table due to illness or physical challenge. We let them know that our Catholic Community of Church of the Assumption does not forget them. We commit ourselves to the service of God and to our fellow parishioners to support the spiritual life of the soul.
Head of Ministry: Terri Mensch
- Training: Terri Mensch
- Scheduling: Susan Roland
Hospitality Ministry / Greeters and Ushers
Hospitality Ministers are a dedicated team of parishioners who welcome us as we arrive to worship, helping us find our way around the worship space and into comfortable seats, facilitating our processions (especially at Communion), and handing out worship aids and bulletins. They help all of us be responsible stewards by taking up the collection at the liturgy and cleaning up after Mass.
- Scheduling: Dr. Mabalot
Lector Ministry
Lectors proclaim the Word of the Lord. This ministry involves effective preparation through practice and prayer to proclaim the Word before the celebration of the Mass or Liturgy. Responsibilities during the celebration may include introducing the celebration, proclaiming the Word through the first and second readings, reading the Prayer of the Faithful with clarity and reverence. Women and men who serve in this ministry must have received the sacrament of confirmation, are presumed to be of good faith, eager to serve their fellow Christians and willing to participate in ongoing formation for effective service.
Head of Ministry: Chris Attebery
- Training and Scheduling: Chris Attebery
Music Ministry
Liturgical Music helps to amplify the message of the readings of the day and prepare the individual in receiving the Gospel. It helps in creating an atmosphere in the worship space and within one’s own personal experience of the Holy Eucharist. Music supports in unifying the worshiping community into one prayer and empower the individual prayers of the faithful. When music is executed in a way that does not distract the minds and hearts of the people of God, then it has the powerful potential to uplift the spirit, speak of and invite all to peace, and nurture and empower the expression of gratitude and love for God. It is therefore important to execute the art of music in a way that allows the full and active participation of the faithful in the living and loving Eucharist.
Director of Music/Choir Director: Dr. Mabalot
E-Mail: drmabalot@assumption.org
Altar Society
The societal purpose of the Society:
- Promote the spiritual welfare of the men and women, by assisting them to participate more intimately in the life of the Church and to grow in discipleship.
- Promote the social welfare of the men and women, by joining them to a group of parishioners who will know them and care for them individually.
- Specifically, hold regular gatherings, either spiritual or social, for the edification of the men and women.
The altar-focused purpose of the Society supports the liturgical mission of the parish through:
- Maintain a dignified house of worship through regular cleaning of the parish church and liturgical items, and organization of the sacristies.
- Ensure the dignified offering of the Mass by cleaning the linens and keeping the sacristy well-stocked with necessary items.
- Beautify the parish church with decoration appropriate to the liturgical day or season.
- Promote necessary capital improvements to the parish church and decoration.
Read the full Altar Society Constitution here.
Members
- Any parishioner registered at the Church of the Assumption may request membership.
- Members must contribute one or more hours of volunteer service each month to the purposes of this Society.
Elected Officers
- President: Michele King
- Vice-President: Tashie Zang
- Ex-Officio: Dr. Mabalot
Standing Committees
- Sacristy Committee: Ursula Brethour
- Art & Environment Committee: Jennifer Bernard
- Cleaning Committee: Mercedes Montes de Oca
- Candle Committee: Brenda Dunford
- Grounds Committee: Janis Jacobs