Liturgical Ministries
- Altar Guild
- Church Decorations/Flowers
Volunteers ensure that our church is appropriately decorated for each liturgical season. They prepare the interior and exterior of the Church for Advent and Christmas and for Lent, Holy Week and Easter. This ministry also assists in the selection and displaying of liturgical art within the Church. Fresh cut flower arrangements are placed on the Altar, around statues and in other areas as needed. Volunteers are always appreciated.
Contact: Kathy Heck 740-468-2605 or
Contact: Blythe Turner 740-652-9953 - Church Linen Washing
Volunteers rinse the corporals and purificators in the sacrarium and then take them home, along with the finger towels, to wash and iron. This is on a monthly rotating basis and takes about one hour a week.
Contact: Marisa Darfus 740-569-3318
- Church Decorations/Flowers
- Altar Servers
Open to boys and girls, 4th grade and up. Altar Servers assist the priest, deacon and assembly during parish liturgical celebrations. This is an important ministry both of prayer and service. Servers are called to be special, visible models of a prayerful spirit at Mass. Training sessions are held yearly. Altar Servers assist as scheduled at all weekly Masses, weddings, funerals, and school liturgies. Altar Servers, dressed in Sunday best, need to arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass begins.
Contact: Fr. John Reade (training) 740-503-2827 or
Contact: Marisa Darfus (scheduling) 740-569-3318 - Choir
- Adult Choir
Open to all adults and high school students who enjoy signing and have a desire to praise God through liturgical music. The choir sings on Sundays throughout the year and rehearses on Wednesday evenings from October through May.
Contact: Liz Latorre 740-653-8120 - Cantors
A cantor typically sings once a month at a Sunday Mass. Cantors lead the assembly in the singing of the liturgical chants, including the acclamations of the Mass and the responsorial psalm, as well as occasional hymns.
Contact: Liz Latorre 740-653-8120 - Youth Choir
The new St. Bernadette youth choir, The St. Cecelia Society, was formed in October 2011.
Contact: Liz Latorre 740-653-8120
- Adult Choir
- Ushers
Our ushers work assist by helping people find a seat, gather the offerings, and when Mass is over hand out bulletins as people leave the Church. Ushers may also answer questions or direct parishioners as needed. Volunteers are asked to arrive 20 minutes prior to their assigned Mass.
Contact: Ted Abbott 740-654-2680 - Gift Bearers
Individuals and families present the gifts of bread, wine and offerings at the altar during Mass. Contact a Church Usher before Mass.
Contact: Ted Abbott 740-654-2680 - Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers commit to reverently distributing the Body and Blood of our Lord during the Mass. To become a Eucharistic Minister, you must be a registered parishioner of St. Bernadette Parish and fully initiated in the Church. Candidates for this ministry must be approved by the pastor and the bishop and receive appropriate training and be commissioned by the bishop. Some of the ministers also take Holy Communion to the home bound and residents of nursing homes. Volunteers are needed.
Contact: Herb Reeder 740-654-7900 - Lectors
A lector has the duty and privilege of bringing the word of God to life, enabling God's Word to achieve the purpose for which it was sent. A Lector is a registered parishioner, in full communion with the Church who is able to read the Scripture and proclaim the Word of God clearly, accurately, and reverently at Masses and other Liturgical services. Volunteers are needed.
Contact: Dave Shonk 740-654-2884 - Sacristans
Volunteers are needed to prepare the altar for Mass (bread, wine, candles, books, etc.).
Contact: Susan Eyerman 740-687-0962 - Wedding Hostess
The hostess assists with the rehearsal and wedding, helping the priest or deacon and the bride and groom with the many "behind the scenes" activities of a wedding. Volunteers are needed to assist our wedding hostess.
Contact: Barbara Simon 740-654-5988
