Minister (Catholic Church): Difference between revisions

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Among those called ministers in Roman Catholic churches, are the following.

Ordained deacons, priests, or bishops officiate or assisting at a liturgy.
Lectors read scriptural passages to the congregation
Altar servers carry the cross and processional candles, hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary. Formerly these were called altar boys. Recently girls have also served in this capacity. An adult male altar server, often studying to become a priest, is an acolyte. An acolyte may supervise children who are altar servers.
Axtraordinary ministers of communion help distribute communion to parishioners after the eucharistic elements are consecrated by the priest. ("Ordinary" ministers of communion are priests and deacons.)

Only one who has been ordained a priest has the requisite supernatural power to consecrate the eucharistic elements. A deacon may distribute communion, baptize, and officiate at weddings. Deacons and lay ministers, unlike priests and bishops, are normally not financially supported by the church; they have "day jobs".

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 *[[Holy Orders|Ordained]] '''deacons''', '''priests''', or '''bishops''' officiate or assisting at a [[liturgy]].
 *'''Lectors''' read scriptural passages to the congregation
-*'''Altar servers''' carry the cross and processional candles, hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary.
+*'''Altar servers''' carry the cross and processional candles, hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary. Formerly these were called '''''altar boys'''''.  Recently girls have also served in this capacity.  An adult male altar server, often studying to become a priest, is an '''acolyte'''.  An acolyte may supervise children who are altar servers.
 *'''Axtraordinary ministers of communion''' help distribute communion to parishioners after the eucharistic elements are consecrated by the priest. ("Ordinary" ministers of communion are priests and deacons.)