Liturgical Ministry

LITURGY is the pinnacle of the Catholic experience, where we are nourished by Word and Eucharist, and then commissioned to further God’s reign of justice and compassion on earth. Old St. Pat’s is committed to hosting liturgies that welcome, inspire, and challenge all who gather. We seek to celebrate the rich beauty of our Catholic tradition, and according to the directions of the Second Vatican Council, to encourage the full, conscious and active participation of all gathered.

The Church needs you. Good liturgy depends on your spirit, participation and service. We would be delighted—honored, even—if you would share your gifts with Old St. Pat’s as a liturgical minister. Please contact liturgy@oldstpats.org to learn more about training, scheduling, and serving in any of ministries listed below.

Hospitality Ministers embody the mission of Old St. Pat’s to foster a warm community that welcomes and values each person. These volunteers greet the gathering assembly, assist with seating, take up the collection, distribute worship aids and bulletins, and straighten up the church for the next celebration.

Eucharistic Ministers, by assisting the priest in distributing Holy Communion to the assembly, nourish the assembly with the gifts from the sacred table. This ministry is open to all Catholics who have been fully initiated with the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

Lectors bring God’s Word to life at Mass, as they proclaim the Scriptures and lead the Prayers of the Faithful. They devote time to preparing and reflecting on the readings in advance, so they may be proclaimed with familiarity, reverence and love.

Mass Coordinators are experienced liturgical ministers entrusted with coordinating the many volunteers who assist at a particular Liturgy. They check-in volunteers at, identify members to bring up the gifts, facilitate the collection, and work with the sacristans to ensure the liturgy runs smoothly.

Sacristans prepare the church for celebration of Mass, oversee the care of liturgical vessels and vestments, and assist the presiding clergy in the sacristy.

Altar Servers are sixth, seventh and eighth-graders who assist at some liturgies. They perform tasks such as lighting candles, preparing the altar, and holding the presider’s ritual book.

The celebration of Mass is the action of Christ and the People of God—ministers and assembly…
Every member of the liturgical assembly gathered by Christ has a part to play in the action of the whole… The participation of all is demanded by the nature of the liturgy and, for the faithful, is their right and duty by reason of their Baptism.
-Pastoral Introduction to the Order of Mass,
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, #4.

At Old St. Pat’s, we understand the spirit of our worship depends on an engaged laity…on you.
You are called by your Baptism to be a minister and celebrant of Liturgy. How will you respond?

Free Nursery Service - Temporarily Paused
We have paused our nursery service during the COVID pandemic, and will update the community when we are able to host this free service again.

LOCATION:
Room 10, 1st Floor, The Frances Xavier Warde School, 120 S. Des Plaines, Chicago, IL 60661

Holy Days of Obligation in the 2022 Year

Saturday, January 1, 2022 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Thursday, May 26, 2022 Ascension of Jesus
Monday, August 15, 2022 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
T uesday, November 1, 2022 All Saints' Day
Thursday, December 8, 2022 The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary
Sunday, December 25, 2022 Christmas