Altar Servers
Young girls and boys in fourth grade through high school, as well as adults, are eligible to assist the priest at the altar as servers during liturgical celebrations. Besides assisting at the Mass, servers are called upon to minister during special liturgies and functions in the church as well as funerals and weddings. Beyond the initial training period, special practices are conducted for the major feasts and celebrations of the church including Christmas, Holy Week and Easter. Socials and summer trips are occasionally held for the members of this ministry. Interested servers should contact the Parish Office.

Art and Environment Committee
The Art and Environment Committee is a group of men and women of the parish who volunteer their time and talent to the liturgical decorating of the worship environment. There are a number of people who have joined this committee including seamstresses, flower arrangers, painters, sign makers, etc. A willingness to work hard and the love of enhancing the worship environment are the only requirements. We are always looking for new people with new ideas who would like to offer their time and talent. Making His WORD come alive through the visual arts can be a very rewarding ministry. Interested parishioners should contact Brian Hart.

Eucharistic Ministers

Parishioners with a devotion to the Mass, the sacraments, and the Church are invited to become Eucharistic Ministers. The purpose of this ministry is to assist the priest in the distribution of the Eucharist. This is especially required in light of the fact that Saint Ferdinand celebrates the Eucharist under both forms–the Body and the Blood of Christ being distributed and shared in communion at all Masses. Meetings and prayer services are established periodically for these ministers. Some Eucharistic Ministers also take Eucharist to the shut-ins of the parish. Interested parishioners should complete this form and return it to the Parish Office. For additional information, email the Parish Office  or call 724.776.2888.

Greeters
Creating a warm atmosphere for all worshipers is the first priority of the Greeters. Entire families are also encouraged to participate in this ministry. Greeters often set the tone for how people will feel while participating at Mass. Greeters assist worshipers to available seats, collect the offertory, regulate the flow of parishioners for reception of the Eucharist, they distribute the Pittsburgh Catholic and the parish bulletin. Greeters may also count and record the collection following Mass and other special liturgies and events. If you are interested in joining this ministry, please contact the Parish Office. contact the Parish Office.

Lectors
Proclaiming the Word of God to His people is the task entrusted to those who join the ministry of lectors at St. Ferdinand. They are scheduled on a rotating basis for the weekend Masses, Holy Days of Obligation and special celebrations. The lector, along with reading the Word, also leads the congregation during the Prayers of the Faithful and helps direct them with announcements. Individual training is provided to prepare those wishing to become lectors. Group refresher courses are also held periodically to reaffirm existing lectors. Confirmed Catholics over the age of 16 are eligible to join this ministry. Interested parishioners should contact the Parish Office for more information.

Liturgy of the Word for Children
This is worship usually held during the 4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. and 12 noon Sunday liturgies for children aged 6 to 10 years old. These children are dismissed from the main assembly in the church after the Opening Prayer to celebrate God’s message in readings with language appropriate to their age and a homily that is dialogue in nature. They are taken to a separate worship area in the Sacristy and return to the main assembly during the Preparation of the Altar. The leaders of this prayer experience include teenagers, young adults and parents. Training for this ministry is provided for all those interested who are active, practicing Catholics from grade nine through adult. Interested parishioners should contact the Parish Office.

Sacristans

The responsibility of a sacristan includes preparation for Mass celebrations and placement of linens, chalices, hosts, water and wine. Sacristans are also responsible for cleaning the sacred vessels following liturgical celebrations. If you are interested in becoming a sacristan, please email Brian at bgh623@gmail.com or call 724.776.2888.

As daughters and sons of God we are called to bring the presence of Christ into our marriages, families, schools, places of work and our Churches. Let us be inspired by the Gospel to say yes to the call we hear through God’s living word.