“He who sings prays twice!”  

Music holds a special place in our liturgical celebrations.  The voice of the assembly raised in song is the most important music of the Church.   Music is an integral part of our Eucharistic liturgies, an important part of our communal celebrations.    Just as we ask Liturgical Ministers to step forward and share their gifts with the faith community, Music Ministers offer their special talents as musical leaders of the assembly that gathers to worship, praise, and pray.  It is the goal of the Annunciation Music Ministry to support and encourage the sung prayer of the assembly and to provide an opportunity for singers and musicians of all ages to share their gifts through their musical leadership.

Qualifications for Music Ministry

Music Ministers must have a willingness to gain an understanding of sung prayer and the role of music in the liturgy.

Proficiency in singing and/or playing an instrument is required.  While specific instrumental instruction is not offered, the continuing development of musical skills and musicianship is an important part of the Music Ministry.

Attendance at rehearsals is required.  As musicians, we all know the need for practice to keep our skills sharp.  As members of an ensemble or group, it is essential that we take the time to prepare the music for worship by practicing with that group.  This is true for both Cantors and Choir Members.  Rehearsals are not only a time to learn new music and review familiar hymns, but a time to become comfortable with your fellow musicians, and with your own leadership role in our celebrations.

Music Ministers should be members of Annunciation Parish.  If you attend liturgies here regularly, please consider becoming a parishioner!

Call the Music Office for more information: (505) 298-9636.
 

Communion Ministers

Communion Ministers are needed at the Masses on Sunday.

“The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ?  The bread we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?”  (1 Corinthians 10:16)

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (your full title!)  fulfill a special role in the celebration of the Mass: distributing the Body and Blood of Christ to the assembly. If you have a special devotion to the Eucharist, this may be the ministry that has the deepest significance for you.  As the source and summit of our faith, the Eucharist calls for the utmost in care and reverence from those who assist in its distribution. 

There is a need for more Communion Ministers than other Liturgical Ministers, simply because more of you are needed at any one Mass. 

If you are interested in hospital ministry or in taking the Holy Eucharist to the homebound; you should plan on taking a Training Session for regular Communion Ministers.  Even if you do not plan on being a Communion Minister at Mass, the information and video that are part of this session will give you greater insight and appreciation into this ministry and those who perform it.

Lectors

“Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall proclaim your praise!”  (Liturgy of the Hours)

The role of the Lector is to worthily proclaim the Word of God to the assembly.  To proclaim is to do more than simply read! The Scriptures that are proclaimed at every Mass are full of poetry and drama; they are the dynamic narrative of our salvation history and our ongoing exploration of the mystery of God’s love for us.  Becoming a Lector will, without a doubt, lead you to a greater understanding of our faith as your knowledge of the Word of God grows deeper. 

The Proclamation of the Word is one of the ways that Christ is made present at our Eucharistic celebrations.  As such, it deserves careful and thorough preparation.  Experience in public speaking is not required.   However, you should be comfortable about the prospect of proclaiming the Word to your fellow parishioners, and willing to develop those skills.

Altar Servers

Altar Server training will be announced in the Bulletin periodically.

  “Each one should use whatever gifts they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 
(1 Peter 4:10)

This is a great opportunity for young people to take an active role in the celebration of the Mass!  Altar Servers assist the Presider at Mass and other special liturgies and devotions.  All boys and girls in Grade 4 and older who have received their First Eucharist are eligible to become Altar Servers; you must also be members of Annunciation Parish or attend Annunciation School.  

Lead Altar Servers are older, more experienced Servers who provide a wonderful example to younger Servers who are just beginning this important ministry.  However, as the demands of school and work change, you may find it difficult to continue your service.  We are grateful for your commitment!  If you find it impossible to continue in this ministry, please consider another liturgical role as you mature in your faith.

Greeters / Ushers

Greeters are needed at ALL weekend Masses. Please watch the bulletin for upcoming training.

“Love your fellow Christians always.  Do not neglect to show hospitality, for by that means some have entertained angels without knowing it.”  (Hebrews 13:1)

A friendly and outgoing “people person” is ideal for this ministry!  As Greeters, you will welcome the gathering assembly, assist with seating, take up our offering collection, and handle any questions and emergencies that may arise.  You may be the first person a visitor or prospective parishioner encounters at Annunciation; your ministry of hospitality is very important. 

Christmas and Holy Week liturgies, as well as Reconciliation Services, Parish Missions and other special celebrations and devotions are times when your service is especially appreciated.

Some of you may have been recruited into this ministry “out of the pew;” why not call the Liturgy Office and make a real commitment to a ministry that can always use more friendly faces?

Art & Environment

“Because the assembly gathers in the presence of God, liturgy’s climate...cannot be satisfied with anything less than the beautiful in its environment...”  (Environment and Art in Catholic Worship)

At present, Art and Environment matters are handled on an ad hoc basis.  Volunteers are always welcome to offer ideas and assist in the planning and preparation of our church’s environment. We are blessed to have several talented and dedicated parishioners whose expertise in this area has proved invaluable.

The Women’s Guild has a large part in this ministry.   The altar linens and adornments of other liturgical furniture in the church are in their very capable hands, and their work is very much appreciated.  The large banners are changed with each liturgical season.

The Christmas and Easter seasons require the most concentrated efforts, with their major additions of flowers and other seasonal decorations.  Help is always welcome on the actual days when the church is decorated for Christmas (usually on December 23) and Easter (on the morning of the Easter Vigil).

Children's Liturgy of the Word

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD:
Held weekly during the school year during the
9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Masses in the Community Center.

If you have not yet filled out a Registration Form, please fill one out when you drop off your child before Mass in the Community Center.

  Registration Forms are also available in the Parish Office.
 Adult and Youth Volunteers are needed, too! 
Please call the Parish Office for more information or to volunteer!

“Whenever you welcome even a child because of me, you welcome me.”  (Mark 9:37)

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is a celebration of the Word of God for children ages 3 to 10.  It uses language suited to children’s ability to understand, with Scripture readings taken from the Children’s Lectionary and prayers that are simple and direct.  The children sing songs, pray, and learn about Scripture together.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is celebrated in the Community Center during the 9:00 am and 10:30 am Masses on most Sundays during the school year.  Parents are asked to drop off their children before Mass; the children will be escorted back to church to rejoin their families after the homily.

We rely on the help of many adult and youth leaders for the success of Children’s Liturgy of the Word.  Please contact the Liturgy Office if you would like to help our children grow in the understanding and wonder of our faith!

The Policy for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe regarding the protection and safety of children is required to be updated every 5 years. 
All employees and volunteers must complete the training prior to beginning employment or volunteering.
If you are a current volunteer who’s training has exceeded 5 years, or a new volunteer, your training must be completed before beginning volunteering or starting your employment. 

There are options to complete the training:

1. Attend a class offered by the Archdiocese (to see the current schedule go to www.archdiosf.org and click on "Promise to Protect and Pledge to Heal" in the left column scroll down and click on "Schedule of Workshops"
2. Take the VIRTUS online training at www.archdiosf.org and click on the VIRTUS link: https://archdiosf.org/victims-assistance. Once you have completed your training please provide a copy of your certificate to the parish office for our records.