I am honored to be permitted to assist as a sacristan at our weekday morning masses. As one who was never trained as an altar server in my youth (I was a choirboy instead) I had to learn the ropes from scratch.

With the guidance of Deacons and patience of Priests, I have managed to avoid any big mistakes, but it seems to me that this ministry is deserving of at least a little greater formality and training. The “Guide for Sacristans”, a booklet published by Liturgy Training Publications (Archdiocese of Chicago) gives, in some 80 pages, enough information to nearly frighten one away from the ministry! There is so much to do, some of which demands skills that we male Catholics may lack, like ironing vestments.

I do understand that this is NOT a formal “Ministry” with the capital M, but rather more loosely defined and unregulated, but I’m also sure that we have in our diocese many experienced sacristans who could help and support us amateurs.

So how about it (mostly ladies?) — what are your suggestions on how this ministry is best exercised? Give us the details of what you do (and do not do) and the protocols you follow in keeping your pastors and deacons happy.

Bill Laudeman
St. Jude Parishioner