By Alice Huth-Derrah
Volunteers are the backbone of every organization, and this is especially true in the life of a parish. These are often the people in the background who quietly, humbly, and selflessly go about their tasks, and it is easy to take them and their contributions for granted. This is also the case of the sacristans at St. Elizabeth Seton (SES), who are a group of very distinctive people called to give of their time in an extraordinarily unique way. Recently Jane Langer, one of those sacristans, kindly provided me with a little glimpse into the exceptional role of a sacristan.
Sacristans are part of a larger group of SES volunteers, generous people who come together to prepare the sacred items used during every celebration of Mass. They work closely with the hospitality ministers, Eucharistic ministers, altar servers and, of course, the priests and deacons. Over time they have come to closely know and respect their fellow team members and their contributions to this essential work. While some sacristans serve or have served in other ministries prior to becoming a sacristan, this is not necessary in order to become involved in this ministry. Although requirements vary, sacristans must be “confirmed, practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church,” and most important, they must have a true “love of the Mass” and the desire to graciously serve others.
The training time for a sacristan generally takes an “average of one month” and often “takes place during Mass.” However, individuals may also choose to “come in anytime” for practice and instruction in the duties of a sacristan. The responsibilities of sacristans consist of arranging liturgical books and vestments, lighting the altar candles, “preparing the tray with cruets, cups, hosts,” and ensuring that sacred vessels and linens are clean, organized, and in place. To make their jobs a little easier and ensure that required items can be readily located, this group of dedicated volunteers have clearly labeled all of the cabinets in the sacristy with their contents, for example, “clergy book” and “bowl, pitcher, cups.” The sacristans have also created step-by-step directions for liturgical preparation in a book format in which every vital detail is listed, including things such as a reminder to place water bottles near the chairs for the deacons and priests.
Although as parishioners in attendance at Mass we’re able to observe most of this wonderful team as they perform their blessed duties, much of the sacristans’ duties are performed out of sight of their fellow parishioners, and so the full impact of their contributions may not be fully appreciated. Observant congregants may have noticed, for example, the hospitality ministers walking down the aisles using a counter and wondered why. This is completed to tally the number of parishioners present at the Mass and provide that information to the sacristans, who in turn can prepare an accurate amount of communion wafers for the congregation. Some of our talented sacristans have even hand-sewn and donated the exquisite linen adorning the altar.
Jesus tells us “He who feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has life eternal.” (John 6:54) How blessed we are as Catholics to be invited to partake of “the banquet”! The beautiful table is set, and all is in readiness for us to partake of, and this is made possible by the incredible and caring sacristans who, like angels, go unnoticed yet we fully experience their profound impact in our lives. They are part of a loving team that makes it possible for each of us to experience “heaven on earth” every time we attend Mass.
