Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.”

Becoming involved in one of the ministries of the church allows your child to feel like they are an important part of their Church Community.  And they are!  St. James offers several ministries in which children may utilize their talents to serve the church.   If your child is interested in serving in one of the following capacities, please complete the Children’s Ministry Sign Up and return it to Therese LeFever.  Training will be offered during the summer.

For the following ministries the children attend a one time training and are scheduled throughout the year at the appropriate liturgies.

Altar Servers

Altar Servers are trained to help the priest prepare for Eucharist and to lend a hightened awareness of the sacredness of what is happening at different times throughout the liturgy.  Servers are no younger than grade four and are trained at various times throughout the year.  Servers are scheduled for all of the weekend liturgies throughout the year.

Greeters

Greeters are used at the monthly children’s liturgies.  Children stand at the doors and welcome parishioners and give any handouts to the people entering the church.

Junior Lector

Junior lectors are used at the monthly children’s liturgies to proclaim the Word of God, read petitions, and read the opening welcome.  Junior Lectors must be no younger than grade 5 and have a gift for speaking in front of people.

Gift Bearer

Gift bearers bring the bread and wine up to the altar at the preparation of the gifts.  Children are scheduled to be gift bearers at Monthly Children’s Liturgies.

 

Music and Dance Ministries

The following ministries require a weekly practice commitment.

Choral Singing and Hand Bells

Children’s choir is open to all children in grades 1-8 who are interested in using their love for singing to enhance the music and song at Monthly Children’s liturgies.  Practice is on Tuesday each week and the Saturday before a Sunday Children’s liturgy.

Liturgical Dancers

Our Liturgical Dance team uses their gift of dance to bring our liturgies to a deeper awareness of God among us.  Dancers should have at least two years of experience in dance .  Parents are responsible for the purchase of a leotard, dance shoes, and tights.  Rehearsal follows the choir rehearsal schedule.

Liturgical Instrumentalists

 Liturgical instrumentalists practice with the choir.  All instrumentalists must have at least two years experience in playing their instrument.