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Sacristan
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The role of the sacristan is an important ministry.
The most typical responsibility of sacristans is to prepare what is required for the celebration of Mass.
The Lectionary for Mass contains the Scripture readings used at Mass So that everything is in place to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word, sacristans will check to see that the Lectionary for Mass (contains the Scripture readings used at Mass) is open to the correct readings for the day and is left where the Minister of the Word can look over the texts before Mass.
So that the Liturgy of the Eucharist can be celebrated, sacristans prepare the bread and wine and the sacred vessels such as chalices (cups) and patens (plates). The credence table at the side of the sanctuary is prepared with purificators (linen cloths for wiping the chalices), the corporal (white cloth the bread and wine are placed on for the Eucharistic Prayer) the water cruet, the lavabo bowl (for the priest to wash his hands) and towel. Candles, incense and other requirements may also need to be prepared by the sacristan (servers may also assist).
As you can see, there is a lot of crucial “behind the scenes” work that sacristans do!
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