Worship

The St. Francis of Assisi Worship Ministries consist of support for all activities in the Parish where we come together to worship and pray, including ministries for Liturgy, special seasonal services, and prayer services. These ministries are categorized as LIturgy, Music and Special Growth MInistries in this section.

Altar Guild

• Members clean the altar linens and prepare for Mass by setting out the vessels and the bread and wine, as well as lighting the altar candles.
• Coordinator: Kathy McKee,  301-330-2787

Altar Servers

• Boys and girls in the fifth grade and older reverently assist the celebrating priest during Mass. Altar servers participate in a multi-week, hour-long training or until they feel comfortable with their roles. Servers can expect to assist at Mass at least twice a month.
• Coordinators: Joan Treacy (training)
• Bob Hamilton (scheduling)

Bereavement/Arimatheans

• Members of this ministry assist at funeral Masses and memorials. They also provide support to the family of the deceased.
• Coordinator: Coordinator needed (please contact the Parish Office if interested)

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

• Participants lead children through the Liturgy of the Word prayer experience during regular weekend Masses.
• Coordinator: Mike Goggin, 202-277-4447

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

• Individuals help distribute the Eucharist during Mass. The ministers serve approximately two times per month, but have a flexible schedule.
• Coordinator: Mary O'Sullivan, 301-540-8153

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Homebound and Elderly

• Members bring Eucharist to and pray with parishioners who are hospitalized and/or unable to attend Mass.
• Coordinator: Mary O'Sullivan, 301-540-8153

Joyful Greeters

• Parishioners of all ages set the tone for the worship experience by offering a warm welcome outside the entrance doors to the church and a warm dismissal at the end of Mass. This new ministry will help make all parishioners and visitors to the parish feel welcome.
• Coordinator: Helen Hayes,  240-601-5952
• Assistant Coordinator: Jack Price,  301-963-2925

Adult Lectors

• Members of this ministry proclaim Scripture readings at Mass with reverence and understanding.
• Coordinator:  Ralph Chite,  301-869-0205

Youth Lectors

• Youth of all ages proclaim the Scripture readings at Mass with reverence and understanding.
• Coordinator:  Fr. Jack Berard, 301-840-1407

Liturgy Committee

• Members of the Liturgy Committee plan, coordinate and consult with the pastor for all liturgical celebrations at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. The committee’s service enables parishioners to worship in a variety of contexts and helps support the unique character of each parishioner’s personal faith journey. 
•  Coordinator: Joan Treacy

Liturgical Environment

• This ministry maintains the altar and church environment in keeping with the liturgical seasons.
• Coordinator: Coordinator needed (please contact the Parish Office if interested)

Adult Ushers

• Members of this ministry help with logistical considerations during Mass such as assisting parishioners with seating; coordinating the procession at the preparation of the offerings; assisting with the offertory collection; and ensuring the orderly flow of the Communion procession
• Coordinator: Coordinator needed (please contact the Parish Office if interested)

Youth Ushers

• Youth of all ages in this ministry help with logistical considerations during Mass such as assisting parishioners with seating; coordinating the procession at the preparation of the offerings; assisting with the offertory collection; and ensuring the orderly flow of the Communion procession
• Coordinator: Fr. Jack Berard, 301-840-1407

The Music page under the Worship menu describes the many opportunities to participate in the music program at St. Francis.

Lamb of God Charismatic Prayer

• Members meet from 7:30-8:45 pm the first Tuesday of every month. Participants engage in worship, sing hymns, pray for people who have requested prayers and discuss readings for the upcoming Sunday liturgy. The ministry helps parishioners gain a deeper understanding of the liturgy and allows participants to engage in fellowship through Scripture study in a small group environment. Meetings are held in the chapel in the Rectory. Anyone is welcome!
• Coordinator: Louise Classon, 301-977-5217

First Friday Eucharistic Adoration

• Attendees to the First Friday Eucharistic Adoration begin at 7:30 pm with Mass, after which they pray the Patriotic Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The Eucharistic Adoration follows the prayers for one to two hours. Throughout the prayers and adoration, the pastor also hears Confessions. The First Friday Eucharistic Adoration encourages participants to grow spiritually and develop a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. All are welcome to attend.
• Coordinator: Carol Kohan, 301-926-1027

SFA Parish Prayer Chain

• Members of the St. Francis of Assisi Prayer Chain pray for the intentions of those requested. Parishioners who have a prayer request can call or e-mail the coordinator, who conveys it to the approximately 20 people on the prayer chain. Volunteer opportunities include the need for another coordinator to check prayer requests on a daily basis and forward them to members. New members of the prayer chain are always welcome.  
• Coordinator: Marianne Bullen, 301-963-3420