Mass & Liturgical Activities – St. John the Evangelist Catholic School

School Mass

Nurturing Our Catholic Faith: Our Catholic faith is woven into the fabric of every grade, strengthened through our weekly Mass. Families are warmly invited to join these sacred gatherings. During liturgies, students are required to sit with their respective classes.

In addition, St. John hosts a quarterly Family Mass, a special occasion during the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass. Each grade level, from K-2, 3-5, to 6-8, is designated for participation in one of these uplifting masses throughout the year.

Liturgical Activities

Students in Grades 5 through 8, who have received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion, are warmly invited to partake in meaningful roles as Altar Servers and/or Lectors (also known as "readers") during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Training sessions are conducted to equip them with the necessary skills to assist our parish priests seamlessly. Upon completion of training, students have the opportunity to sign up for service at both school and parish masses. This involvement not only enhances their understanding of the Mass but also instills a sense of responsibility and connection within the faith community.

Altar Servers

Altar servers play a crucial role in the seamless celebration of the Mass. It is essential that servers possess the maturity to comprehend and execute their responsibilities with both excellence and appropriate reverence. The role they fulfill is integral to the overall Mass experience. Therefore, servers are expected to maintain focused attention throughout the entirety of the Mass, closely observing the actions of the Priest and adhering to the prescribed order of the Mass. This attentive and respectful approach ensures a smooth and meaningful worship experience for the entire faith community.

Lectors

An effective lector possesses the ability to articulate clearly, speaking in a loud, deliberate, and distinct manner. The significance of the role of readers is underscored by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM). According to the GIRM:

Divine Communication: During the readings, lectors serve as instruments through which "God himself speaks to his people."
Proclamation of the Gospel: The GIRM emphasizes that, through the lectors, "Christ, present in his word, proclaims the Gospel."

If God is speaking to us through the readings, the people should listen closely and reverently. A good lector helps the people hear and understand the good news clearly.