Liturgical Service
Altar Servers
The ministry of altar servers is to assist the Priest and Deacons at Mass. Duties include assisting with incense, carrying the processional Crucifix, holding the Roman Missal, carrying the candles for the Gospel Reading, and assisting with gifts at the Offertory. Ordinarily, to assist as an Altar Server, you need to be at least in Fifth Grade, baptized and made your First Holy Communion, and your family must be registered at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral. Chris Mincolla, 602-242-1300 ext. 146
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
As the need arises, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the Priests and Deacons with the distribution of Holy Communion in order to accommodate the faithful. The ministry demands the utmost respect and reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament and rubrics of the Mass. Ordinarily to be commissioned, you need to be at least 16 years of age, fully initiated in the Church (i.e., Baptized, Confirmed and made your First Holy Communion), registered and trained at Ss Simon and Jude Cathedral. If married, you must be married in the Church. Chris Mincolla, 602-242-1300 ext. 146
Lectors (Reader)
The Lector may introduce the liturgy and reads all the readings except the Gospel. He or she may announce the intentions of the General Intercessions in the absence of a Deacon. Ordinarily to be commissioned as a Reader (Lector), you need to be at least 14 years of age, a Confirmed Catholic in good standing with the Church, and registered and trained at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral. If you are married, you must be married in the Church. Chris Mincolla, 602-242-1300 ext. 146
Sacristan
The duties of the Sacristan are carried out under the general direction of the clergy. However, for each specific celebration, the Sacristan is responsible to the Prefect of the Sacristy and the Master of Ceremonies (M.C.). The Sacristan sets up for Mass by preparing the sacred vessels, linens, bread, wine, and sacred texts for Mass, keeping the Holy Water fonts cleaned and filled, and coordinating with the Ushers, Greeters, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors and Altar Servers. This means they must be trained in all of the other Liturgical Ministries. They are ultimately responsible for the overall order within the church. The Sacristan ought to be treated with respect by all who minister at the altar. Ordinarily, to be a Sacristan, you need to be at least 18 years of age, fully initiated in the Church (i.e. Baptized, Confirmed and made your First Holy Communion), and registered and trained at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral. If married, you must be married in the Church. Chris Mincolla, 602-242-1300 ext. 146
Sign Language Interpreters
The Ss. Simon and Jude Deaf Ministry allows deaf and hard of hearing parishioners the ability to participate in the Mass and the Sacraments. Interpreters for the deaf translate the songs, prayers and the Homily to the deaf and hard of hearing at the 9:00 a.m. Mass each Sunday. The interpreter provides a vital link between the priest and the Catholic Deaf Community. Diane McGowan, 623-435-9540.
Ushers/Greeters
Ushers and Greeters should carry out their duties among the people with good manners and discretion. They welcome and assist the Faithful, maintaining order in the Cathedral, at doorways, caring for the table of gifts, taking customary collections, distributing “books” (song sheets) and/or weekly bulletins, ensuring that processions are not impeded, assisting the priests and church staff as needed. Ordinarily to assist as an Usher, you need to be at least 13 years of age, a Catholic in good standing with the Church and registered at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral. Chris Mincolla, 602-242-1300 ext. 146