Lectors are selected to proclaim the scripture readings and to lead the congregation in response. Any confirmed member of the parish may volunteer for training as a Lector. There is no minimum term for Lectors. They are assigned to a particular mass time on a quarterly basis and are responsible for getting their own replacements from the Lector list if they cannot meet an assigned commitment.
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers) assist the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion during the celebration of the Mass. Ministers may also bring the Eucharist to our parishioners who are homebound.
Interested applicants must meet the following Diocesan guidelines: “…mature Catholics respected in the Parish community who are noted for their devotion to the Eucharist and their service to the parish”. Accepted applicants are required to compete a short course of study and may meet annually for a Day of Reflection.
Like the Lectors, Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers are assigned to a particular mass on a quarterly basis and are responsible for getting their own substitutes from a published list. Individuals may commit to more frequent participation such as daily mass, if they choose.
Some ministers devote their ministry to visitation of homebound parishioners. Others limit their participation to substituting for scheduled ministers who are unable to minister on their regularly assigned days. The flexibility of this ministry allows all who desire to participate.
Parish Collection Counters
The mission of this organization is to quickly and accurately count, and account for, all church collection money on a weekly basis. One of six teams counts the collection every Monday morning to be deposited into the bank. Our 40 volunteers are broken into six teams and rotate throughout the year.
Basil Piazza ● 716-634-5669
Usher and Greeter
Ushers assist in the greeting and seating of parishioners and visitors at Sunday and special Liturgies. Ushers select people to carry up the gifts at the Offertory of the Mass, receive the collections at Mass, and distribute the Parish Bulletin at the close of Mass.
The Ministry of Usher is open to all Confirmed youth and adults in the parish. Scheduling is flexible and is the responsibility of the Head Usher at each mass.
Altar Servers
Altar Servers assist at the altar during the celebration of the Mass and during other liturgical functions. Volunteers are accepted from adults and students who have celebrated their First Eucharist. Training must be completed to participate in this ministry.
Altar servers are scheduled for participation at an assigned Mass on a quarterly basis through the Parish Office. There is no limit to the length of time one may participate in this ministry.
Our adult servers who are available mornings may also assist at the altar for parish funerals.
Ministers of Music
Saints Peter & Paul enjoys a lively and comprehensive music ministry. We encourage full and active participation from the assembly by providing effective musical leadership. We are members of the Church Musicians’ Guild of Buffalo, The American Guild of Organists, and the National Association of Pastoral Musicians Guild. These organizations provide our musicians with ongoing musical and spiritual growth. Our choirs and instrumentalists participate in concerts here during the year and join in diocesan events. We welcome new members at any time. Cantors lead sung prayer at most of our liturgies. These are people with good vocal and leadership skills.
The Adult Choir includes people of high school age and older is formed for special liturgies throughout the year.
The Children’s Choir is made up of pupils in grades 3-8 from SS. Peter & Paul School.
Instrumentalists regularly play at liturgies accompanying congregation and choir. We ask that young players have achieved at least a Grade 5 NYSMA rating. Many adults play for us also.
Historic SS Peter and Paul church provides a beautiful acoustical space. We host many concerts from local groups such as Amherst Bel Canto, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Canisius College Chorus, Harmonia and Vocalis.
Gail Crocker Shepherd is Director of the Ministries of Music. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music, was past president of the Church Musicians’ Guild and has served on the Board of the American Guild of Organists Buffalo Chapter.
We welcome new musicians! Contact Gail Shepherd 716-632-2559 ext. 209 – [email protected]
Disability Access
We here at Ss. Peter & Paul are committed to making our Parish and School buildings more accessible for those in wheelchairs and those who are not able to use the stairs.
There is accessibility to the Parish Office, the 1st floor of the school, which includes the School Office, Religious Education Offices, Gym and classrooms. There are wheelchair entrances to the church and a ramp to the Neumann rooms. We also have audio loops in the church for the hearing impaired.
Liturgy of the Word for Children
Liturgy of the Work for Children is a ministry devoted to the children who attend the 9:30 a.m. mass on Sundays. After the Opening Prayer, the children are called forth and invited to listen to the Word of God proclaimed at a level they can understand. They are dismissed to the Neumann Center rooms under the church where the readings are proclaimed.
Rather than listen to a homily, they reflect on and discuss the meaning of God’s Word for their lives. Our parish volunteers also incorporate music and other activities into the program. Upon completion of the Liturgy of the Word, the children re-join their parents in the assembly for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Volunteers to this ministry are accepted from Junior High age on up. Volunteers are asked to lead the proclamation and sharing of the Word about once a month. Those individuals interested but unable to participate monthly are welcome to help whenever they can.