Worship Ministries

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There are many opportunities for lay participation in worship. Don’t let the names worry you. They define both what the ministry is and the limits of what it is or is not.

Acolytes assist with several jobs.

  • The Crucifer carries the Processional Cross and is responsible for lighting and extinguishing the Altar candles.

  • The Torch Bearers carry the Processional Torches.

  • The Gospel Book Bearer carries the Gospel Book.

Ushers help people get seated, count the number present (so the celebrant knows how many people to expect for Communion), bring up the bread and wine, collect the offering, and direct traffic during Communion. The job is easier with several people sharing the work.

Lectors read the first two lessons, usually one from the Old Testament (Hebrew scripture) and one from the New Testament (Christian scripture).

Intercessors lead the congregation in the Prayers of the People.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers are licensed to help distribute communion. This usually means serving as Chalice Bearer, bringing the wine to the rail behind the Celebrant.

Eucharistic Visitors are licensed to bring Communion directly from a primary worship service Sunday morning to those who are home-bound, hospitalized, or otherwise prevented from attending services. It is one way to include our sick and shut-ins in the Eucharist.

Licensed Worship Leaders are specially trained and licensed to lead a service of public worship. At St. Patrick’s this usually means leading Morning Prayer the weekend of Diocesan Council and Evening Prayer on weekdays throughout the year, or Stations of the Cross during Lent. Other opportunities do occasionally arise.

“Lay Ministers” (as credited on the bulletins) at St. Patrick’s combine the duties of Acolyte and Lay Eucharistic Minister.

If you are interested in participating in any of these ministries, please contact the church office or talk with our senior Verger, Doug MacCullagh, or the Sacristan, Jason Trumble, after the service on Sunday.

Service Ministries

The Wolfe Trust

The Wolfe Trust provides funding to assist with needs in our communities. In 2024 St Patrick’s has partnered with Mississippi Heroes to assist in the building of handicap access ramps in the homes of individuals who cannot meet the cost of a needed ramp. Parish donations also help fund this ministry. The Wolfe Trust is also used in times of need, to support families whose homes are damaged by natural disaster, and to assist individuals in Long Beach with basic needs.

Long Beach Food Pantry & Blessing Box

The Long Beach Food Pantry is on Johnson Road in the Industrial Park in Long Beach. We support this community ministry by a monthly offering collected on the Third Sunday of each month.

We also have a Blessing Box on the property near the entrance to the parking lot. This allows people to donate as they are able, or take items as they need, and supports many who cannot make it to other food distribution centers. The Blessing Box is open 24/7.

Christmas Families

Each year St. Patrick’s adopts a number of families to assist at Christmas time. A list of gifts desired, as well as clothing sizes and basic needs, are posted at Sunday services. Members of the Parish contribute money, clothing, and gifts. Contact the church office if you have any questions.

School Supply Families

Each year, St. Patrick’s sponsors several families from Long Beach who are in need of some basic school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, or crayons. We, as a community at St. Patrick’s, help supply these needs. Any extra supplies received are donated to school teachers at Long Beach Schools. Please talk to Laureli Latimer after the service, or contact the church office, if you have any questions or are willing to help in this vital ministry.