Sacristan

Chalice, Ciborium, Purificator, Pall and Holy water and Holy wine
OFW Guidelines
“To celebrate the liturgy without preparation is a violation of God’s holy presence and a crime against those who gather to celebrate that presence.”

-(Fr. Austin Fleming p. 32 Preparing for Liturgy: A Theology and Spirituality)

In Sacred Scripture, especially in the Old Testament, the worship of God is expressed through the offering of the best of human labor, “the first fruits” (cf. Ex 23:19). From the earliest offerings presented to the Lord, we see that worship is not simply about giving something, but about offering what is worthy of God. The Lord deserves our “first fruits:” our finest gifts, our wholehearted devotion, and the best of our service. The spirit of offering our very best is a guiding principle in the ministry of the sacristan.

In offering the best of their time and service, the sacristan serves God and His Church by preparing the sacred space and everything necessary for the celebration of the liturgy. In the liturgy, Christ is truly present and continues His work of sanctification through the Church (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium [SC], 7). This service is especially significant because in every liturgical action, especially in the celebration of the Eucharist, God’s people are sanctified as they encounter God.

We respond to God’s sanctifying grace not by merely giving materials and resources (time, service, etc.), but by the offering of our own selves. St. Paul refers to this by urging Christians to offer themselves “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Rom 12:1)—as Jesus, Himself, did once and for all, and continues to offer His own Body and Blood in the celebration of the Eucharist. Consequently, the sacristan is able to join in Christ’s offering by generously giving their talents, time, and service. Giving generously of oneself is accomplished  wholeheartedly and consciously through docile demeanor, servant-like attitude, gentle and humble conduct, and amiable interactions with others.
While pastoral wisdom and experience offer valuable guiding principles, for the benefit of our parishes, the Office for Divine Worship, in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, has prepared the following guidelines for the Ministry of Sacristan. These guidelines provide practical direction for preparing the sacristy and sanctuary while emphasizing the deeper purpose behind the sacristans’ tasks: worshipping God by offering our very best; even in logistical preparation of the liturgy.

Guidelines for Sacristan Ministry

See the latest guidelines for Sacristans.

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A sacrarium is a “special sink used for the reverent disposal of sacred substances. This sink has a cover, a basin, and a special pipe and drain that empty directly into the earth, rather than into the sewer system”

– (USCCB, Built of Living Stones, 236).

Memo and Helpful Notes

The Office of Divine Worship has compiled Helpful notes and proper use for Sacristans. || La Oficina de Culto Divino ha recopilado notas útiles sobre el uso adecuado para los sacristanes.

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For further information on this program, please contact the Office for Worship at 213-637-7262.

LITURGICAL GUIDELINES

View other Liturgical Guidelines.

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Office for Divine Worship

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