Welcome to St. John Neumann Catholic Church

Adult servers are utilized for funerals, Holy Days of Obligation, weekday Masses, and special services when regular altar servers are not readily available. If you are interested in becoming involved in this ministry, training can be arranged.

Altar Servers assist the priest during Mass on weekends and Holy Days and for other special services. Boys and girls in grades 5 through 12 are invited to be trained for participation for this ministry. Annual training for new servers and a refresher for current servers are held after Easter.

The Cantors of St. John Neumann lead us in prayer by means of song and provide leadership and support for the congregation in the singing of hymns, psalms, and acclamations at Mass. Emphasis is on leading the congregational singing rather than solo performance. Rehearsals are held as needed.

Extraordinary Ministers assist the priest distribute Holy Communion at the celebration of the Eucharist. This need is particularly accentuated since both species are usually offered i.e. the Body of Christ and the Precious Blood. Training for this ministry is in two parts, a two hour session that covers the significant aspects of the ministry, usually held in Harrisburg or another diocesan parish, and an hour session at St. John Neumann Church that instructs on the specific practices and procedures followed here. All appointments to serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are made by the Pastor with the mandated approval of the Bishop of the diocese. If you are interested in this ministry, it is suggested that you express your desire to the Pastor.

The Reader proclaims the scripture readings to the assembly during the Liturgy of the Word at Mass. As a minister of the Word, a Reader is a part of an important process in the life of the church. Readers are called to proclaim Christ present now in our midst and to make present past events in salvation history. The Liturgy allows us to participate in those events, to experience their power, and their ability to transform. If you feel called to serve in this ministry, contact Sandy Mayo. With the approval of the pastor, new readers will receive training and an orientation before being scheduled.

The responsibility of the sacristan is to have all altar linens, and related items used for services, laundered and in appropriate condition to be used in various rites. A yearly schedule is set up and instruction is given to all volunteers.
Also, decoration of the main church for special holidays is also the responsibility of the sacristan and assistance is needed during special times e.g. Holy Saturday and several days before Christmas.

The St. John Neumann Choir sings to beautify the liturgy through music and lead the congregation in song. The choir sings at the 9:00 a.m. Mass on the first Sunday of the month and the 11:00 a.m. Mass on the third Sunday of the month from September through May and for special occasions.
The Choir rehearses on Monday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Music Room. One need only a pleasant voice and a desire to learn new music to be a choir member. Young adults of high school age are also welcome to join. If a member cannot be with us for a complete term, we invite “partial memberships” for the Fall Advent-Christmas season, and/or Spring Lent-Easter season.

The ushers at St. John Neumann Church assist at each Mass on the weekends and during Holy Days. They locate seats, pass the collection baskets, and perform additional services as requested during any of the rites for which they volunteer. They are also available to assist during emergencies as needed. Ushers are always needed. ed.