FOUNDATIONAL WORKSHOP

FOR LAY LITURGICAL MINISTERS

Towards Deeper Discipleship and Beautiful Liturgy

• Date: April 11, 2026, from 3 PM to 4:45 PM, followed by Mass at 5 PM

• Venue: St. James Parish Centre (2700 28th Ave, Vernon, BC V1T 1V7)

• RSVP: REGISTER by March 31 via this Registration Form

For all current and aspiring Lay Liturgical Ministers (Readers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Ushers, Music Ministers, and Altar Servers):

It is a standard and healthy practice for parishes to conduct regular training on liturgy and to recommission all lay ministers every two years. This ensures that we are all "on the same page" and allows us to refresh our commitment to the Lord and to each other.

With this in mind, through our Pastor’s direction, we are starting a biennial mandatory workshop this year (2026) for all who wish to serve or continue to serve as lay liturgical ministers in our parishes of St. James and Our Lady of the Valley.

Why “mandatory” and why “every two years”?

Implementing a mandatory two-year cycle for training and recommissioning is vital for the spiritual and operational health of parish liturgy. This structured approach ensures excellence through three key areas:

1. Intentional Service: It moves ministry from "autopilot" to intentional vocation, and provides opportunity for ministers to discern/ renew their calling through formal liturgical formation.

2. Preventing "Liturgical Drift": Regular training corrects personal shortcuts and deviations, maintaining all due reverence and dignity warranted in serving Christ.

3. Culture of Humility: By requiring participation from everyone—regardless of experience—the parish fosters a cohesive team environment where all members remain open to growth and alignment in the celebration of liturgy.

We look forward to seeing you there!