What if? There were no altar servers to carry the cross or prepare the altar; no musicians to help us pray by singing; no greeters to welcome us; no ushers to take up collections and help seat those who need assistance; no Lectors to proclaim the Word of the Lord, and no Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to distribute the Lord’s Body and Blood? Our churches would go undressed for the seasons without flowers during each changing liturgical season.
The priest would hold his own binder, set the altar himself, and then go down to get the gifts. He would have to read each reading and either sing or chant the Responsorial Psalm. We could sit there and choose to chant with him or let him do it himself to see how good a singer he is. We could critique it in our minds. No need to be involved.
Then we could form long lines and have only the priest distribute Holy Communion, and if we were lucky enough to have a deacon present, we might be able to receive the Precious Blood; if not, never mind.
Gratefully, that isn’t our reality. This weekend we commission and bless our volunteers who make our liturgies come alive with their participation and, in turn, encourage ours. We are blessed with some who help us on weekdays, and others on the weekends. Many of their jobs are hidden, and done in the background – environmental helpers, sacristans, and music directors, for instance. It takes a village to put on our daily and weekend liturgies. Do you know who makes sure the heat is working early on a Sunday? Do you know who turns out the lights and locks the doors after Mass?