A sacristan is a member of the parish who is responsible for preparing our churches for Mass, both for daily Masses as well as on Sundays and special liturgies.  The sacristan ensures that all necessary items are available and in their proper place.

The responsibilities typically involve:

• Care and maintenance of the sacristies
• Preparation of the gifts of bread and wine
• Assisting the priests as they ready for Mass
• Ensuring lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and altar servers are present and ready
• Making sure the liturgical vessels are cleaned after mass, and the sacristy locked and secure.

It is important for sacristans to have a knowledge of and dedication to the liturgy, as well as knowledge of the liturgical calendar.  They will gain an awareness of the vocabulary and sacristy practices. The successful sacristan also needs to be detail-oriented with excellent communication skills, as they interact closely with clergy and other liturgical volunteers.

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish needs sacristans for each daily mass (7:15 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and 8:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary), as well as for our eight weekend liturgies. Because of the importance of this role, each sacristan must be approved by the Pastor, and serves entirely at his discretion.

If you are interesting in becoming part of the sacristan team, please contact Will McDougal, our parish Liturgy Director.