Altar Linen Ministry
………….The Beacon Sept 2017
This group ensures that the sacred space of the altar is welcoming and appropriately prepared for worship.
The Altar Linen Ministry is a “silent” ministry as it happens in the background, yet the linens are very important as they are needed for the Mass.
The care of the altar linens is more than throwing a load of laundry into the washing machine. It takes an understanding of the importance of these linens.
One linen that requires extra care is the purificator, which is the small white linen cloth that is used to wipe the chalice after each person takes the Blood of Jesus during the distribution of Holy Communion. It is also used to wipe the chalice after Communion.
Other pieces of altar linens include the altar cloths that cover the altar and the towels which are used when the priest cleanses his hands in preparation for the Consecration of the Eucharistic gifts.
Folding and ironing the linens are done in a specific way and each volunteer will be trained in the proper folding, ironing and laundering. The linens need to be washed before the weekend each week to ensure there will be enough linens for weekend Masses.
It is not a huge time commitment but very necessary to St. Kateri because it serves as an important part of the Mass.
If you are interested in additional information about the altar care ministry please contact Pamela Madzy at [email protected]