Being a sacristan is of great help to the parish and its worship. It is a ministry done behind the scenes but is absolutely vital. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal describes the liturgical function of the sacristan as one who "carefully arranges the liturgical books, the vestments, and other things necessary in the celebration of Mass." (GIRM, 105)

Being a sacristan is a very beneficial way to serve our parish community and an active way to participate in Mass. 

      The ministry of Sacristan is both sacred and practical. The term Sacristan comes from the Latin word, sacer, which means sacred. Sacristan is often behind the scene as a prayerful minister. Someone willing to serve as Sacristan reflects not only his or her response to Baptismal call to serve the people of God, but also her or his commitment to Christ. A Sacristan’s understanding of Christ’s Real Presence in the assembly gathered, in the Word proclaimed, in the priest, and in the consecrated bread and wine, is key to her or his success as a liturgical minister.
The sacristan, always under the general direction of the clergy, undertakes the overall preparation of liturgical celebrations. That the sacristan ensures that the things necessary for worship are always available.

Primary Services are:

• The sacristan arranges the books needed for the celebration, marking all of the divisions.
• He or she lays out things needed for the celebration, such as cruets, chalices, ciboria, linens, processional crosses, candles, and torches.
• The sacristan in harmony with the pastor also makes sure that the vestments, church furnishings, liturgical vessels, and decorative objects are kept in good.
• There should be a ready supply of fresh hosts and of duly authorized wine, sufficient clean purificators, corporals, hand towels, incense, and coals.  
• He or she also makes sure that the sanctuary lamp has sufficient oil, that the altar cloths are changed regularly, and that the holy water stoups are clean and replenished frequently.
• Sacristans prepare the altar for all Masses, including weddings and funerals.

• The Sacristans maintain a clean sacristy and sanctuary.

Are you interested to serve as a sacristan?

Those who desire to serve in the ministry of sacristan should be active and faithful members of OLMM. They should be people of faith and prayer, of godly character and reputation, with a deep devotion to the Eucharist and to the environment where the faithful gather together to worship. Respect for others, discretion, and appropriate decorum are the hallmarks of a sacristan. Above all, ministers should be noted for their care to the assembly. Our sacristans are zealous in their commitment to foster good worship here at OLMM.
Only a select few are offered a chance at the position, If you are interested in being trained as a sacristan, please contact the parish office at (323) 725-7578 to arrange a meeting with the Pastor.