I was asked to be a Sacristan, but what does that entail?

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What does being a Sacristan entail?

I am a convert (2001) and am well-educated in Catholic theology. I am not well educated on the inner workings of parish life, though. I have been a lector for half a year, and an EMHC (only for visiting nursing home residents) for as long. I also teach PSR.

I looked at New Advent for info. on a Sacristan, but still have many questions. Are there things I should not do? What would I be responsible for?

My priest said he would speak to me more about this in a couple of weeks, but I could use perspective and knowledge from you good people first.
 
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CyberSaint:
What does being a Sacristan entail?

I am a convert (2001) and am well-educated in Catholic theology. I am not well educated on the inner workings of parish life, though. I have been a lector for half a year, and an EMHC (only for visiting nursing home residents) for as long. I also teach PSR.

I looked at New Advent for info. on a Sacristan, but still have many questions. Are there things I should not do? What would I be responsible for?

My priest said he would speak to me more about this in a couple of weeks, but I could use perspective and knowledge from you good people first.
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You would be in charge of liturgical items like, chalices, patens, candles, altar cloths, corporals, items used in celebrating the Sacraments. Some have the responsibility of changing the liturgical colors as well as making sure someone cleans the purificators and vestments as necessary. You pastor should explain his expectations.
 
I’m a sacristan at my church and we are in charge of purifying the linens and vessels. We also set up the vessels and vestments for the mass. We set the liturgical books and also fill in lectoring, serving, EMHC’ing, or ushering when needed. It will depend from parish to parish. Hope this helps.

God Bless,
Matt
 
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CyberSaint:
So is a Sacristan the same thing as an Acolyte?
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No, an acolyte used to be one of the minor orders for those on the road to priesthood. A sacristan is, as stated above, a person who assists in taking care of all liturgical linens, and vessels as well as preparing the sanctuary for the upcoming Mass by changing out altar linens and putting out items of the appropriate liturgical color.

There is a good write up in the Catholic Encyclopedia
newadvent.org/cathen/13322a.htm
 
Yeah, I read that one. Good article.

How many hours a week/a month does being a Sacristan require?
Are there things a Sacristan shouldn’t do, but may be asked to do by a priest?
Does anyone have any hints, tricks of the trade, etc. they would recommend?
Any good books on this?
 
my husband and i are sacristans at our parish and it’s a wonderful experience. we do it about once a month - rotating with other couples. we set up for mass - make sure that there is someone to bring up gifts, round up servers, lectors and readers if they don’t show and clean up afterwards. i would highly recommend it.
 
Just a comment: For a while now I have been helping our sacristan now and then with some of his duties before and after Mass & benediction: setting up and putting away sacred vessels, candles, incense, liturgical books etc, changing liturgical colours in the sanctuary (tabernacle & lectern) etc etc

It makes one realise just how much time is spent preparing and cleaning up before and after even the shortest liturgy.

I always find it to be a great privilege & thus a way of serving the Lord which fills one with joy.
 
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