Sanctuary-based Ministry Problems?

[Pariah_Pirana]

For the last several years I have observed a thread of odd behavior from the majority of those that I have seen serving in what I call “sanctuary-based ministries or SBMs.” (Readers, EMsHC, Altar servers, etc.)

Most of those I have seen serving in SBMs seem to have a great need for attention. A great need to be seen. Huge egos to be fed. My conclusion is based not just on my parish, but it is limited for the most part to the 17 parishes in my local deanery.

These people also seem to latch onto and hold their SBMs for life which seems extremely unhealthy. (No no, this certainly does not apply to all who serve in SBMs, but it appears to apply to most of them – at least locally.)

A month ago I had breakfast with my pastor. I bought this up and he immediately nodded his agreement that this problem exists (at least in his parish.) When I asked about the reason for it, or why he allowed it, his face became just a bit grim and he waved my question aside.

I pushed a bit and asked if there were no other individuals who wished to serve in SBMs. He laughed and said there were plenty, but acknowledged that it is very touchy to begin rotating through those that are so firmly entrenched.

Does this problem exist outside of my deanery?

 

[Titus]

i havent talked to our priest about it, but generally i have noticed some of the trends

the junior servers- girls mostly- want attention- to the extent of having to leave while serving the easter vigil (we all know its long- if its too long dont come)

readers & ems- mostly nuns and old women, but a few show offs, especially the EMs Co-ordinator

 

[Benedictus]

Most of those I have seen serving in SBMs seem to have a great need for attention. A great need to be seen. Huge egos to be fed.

I would say that this is true of a lot of these people. I don’t know if it’s a majority of them, but it’s not a small number. It’s probably true of a few priests too.

 

[Pariah_Pirana]

Thanks for the sanity check…

 

[Pug]

I’m glad other people do those “SBM” things. I think it is really nice to go to mass and not have to do anything like that. I know, I have to “do” stuff like participate. But who wants to worry about dropping the host when they can not worry about it by not being a EM?

Of course, my attitude only works if there are zillions of people willing to do the ministries, which currently, there are. <Whew!>

 

[chicago]

People tend to get very attached to their “ministry” (a word which probably ought not be applied to lay persons in this context, anyway). They find a lot of personal value in it and consider it to be theirs. Therefore, they don’t want anybody intruding upon what they possess.

 

[Pariah_Pirana]

chicago:

People tend to get very attached to their “ministry” (a word which probably ought not be applied to lay persons in this context, anyway). They find a lot of personal value in it and consider it to be theirs. Therefore, they don’t want anybody intruding upon what they possess.

Yup, that’s why I would institute at least two changes at my parish.

1.) One liturgical ministry at a time. We actually have altar servers who are also EMsHC who are also readers who are also cantors.

2.) One year on, one off. One on, one off, etc.

 

[Pug]

1.) One liturgical ministry at a time. We actually have altar servers who are also EMsHC who are also readers who are also cantors.

I agree that ministries should be spread around. I don’t think just a few should be doing them all. Maybe it is expedient that way, but it is probably not best for the community. I doubt it is typical for one person to be “called” to many ministries, so if they are doing three, then there may be someone out there who is really called to one of the extra ones and is getting shut out.

 

[MooCowSteph]

I think it’s a great idea to have them serve on a limited or rotating basis. I know, at least at my church, your expected to serve for life, or so it seems. You’re just kept on the schedule and it’s almost an awkward situation to leave the ministry. A parish near my home has them serve 3-year terms and they are appointed by the priest. Seems like a good idea.

 

[Pariah_Pirana]

Pug:

I agree that ministries should be spread around. I don’t think just a few should be doing them all. Maybe it is expedient that way, but it is probably not best for the community. I doubt it is typical for one person to be “called” to many ministries, so if they are doing three, then there may be someone out there who is really called to one of the extra ones and is getting shut out.

That’s an awesome posting…

People should be responding to a call…

Someone mentioned for instance on another thread that some EMsHC hands are so shakey that they dare not receive on the tongue. I know EMsHC that complain about having to place a host on people’s tongues. Or readers that literally cannot read. Or servers that cannot closely follow the sequences of the Mass.

Makes me wonder if they are indeed called (or still called) to serve in those capacities…