Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are lay members of Our Lady of Victory Parish who are fully initiated Catholics. These men and women regularly receive the Sacraments of the Church and possess a deep love for the Eucharist. They help with distribution of Holy Communion at Masses when needed, take Holy Communion to Catholics who are patients at Mt. Nittany Medical Center, to several Nursing Facilities, and to OLV parishioners who are shut-ins.

These Ministers are prepared by Fr. George Jackopac.

Click the button above to access a contact form. The form sends an email to the coordinator for Liturgical Ministries and the OLV church office.

Lectors proclaim the Scriptures during the celebration of the Mass. They must be Catholics who have received the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist and regularly receive the Sacraments. Lectors prepare the readings with prayerful reflection and are skilled in speaking clearly and confidently.

Lectors are prepared for this ministry by a parishioner appointed by Fr. George.

Click the button above to access a contact form. The form sends an email to the coordinator for Liturgical Ministries and the OLV church office.

Commentators read the General Intercessions in the absence of a deacon. They may also make announcements before Mass or following the Prayer after Communion. Commentators are trained with the Lectors.

Click the button above to access a contact form. The form sends an email to the coordinator for Liturgical Ministries and the OLV church office.

Altar Servers may be Catholic boys or girls (4th grade and up) who assist the priest (and deacon) at appropriate parts throughout the Liturgy. They are appropriately trained to be aware of the various parts of the Mass and to participate in the prayers and music at worship.

Click the button above to access a contact form. The form sends an email to Deacon Dave and the OLV church office.

Sacristans are men and women who assist in preparing the vessels for Mass and help with other preparations necessary to celebrate the Sacred Liturgy.

Click the button above to access a contact form. The form sends an email to the coordinator for Liturgical Ministries and the OLV church office.

Ushers assist with several functions before, during and after mass. These responsibilities can and often do include the following:

• Greeting parishioners
• Assisting others with finding seating when the mass becomes crowded
• Answering general questions and providing guidance (location of bathrooms, etc.)
• Leading the effort to take up the church offering and ensure it is safely secured

Perhaps most importantly, ushers serve as a basic level of security, keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. They also respond to medical emergencies. While not a requirement, all ushers have opportunities during the year to receive additional training on “active intruders” and health emergencies. 

In a nutshell, an usher’s basic responsibility is to serve the church and its parishioners. If you are looking for ways to serve, and this role interests you, please click the button below to fill out a contact form.

Click the button above to access a contact form. The form sends an email to the coordinators for the ushers and the OLV church office.

The Floral Committee for the Church is responsible ordering, arranging, and maintaining flowers and/or similar decorations for the liturgical seasons as well as for special liturgical celebrations, such as, Easter, Christmas, First Communion, Confirmation and other liturgical events. The Committee also creates new and refreshes old arrangements as needed.

Click the button above to access a contact form. The form sends emails to the Floral Committee coordinator and the OLV church office.