When you go to Mass at St. Francis and appreciate the service’s beauty and the message’s impact, know there are many ‘behind the scenes’ people ensuring that special experience goes off without a hitch. Michael and Julie Ducatte are two of those who coordinate and make sure the Masses have the decorum and elegance befitting the weekly celebration of the Eucharist. “First and foremost, we want to make masses as beautiful as possible,” says Julie. “The liturgical ministries help everything flow smoothly. We want to serve because of our faith and enjoy being part of the Mass”. Michael adds, “As Mass Coordinators (MCs), we also have a teaching role, assisting the other ministers in training to serve at Mass.”
While they enjoy their roles as MCs and as an educational resource for the other ministers through training and Mass participation, they did, as Michael says, “Stumble into each of our roles.” When they were younger and raising their family, they acknowledged they were more passive at liturgy. They were married at St. Francis and had their daughters baptized here. However, they have now been serving for “I don’t know how many years,” says Michael, and now their kids have kids! “It was not like we chose liturgy; they chose us. There was a need, and we filled it.” Julie agrees: “It all boils down to the fact that Jesus taught us to serve others, and we want to serve the greater St. Francis of Assisi community. Prayer is a large part of our faith, and the love of Eucharist, the Mass, and serving as MC or Eucharistic Ministers (EMs) all ties into prayer.” “Working directly with friars, pastors, and ministers is rewarding. We are all together creating this beautiful liturgy,” says Michael. Julie agrees, “You learn all the pieces of the Mass and the meaning of each. Your faith grows, and you appreciate each component of the Mass more.”
They both feel that their faith experience benefits greatly from their service, and they want others to experience what they have. “People definitely should get involved. If you aren’t involved, Mass can be passive, but involvement in the liturgy makes your faith grow,” says Julie, adding, “My faith has grown so much deeper since becoming a minister.” Michael points out to those interested in service, “The liturgical ministry is a good way to get started. Because you are coming to Mass anyway, there isn’t much ‘extra time’ needed, and it’s a good way to get started serving.” They both emphasize, “You are participating and giving the body and blood of Jesus at Mass, and you get the added benefit of meeting new people who often become friends.” Are you interested? Look for information in the upcoming bulletins for training in the fall as a liturgical minister, and join the fun.