Main Purpose: To care for, maintain and furnish sacred linens -
(purificators, hand towels, corporals, altar cloths and priest vestments)
The members of the Altar Society offer their service to the community of our parish mainly by providing for the care and maintenance of the altar linens. This group attends to the cleanliness and beauty of the linens used on the main altar during the Liturgies of the Mass, as well as the linens on the side altars and credence table on the altar. The group meets four times per year, or as needed for special events.
There are several types of linens used throughout the celebration of the Mass – from the table linens to the hand towels; and these all require weekly care in order to provide a clean and beautiful environment for the Liturgy of the Mass. Members are put on a schedule, whereby one person launders the purificators and another launders the hand towels. These linens must be laundered in a process that accords respect for the purpose of the use of these linens, and the members of this group provide their service for the love of the Holy Eucharist.
Members assist with the preparation for the Chrism Mass (Blessing of the Sacred Oils) during Holy Week and the distribution of the Sacred Oils. The group also sponsors the Memorial Mass for All Souls Day honoring parishioners who died during the year. As well, members come together to pray the rosary for the blessing of the tombs on All Saints Day, which enhances the spirituality and comaraderie of the group members.
The Altar Society asks for a $10 a year (dues/donation). These monies are used to purchase the materials needed for the altar and sacramental linens such as altar cloths, priest vestments, and altar server robes. (We are actually working to buy new altar server robes at this time!) Also, flowers are donated at various times during the year for the altar.
There is active membership (actively participates in the works of the group) and inactive membership (supports works through prayer and monetary donations). Anyone in the parish can contribute an offering of these dues/donation to help sustain the care of the linens and works of the Altar Society. For when the congregation contributes, the congregation becomes part of this ministry!
If you wish to participate please fill out an envelope available on the tables near the exit doors of the Cathedral. The envelope can be dropped in the collection basket on Sunday, mailed to the Cathedral Office, P. O. Box 4014, Houma 70361 or dropped off at the Cathedral Office. You can also contact:
Marie Alsabrook - 985-855-2375