By Joyce Dmello for BIS Mumbai

On August 16, 2026, an orientation program was conducted at St. John Bosco Church, Borivali, under the guidance of Archdiocesan Liturgist Fr Savio de Sales. The session, attended by Lectors, Choir Members, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EOMHC), began with a short prayer and unfolded into a comprehensive training on liturgical roles and responsibilities.

Fr Savio explained that the word liturgy is derived from the Greek word Leitourgia, meaning “public worship for and on behalf of the people.” He emphasized that liturgical ministries function as a team during Mass, emphasizing in detail each role in the active participation in the liturgy. He outlined the importance of the role of each member of the liturgy, referencing Church documentation and the General Instructions of the Roman Missal. He clarified the use of the Lectionary—distinguishing between Sunday/Feast Day readings and weekday texts—and explained when to recite the Nicene Creed versus the Apostles’ Creed and many key themes related to the liturgy. He also advised participants to the Liturgy Center Bandra website for further resources.

For lectors, Fr Savio stressed for focus on proclaiming the Word of God clearly. The preparation should be with reverence: practicing readings at home, understanding the text, familiarizing oneself with the microphone, maintaining eye contact, and observing pauses. Postures and gestures play an important part during the mass and should be obeyed with worship. He also highlighted the importance of modest attire, and stated that the Altar is the holiest of holy places and explained various ways and means to follow while walking in procession up to Altar before the mass. Uniformity in seating arrangements for lectors, commentators, and altar servers is vital.

 Turning to the choir ministry and Cantors, he described their role in leading the congregation in prayer. Hymns must align with acclamations, responses, offertory, recession, and the liturgical calendar. He urged choirs to maintain silence when appropriate, foster a prayerful environment, and avoid solo performances by encouraging group participation.

In the final segment, Fr Savio addressed the sacred responsibility of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. He emphasized on the purification of hands before handling sacred vessels, the necessity of wearing the cape, and modest dress. Ministers were reminded to distribute communion with reverence, especially when serving the homebound and sick, and carrying the Eucharist with compassion and prayer.

The two-hour orientation concluded with a closing prayer. Fr Savio’s detailed guidance and minute valuable inputs and guidelines on the functioning of the Liturgy enriched participants’ understanding of their ministries, and deepened their spiritual commitment.

Special thanks to Fr Savio for his inspiring leadership and spiritual direction and Fr Manuel Murzello for organizing the program. The orientation proved to be a meaningful and uplifting experience, equipping all present to fulfil their roles with greater responsibility and reverence to serve the parish community.