Parishioners are very welcome to consider participating in the various liturgical ministries of the church.  These ministries include serving as Ushers, Greeters / Ministers of Hospitality, Lectors, Ministers of Holy Communion and, and for young parishioners, Altar Servers.  These ministries, particularly Lectors, Communion Ministers, and Altar Servers, require instruction and training.

Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers & Greeters), assist at Mass by welcoming parishioners and by distributing the missalettes & hymnals before Mass and the bulletins after Mass.  Ministers of Hospitality or Ushers also take up the first and second collections, and they choose and guide parishioners who will bring up the gifts of Bread and Wine.

Altar Servers are made up of young people (sixth grade and above) of the school and parish who elect to serve at the altar.  Altar Servers participate in the entrance procession by carrying the cross and candles. They assist the priest with the book, lead the Gospel procession, help to set the altar for the celebration of the Eucharist, lead forward the Offertory procession with the collection and the gifts of bread and wine, ring the bell at the consecration, and lead out all the ministers at the end of Mass.

Lectors or Readers proclaim the first and second readings (and the Psalm when not sung).  Lectors also introduce the Mass with a commentary and read the Prayers of the Faithful.  The ministry of Lector requires a strong speaking voice, clear speech and a good presence.  Lectors are expected to avail themselves of training conducted either by the Archdiocese or by the local parish.  They are then commissioned to the ministry before being assigned.   

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist at Mass by helping to distribute the Body and Blood of Christ to the communicants.  Communion Ministers may also bear the Body of Christ to the homebound and the sick.  Training for this ministry is available through the Archdiocese as well as at St James Parish.

Parishioners who wish to share their talents as vocalists or instrumentalists are welcome to participate as members of the choir at the Sunday liturgies as well as for the special feasts of the Church.   Musicians serve under the leadership of the Director of Music at any given Mass.