Would you like to be an altar server? Wondering what they do?

Duties at Mass

Servers hold liturgical books for the priest when he is not at the altar and is proclaiming the presidential prayers with outstretched hands. They bring and hold such things as books, thuribles, the lavabo water and towel, vessels to hold the consecrated bread, and microphones.

Entrance: The entrance procession is led by a thurifer with burning incense (if incense is used at the Mass) and a cross-bearer carrying a processional cross, who is flanked on either side by another server bearing a lighted candle.

Proclamation of the Gospel: If incense is used, a server presents to the priest at the Alleluia or other pre-Gospel chant the thurible and the incense that he puts in the thurible and blesses, and servers, who may carry the thurible and lighted candles, precede to the ambo the deacon or priest who proclaims the Gospel there.

Preparation of the Gifts: One or more servers assist in arranging the corporal, the purificator(s), the chalice(s), the pall(s), and the Missal on the altar, leaving it to the deacon to take care of the sacred vessels. (At a concelebrated Mass without participation by a deacon, a concelebrating priest carries out the functions assigned to the deacon. If, as is appropriate, the bread and wine for the Mass are presented by the faithful, servers assist the priest or deacon who receives these and perhaps other gifts and carry the bread and wine to the priest, placing other gifts in a place distinct from the altar. They present the cruets of wine and water for the priest or deacon to pour some into the chalice. If incense is used, a server presents the thurible and incense to the priest, who incenses the offerings, the cross and the altar, after which the deacon or a server incenses the priest and the people. When the priest then washes his hands standing at the side of the altar, a server pours the water over them.

Consecration: An altar server rings a bell shortly before the consecration, generally at the epiclesis (when the priest extends his hands above the gifts). In accordance with local custom, a server also rings the bell when, after the consecrations of the bread and wine, the priest shows the Host and then the Chalice. If incense is used, a server incenses the consecrated host and the chalice while these are being shown to the people.

Sign of Peace: The priest or deacon may give the sign of peace to servers, while remaining within the sanctuary.

Distribution of Holy Communion: In some places it is customary for servers to assist at the distribution of Holy Communion by holding a communion-plate for communicants. Whether it is to be held by communicants or by a server, a communion-plate is placed on the credence table before Mass. Its use (held by the communicants) is prescribed when Holy Communion is given by intinction.

Recessional: The servers lead the priest and any other clergy as at the entrance procession, except that a server who acted as thurifer at the entrance now follows the cross-bearer.

Did you know that we have a gift shop? It is located in the parish hall.

If you're looking for Catholic gifts, rosaries, books and more, come visit us!

We are presently closed for the summer. We will reopen August 11!

Hours: Tuesdays 9:30 am-noon, (beginning in September) Saturdays 9 am-noon, Sundays 8 am-1 pm.

Been away from the Church? Join us the first Wednesday of every month in the Evangelization office in the Parish Life Center. Want more info? Call (727) 773-5004 or email terristgeorge@gmail.com.

Our Community Life Ministry is an outreach program designed to serve the people of Tarpon Springs who seek temporary assistance with special needs. We provide help with non-perishable food items as well as assistance with water service to their homes and prescription medication. All this help is made possible through the generosity of our parishioners from our monthly food collections.

Typically, this drive is held the third weekend of each month; check the bulletins for dates. Volunteers help on the Monday after the collection to sort and store the food items. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays volunteers staff our Food Bank from 10 am. To noon. Each volunteer is asked to be of service once per month.

We welcome you to join us in this wonderful, rewarding ministry. Husband and wife couples are welcome. If you would like additional information please call Vince at 727-480-5550.

Diabetes signs and symptoms: dry mouth, thirst; frequent urination; fatigue, don’t feel like doing all the things you usually do, tingling or burning in the feet, blurry vision on some days, hungrier than usual. You don’t have to have all of these to have diabetes. But if you have any of these you might consider coming to this support group to evaluate the symptoms. 

Join us if you have, or suspect you may have diabetes, or support someone with the disease.  This group is led by Lora Goins, RN; a certified educator with 25 years’ experience teaching diabetes management.

See bulletin for scheduled meetings or contact Lora Goins at loragoins@aol.com for information.

At Saint Ignatius, we have a thriving hispanic ministry including a Spanish Mass every Saturday at 6 pm in the chapel and special feast day festivals and potlucks!

At St. Ignatius, hospitality is a lot more than just being "ushers"! Reach out to us if you have a welcoming smile, a warm heart, and hands to serve.

At Respect Life, we believe in the sanctity of human life from conception through natural death.

We discuss current issues and arrange prayer vigils in the area.

Our Society of St. Vincent de Paul is open on the east side of the parish hall (food pantry entrance) every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 am-noon. We could always use volunteers in various aspects of the ministry.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

St. Ignatius Parish Hall / 715 E. Orange St., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

(727) 937-4050 Ext. 238

Hours: M, W, F 10 a.m.-noon

Donations: Make checks out to Society of SVdP, drop in poor box in Church

Our Mission Statement: UPPC is an outreach ministry of St. Ignatius of Antioch Church that extends the love of Christ to women who face the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood. We are dedicated to helping women make informed choices by providing information, encouragement, support, and material assistance.

What We Do: UPPSS provides crisis pregnancy counseling, support during and after pregnancy, information about fetal development, abortion, adoption, parenting, abstinence, chastity, natural family planning, post abortion counseling among many other needs of our cherished mothers. We offer material assistance in the form of maternity and infant clothing, cribs, strollers, formula, diapers and other baby items.

We make referrals to other community programs and resources. All services are free of charge.

Address: 80 North Walton Ave Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Phone number: 727-937-4304

Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 10am -12 noon & Tuesdays 7pm- 8:30pm

Post Abortion Healing: Rachel's Vineyard