Sacristans: Stage Managers of The Mass

As a 15 year veteran of the stage and theatre world, I see the daily Mass not only from a Catholic parishioner’s perspective but also through the eyes of a performance professional. Offending anyone with the notion that our sacred liturgies are nothing more than mere farce or spectacle, is not my intention. Not by any means! Rather, I hope with this article, to shed a little light on one aspect of the logistics, devotion and collaborative coordination that go into what we experience from the pews.

In addition to the well-known and easily recognized actors, singers, and dancers, there are a whole host of people that come together to create the cast and crew of a production company. From pre-opening day individuals, accomplishing most of their tasks before the performers even gather for their first day of rehearsals: script writers, composers, choreographers, carpenters, set creators, costume designers, producers, and fundraisers to behind-the-scenes show folks like makeup artists, dressing room attendants, conductors, and, my favorite theater gurus: the stage managers. Despite often going unnoticed by well-intentioned but sometimes oblivious audiences, all of these people are necessary to the glorious fruition of the final presentation. Today, I’d like to shine the spotlight on one of the Catholic counterparts to these theatrical mainstays: our Sacristans.

Have you ever arrived a little early for Mass and seen someone turning on the sanctuary lights, placing the Lectionary on the lectern, filling the holy water fonts or generally attending to the sanctuary and sacristy? This is the Sacristan, a vital member of the ecclesiastical staff. Depending on the physical size of the church, number of congregants, and type of parish (Order or Diocesan), details of the tasks accomplished by the person in this position can vary widely. However, their general charge is the care of the sacristy, the church and their contents.

This, to me, seems like a pretty major deal. The titleholder of Sacristan must be someone of real importance and in whom The Church is placing a significant amount of trust and reliance. And yet, most congregants probably don’t even know the name or names of the sacristan(s) at their parish. I don’t make this statement to shame or point fingers at anyone. Well, actually, I do! Not the shaming part, of course, but I do want us all to “point our fingers” at our sacristans, get to know them and thank them for the service they provide via their dedicated vocation. The Mass would not run as smoothly, the parish be as orderly or our experience be quite as mystical without them.

So, right now, on the world-wide web, I would like to introduce you to Michael and Paul, the sacristans at my home church, Holy Rosary Parish in downtown Houston, TX. These men work tirelessly and generously behind-the-scenes to help the priests, cantors, altar boys, and lectors present the most holy and sacred Mass possible, every day. And I am grateful. Thank you, gentleman, from the bottom of my actress/writer/dancer-heart and my Catholic-soul. I see you, I acknowledge you, and I will pray a prayer of gratitude for you to the Lord, Our God, each time I come to celebrate the Eucharist…which you undoubtedly helped prepare before the bells tolled and the Mass began.

Take a moment this festive Advent season to find out if your parish has a sacristan and thank him or her. If your parish doesn’t have one, then thank the office secretary, janitorial staff, Director of Religious Education, accountant, person in charge of setting up the nativity scene or any other worthy volunteer or employee of the church that has given their time, talents and efforts to serving the Lord through a less- than-glamourous but insanely important task or vocation. We, the body of the church, need them. More than we might ever know. Please, be thankful for our “Stage Manager Sacristans” from the bottom of your mommy-heart, lawyer-heart, soccer-player-heart and Catholic parishioner-soul. Deo gratias!

*Note: I do highly encourage you to post the first name(s) of your parish sacristan(s) in the comment section below and then share this article as a way to publically acknowledge them and show your love and support. I'm sure Sacristans read Catholic365 too.