Corpus Christi Catholic Parish
Involved and Closer to the Lord: A Eucharistic Minister’s Experience
P
arishioner Mary Hughes says she contemplated becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for several years before she actually became one. Like many people, she was held back by feelings of unworthiness. It took an actual invitation before she would actually begin serving. Now, roughly 10 years later, Mary says she has come to realize that none of us is truly worthy. All we can do is humbly offer our part, entrusting the rest to our Lord. “I think He just wants us all to do what we can,” Mary says. “This has been my small part that I could play to help my faith grow and it has made me feel so much more involved and closer to the Lord.” The Extraordinary Ministry of Holy Communion is there to assist the priest and deacons in the distribution of Holy Communion during Mass, to local care facilities, and to homebound parishioners. Their role is literally to become the hands and feet of Christ, sharing His precious Body and Blood to others. Mary says this is a deeply moving experience as the minister witnesses up close this deeply intimate moment between God and His children. “It just means so much to look into their eyes as they receive Christ,” Mary says. “It has made me revere the Eucharist so much more and just makes your heart happy. It’s truly a very rewarding experience.” Because this is such a tremendous privilege, it’s important that potential ministers undergo special training. This helps ministers understand the sacredness of their task while also teaching them the more functional aspects of the ministry. If you are interested in joining this liturgical ministry, please call the parish office at 712-323-2916. 6
