Connection The
KING’S
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION: Feeding the Spiritually Hungry and Sharing the Real Presence of Christ
T
he statistics are startling — nearly time during Mass and it’s the part of 800 million people in the world Mass that is most alive for me.” do not have adequate nutrition. You EMHCs attend training, which helps don’t have to leave the TV on for long them embrace the heart of the ministry, before you’re encouraged to sponsor a as well as to understand the practical child, whether in a different country details of how the ministry functions. or here in the United States. People For Lori, there is something truly are starving, and today — more than unique about being able to serve her ever — we all recognize this essential community by literally sharing Christ need. with others. And yet, as important as it is to “I enjoy it the most when you can help those in need of food around the make eye contact for just a second — world, there is another kind of hunger Parishioner Lori Angel loves in that moment, you’re handing them that is often ignored or unrecognized. serving our parish community Christ to strengthen them,” Lori says. It is the hunger of loneliness, the as an Extraordinary Minister “I pray that by receiving His Body and of Holy Communion. feeling of worthlessness, anger, Blood, it does touch their hearts and bitterness, and hurt. But these examples indicate a give them the presence of Christ. I hope that it gives hunger that cannot be satisfied by any natural food. them peace, comfort, joy, and hope for that day, for This is spiritual hunger, and it can only be satisfied that coming week.” by spiritual food. Not only has serving as an EMHC allowed Lori to Along with priests and deacons, laypeople serve others, but it has also strengthened her own within our parish serve as Eucharistic Ministers, faith and devotion to the Eucharist. or Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion “When I started doing it, I thought of it a little (EMHCs). Recognizing the spiritual hunger in their more as bread and wine, and now I think of it as truly community, they choose to serve the parish by Body and Blood,” Lori says. “When I’m receiving, I say helping to bring nourishment to those in need of the a little prayer of thankfulness. When I’m serving, it’s Eucharist, the “Bread of Life.” humbling that God would allow me to share Him with Parishioner Lori Angel has served as an EMHC others. I hope others see Christ live through me. for the past several years, along with her husband “It’s a very humbling experience to be able to share and youngest daughter. that moment with others,” she adds. “I wanted to be a little more active within the Lori encourages other parishioners to consider church, and had a desire to be closer to that part of serving the parish as an EMHC. the Mass,” Lori says. “The Eucharist is what gives “Just pray and ask, ‘Is this is the right ministry me strength through the week and makes Christ for me?’” she says. “’Is this something I’d like to present in my life. do?’ Watch the bulletin and watch for the training “I really feel like it is a special thing to be able to sessions. If it’s something you’re interested in, just share that with others,” she adds. “It is my favorite reach out. There is always a need.”
If you would like more information on becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion or to learn about upcoming training sessions, please contact the parish office at 859-268-2861. 2
