When I first converted to the Catholic Church a few years back, at the last OCIA meeting we talked together as a group the ways in which we thought we might want to be of service in our Parish. Where would my gifts best be of service? Lectern? Catechist? Singing in the choir? One day: an announcement we are in need of communion ministers.
What a great joy and a great gift it has been serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Each time I am offered the opportunity, I cherish it greatly. On the Sundays that I am serving, I spend the time prior to church like many of us lay people, getting my child out the door! But the second we get to church, my family knows it's time to shift gears. I revere the moments of signing in, greeting my fellow servers, and Father Ellis. Then I kneel to pray and quietly soak in the presence of God. These are times of deep inner listening as I lean into God and pray for guidance in the work.
Giving communion or how I often view it is being in communion with my fellow parishioners as we partake in one of the greatest gifts Jesus offers us is transcendent. Each time I greet a parishioner I see them so fully and hold such love for each one and at times I am moved to tears or feel an overwhelming joy.
One of the most amazing moments of serving the Eucharist stands out. Intellectually I understood that once the host was consecrated it is the body of Christ. This concept is quite profound. Yet, one day, Father Ellis handed me the ciborium with the body of Christ for distribution. The ciborium felt heavy in my hands, different from other times, and as I was serving it really dawned on me - I am holding Christ. What an ecstatic moment…each host I gently took up and gently placed either in the hands or on the tongue. I was overwhelmed by the weight of this dawning. It lived in me for days and is a place I draw on each time I serve. It soothes my weary soul and brings me great solace to be in communion with others and Christ. I love the delicacy of these moments, handing the body or chalice with the blood of Christ. Holding the body and blood of Christ in great reverence as well as holding each person in front of me with great reverence. Please, join me in this ministry or another ministry that perhaps calls you…such beautiful gifts abound.
Parvati Scatena
OLP Parishioner
