A note from Father Gabriel
Published by Father Gabriel November 4th, 2009 in Announcements.
Dear Parents,
Several weeks ago I invited our parishioners to consider becoming and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC). I especially encouraged the parents of our grade school children to consider this ministry. What a powerful witness it would be for our children to see their parents modeling their belief in the Eucharistic Presence of Christ, after all, the liturgy is the primary context for the formation of our faith.
I am making a second appeal to our parents. At St. Joan of Arc parish we have approximately 120 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who faithfully serve at weekday and Sunday liturgies. They assist the priests and deacons by distributing the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass. We are in need of at least 25 more Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Some of our current ministers are elderly and cannot serve with the same frequency they once did. The addition of the Sunday, 7:00 PM Mass has also increased our need.
The requirements to serve in this ministry are minimal. People must be 16 years of age, baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church, and a registered parishioner of St. Joan of Arc parish. They must participate in Sunday worship on a weekly basis, and be living in harmony with the teachings of the Catholic Church (e.g., if a person is married he/she must be married within the Catholic Church). They should be people who love the Eucharist and who are willing to give visible expression to this love by their reverent disposition at the liturgy. After an initial formation session, these ministers are publicly installed at a Sunday Mass and serve for a period of three years which may be renewed.
Please give prayerful consideration to this request.
Blessings,
Fr. Gabriel osb
