2 minute read
Extraordinary Ministers Of Holy Communion Serving the Mass and Our Parish Community Members in Need
For most of us, the past year and a half has had its share of ups and downs. For several months last spring, we could not attend Mass or receive the Eucharist. We learned the term “Spiritual Communion” and the accompanying prayer. Fortunately, many of us have returned to Mass since last year’s closures, hoping that we never have to go through that again. This separation from the Eucharist gave many of us a greater appreciation for receiving Christ’s Body and Blood at Communion.
Our parishes have many volunteers who distribute the Eucharist at Mass and also bring Our Lord to those who can’t attend. As more places open up, the members are reaching out to more of the homebound.
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“We just really want to get the word out that we can bring the Eucharist to you if you can’t leave home,” says Mary Fuechtmann, who took over the ministry of bringing the Eucharist to the homebound and local facilities. “We actually have more volunteers than people we deliver to.” continued on page 5
(From left) Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion leaders Bev Arndt (Our Lady of Lourdes), Mary Fuechtmann (Holy Family), and Kirstie Bingham (St. Mary's).
Once a person is added to the list, they receive the Eucharist weekly, sometimes on Sundays, but it can be whatever day works best for the volunteer and recipient. The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion takes a little time to talk to the person. Anyone in hospice care should be sure to get added to the list. People may also call in for their Catholic neighbors and family, or, at the very least, tell them about this ministry.
“We want to take some time to visit and pray with them if we can,” Mary says. “We don’t want to rush through it.”
Having worked in the nursing field, Mary knows the importance of that visiting time, as it builds community for our parishes and beyond.
“Part of being healthy and happy is to connect with God,” Mary says. “Part of that can be found through church.”
Mary also states that those with a faith background are usually happier, overall.
“Spirituality is so key,” she says. “It’s one of the top items of people that have longevity and good longevity like they live to be over 100 years old.”
There are a lot of volunteers who participate and assist with this ministry, which Mary finds very moving.
If you are unable to attend Mass, please consider having someone bring Jesus to you!
