We believe that through our active participation at Mass and, in a special way through the reception of Holy Communion, we are filled with the real presence of Christ and are therefore sent to be Christ’s presence in the world. In the 5th century, St. Augustine said:
What you see…is bread and a cup. This is what your eyes report to you. But your faith has need to be taught that the bread is the body of Christ, the cup the blood of Christ…if then, you wish to understand the body of Christ, listen to the Apostle Paul as he says to the faithful, “You are the body of Christ and his members”…You reply “Amen” to that which you are, and by replying you consent… Be a member of the body of Christ so that your “Amen” may be true… Be what you see, and receive what you are.”
As an Extraordinary Minister of Communion, you will exercise a special service to the people of God. As a minister your assistance will allow the smooth execution of the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. Not only that, your presence and actions of this ministry make the outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit visible within the life of our community and an example of the living out of the call of our Baptism to love God and be of service to the people of God.
Extraordinary Ministers of Communion at Mass will be given a brief overview of the history and theology of the Eucharist and its development as a ministry of the laity in the liturgical life of the Church. This training is offered through the Archdiocese twice a year. Once someone has attended a session, they will receive practical training for the implementation of the role of Eucharistic Minister specific to St. Julie parish. You will then be scheduled on a rotating basis, serving one to two times a month.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Parish Office at 708.429.6767.
