Eucharistic Ministers

About the Ministry
Minisry of the Month

Eucharistic Ministry is the Ministry of the Month!
Check out the nine o'clock Mass any day of the week. Chances are you'll hear the celebrant pronounce these words, "Go in our name and with our blessing and the Lord be with you on your way." It is a blessing on a group of Eucharistic ministers as they leave church, carrying the Body of Christ to ill and homebound parishioners. Currently, thirty-three men and women perform this work of mercy each week.

Also serving our Faith Community are more than 100 Eucharistic ministers who assist the priest with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. As director of all our liturgical ministries, Mary Lees sees to it that ministers are scheduled and available at Our Lady of Victory and Our Lady of Hope for a total of sixteen Masses. By a combination of organizational genius and hard work, Marymakes sure that all services are covered. Everyone seems to arrive at the right place at the right time!

A glance at our parish directory tells us that the role of Eucharistic minister was defined by Vatican II and has evolved in the past four decades into one of the most meaningful roles in church life, The directory goes on to note: "What greater calling than to participate with the priest in the sharing of the Body and Blood of Christ with the congregation--the family--of the parish."

Serving the spiritual needs of sick and homebound parishioners is the special mission of Marilyn Costello and thirty-two other men and women. Marilyn sees her work as immensely rewarding. During a recent conversation, she put it this way: "They love to know they are remembered. They want to receive the Eucharist. They want to pray. They also want a visit." A Sandwich resident and a nurse by profession, Marilyn has been a member of OLV faith family for twenty-five years. A typical visit to a homebound person would include reading the Gospel of the day, praying together, saying the Confiteor. "Sometimes we say the rosary...and we bring the bulletin, too."

While many of those receiving Communion have been bedridden for a long time, others are recovering from surgery or short term illness. Recently, a young mother, just home from giving birth, requested Holy Communion. Another important part of this ministry involves visiting nursing homes and extended care facilities on a regular basis. These visits often include a prayer service led by the minister. Anyone who would like to have a visit from an EM or consider joining this ministry may call the parish office or contact Marilyn directly at (508) 362-8165.

Whether it's the weekly bulletin, ashes on Ash Wednesday, a Christmas pointsettia or a visit from an EM, carrying Holy Communion to their door, our ill and homebound parishioners know they are part of the family.

They love to know they are remembered. They are!

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About the Ministry
Though it is believed that lay people had some role in “communion” in the early Church, by the seventh century, that role was specifically prohibited. The role of Eucharistic Minister in the Church emerged just after, and as a result of, the Second Vatican Council in the 1960's. It is a mission, a calling, that has evolved over the last half century into one of the most meaningful of the ministries. What greater calling than to participate with the Priest in the sharing of the Body and Blood of Christ with the congregation - the family - of our Parish.

More than 100 parishioners presently offer their time, talent, and service as Eucharistic Ministers.  These individuals are prompted by the Holy Spirit to carry out their baptismal call to service in a special way. An evening of spiritual and practical training is followed by a ceremony of commissioning.

At Mass: During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the second part of the Mass, the Eucharistic Ministers assist the priests and deacons with the distribution of Holy Communion under both species.  Schedules of service are provided that are sensitive to the needs of all participants.

To the Sick: These Ministers serve the needs of those who are prevented by some medical condition from attending Mass and receiving Communion.  Ministers are trained and provided material appropriate to the needs of the communicant, and bring the host and the prayers of the Parish family on each visit.  In addition, several of our ministers routinely visit nursing homes or extended care facilities in the area, where they bring Communion and offer prayer services.

Please call the Parish Office at (508) 775-5744 if you are interested in serving in this ministry, or send an email to ministries@olvparish.org.

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