October 10, 2021

Dear Friends,

The need for Extraordinary Ministers of Communion at Mass has decreased quite a bit, since COVID has made us unable to offer the chalice to the congregation. At most of our Masses we have a priest and deacon, who are both “Ordinary Ministers of Communion,” and since most Masses only need two stations, we have not had many assignment slots available for lay folks. We do have three stations at the 9:30 Mass, and sometimes there is no deacon at the other Masses- so we do need to maintain a roster of some trained and mandated Extraordinary Ministers. If you would like to be trained for this ministry, please let me know. We could also use a few more Lectors, and so if you have a good public speaking voice and would like to proclaim the scriptures, please let me know- we’ll get you trained for this ministry. Ministers of Care are specially trained Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, who go through a somewhat extensive training process through the Archdiocese before they are given the commission and the permission to carry a consecrated host from church to the home of some who is sick or homebound. I need to work on getting a list of our current parish Ministers of Care, see if their Archdiocesan mandates are current, and then see if we could use a few more for this important ministry.
 
Bishop Lombardo will be bringing a team of religious sisters, seminarians and priests to our parish on Monday, October 18th, for one of four Nights of Mercy being held in our Vicariate. The church at Nativity will be open for prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, with priests available for confession or just a little spiritual conversation, from 6 – 9 pm. Quiet, reflective music will be played, free candles will be available to light, refreshments will be served outside or in the hall. Why not plan on coming by for 10 or 15 minutes to light a candle and say a prayer? This will be a beautiful opportunity for both children and adults. Or invite a friend or neighbor to come with you. It is a “low impact” and “low barrier” event, something requiring little time commitment and open to all.
 
May your week reflect the encounter with Christ we experienced at Mass today!