Eucharistic Minister?

winginitx said:

Let me first say that I have not always been a devout Catholic. That said, the Eucharist kept me tethered to the church when my faith in Her waned during the scandals.

I have this devotion and attachment to the Eucharist that is difficult to explain. I actually believe in Christ's real presence in the bread and cup; almost like He is standing there! Last Sunday, I trembled as I walked up to recieve, and tears ran down my cheek when walking away.

My wife even asked me what was wrong. I mean, how is one supoosed to act when walking up to meet your Savior? I was awestruck and felt unworthy although at the same time, extremely blessed.

Because of my passion for the Eucharist, I would like to become an Eurcharistic Minister, but don't know how to reconcile these feelings. I feel unworthy to even be in its holy presence, how could I handle it and dole it out to the masses?

Suggestions?

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God loves us irrespective of our worth.


Christ gave the Eucharist to us as a gift. We should receive it with loving gratitude.

If you're called to be a EM, don't hold yourself back.

Jim

None of us are worthy, but by Christ do we have hope... and it would be wonderful for you to be an Eucharistic Minister because you have the heart for it.

Welcome back home.

God's peace

What I have done to not "break down" when feeling unworthy of the role of extraordinary minister is remember to myself that Jesus appears as Bread and Wine precisely so that I will remain calm. Our Lord desires us to be close, which is why He became human and why He now appears to us as the Eucharistic Species.

winginitx said:

I feel unworthy to even be in its holy presence, how could I handle it and dole it out to the masses?

Suggestions?

Click to expand...

I was in the same exact position once back in the 90's.

How I became a EMHC (even though I "felt" the same way you did) was by becoming involved in the Parish.

First by attending daily Mass and then by volunteering which I am in the process of doing again due to moving to a new town as I have done several times.

EMHC's are usually added to the Schedule once a year or when needed. Most parishes don't loose them very often and there may or may not be much of a need. In my current parish there are very few EMHC's. Usually only one needed per each weekend Mass. There would also be training and registration with the diocese (though registration not in all places).

Your reverence for the Eucharist is what is needed by an EMHC. In that ministry you would be expected to protect Jesus from falling on the floor or being carried off without being consumed or someone trying to self intinct and also to safeguard and or purify the sacred vessels. You may also be asked to carry the Eucharist to the infirmed and home bound.

I had to choose to overcome my fears and anxieties. If I could do that anyone can.

One of my favorite priests who I had as a spiritual director just before moving to where I now live said he was an introvert and the only way he could offer Mass at all was to be aware that he was acting in persona Christi during the consecration.

Though an EMHC is not acting in persona Christi or does one need to be ordained to help the Priest in this capacity, it is a very important service and we are helping distribute the Lord which is pleasing to the Lord and helping our Pastors and our fellow Christians. None of us are worthy to serve the Lord or another but we must. Its a blessing to be permitted to serve another.

Peace be with you.