A week ago, 104 people from across the Diocese of Nottingham were commissioned as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion by Bishop Patrick McKinney at the Cathedral of St Barnabas. Two of those commissioned were from the Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour: Jane Kabiru and yours truly. Deacon Martyn Swaby was there too to represent Fr John Martin and the parish. The cathedral was full of people that day.
In his homily, Bishop Patrick asked the congregation if anyone could claim to be qualified to become an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. To which he said "No one". Underscoring how the disciples fed the crowd from five loaves of bread and two fish (Lk 9:10-17), the Bishop spoke of the importance of giving to the Lord what one has and He will use it in ministering to His people, the Church. The Homily was followed by the Rite of Commissioning where each of those 104 people received from the Bishop their scapular and certificate of commissioning.
After being commissioned, I sat back to my seat and reflected on what the Bishop said. True, no one is worthy or qualified. All that matters is one's willingness to serve. I also thought of what Fr Michael Eastwood, Chairman of the Diocesan Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Commission, told us during our formation way back in September. He spoke about commitment and encouraged us, when waking up in the morning, to offer to Jesus that day and ask Him to help us do what is right, to be faithful, just for that day. He explained that we cannot undo the past nor know what will happen in the future. Hence, the need to be faithful, in the present.
"The Summons" which was sung during the Presentation of Gifts that day sums up that momentous occasion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkuowlcfcOw
In my prayer, I called to mind my late grandparents Paulino and Pilar Albano. Both used to serve as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Both instilled in me the value of serving at Mass. If they were still alive, they would be celebrating this year their 80th wedding anniversary.
I would like to thank my family, Fr John Martin, Fr Gerry Murphy (former Parish Priest), Deacon Martyn Swaby, John Staniland, and fellow parishioners for their support in my rediscovered ministry. Seven years ago, Fr Murphy recruited me as an extraordinary minister on a temporary basis. However, I was then unable to go forward and be commissioned. I thought that was it. Surprisingly, an opportunity became available last summer. It seems to me that the Lord is calling me once again to this ministry. O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine!
Please remember me and my fellow ministers in your prayers. Thank you.
