7 June 2008

Dear Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion,

Attached please find your copy of the EM Schedule covering the summer cycle from June 21, 2008 through September 14, 2008. Your schedule inputs received by the due date were incorporated into the scheduling program unless Mass coverage required an exception.

You are all to be commended for having adjusted to the new “Auxiliary Minister” [AM] position with a minimum of confusion. As EM team captain, # 9 is responsible for determining, in consultation with the Presider or Deacon, whether the AM position will be required at their assigned mass, and for advising the assigned AM whether to come forward to serve.

Once again, the general rule is, whenever we have visiting clergy presiding, with a Deacon and Fr. Bajorek as Assisting Clergy, the “AM” position will not be needed and the EM assigned to that position should withdraw, unless advised otherwise by #9.

Due to the large number of EMs currently on the Substitute List, we have a number of “EM Needed” positions in this scheduling round. Please review each weekend schedule and, if you’re not serving, and are available to fill an “EM Needed” position, your stepping forward to do so will be appreciated.

It has been gratifying to see the number of unassigned EMs that have stepped forward to advise #9 of your availability to serve at those masses you attend on weekends. Of course, being appropriately dressed and arriving early enough prior to the start of mass to provide this service makes the ministry just that much more transparent and in conformance with the sacredness of the liturgical celebration we participate in.

“Will you not spend one hour with me?” our Lord asked Peter, James and John in the Garden of Gethsemane on Holy Thursday evening as he began his sacrificial journey to Calvary… Have you availed yourself of the Wednesday opportunities we have to spend an hour with our Lord in the Rectory Chapel? What a delight it is to converse and be at peace in silent contemplation with so tremendous a lover! This resource is particularly precious in our ministry, enabling us in a special way to be in communion with Him Whom we carry as Eucharist to our fellow parishioners.

Fr. Bajorek has made another resource available for our continued EM edification. In the Catholic Media display at the front entrance of the church is a collection of CDs. Among these you will find a homily by Fr. Bill Casey on “The Holy Eucharist”. If you haven’t already heard it, you might pick one up, listen, enjoy and share.

May your summer and your hearts be filled with an ever-increasing joy in our Lord.

In His Service,

Norb Josten
EM Coordinator