EXTRAORDINARY MINISTE Actively Serving Our Chu W
Scott and Patty Mason
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hile our priests celebrate Mass, they are quietly assisted by dedicated parishioners. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are one way that lay people can take a more active role in the liturgy. Extraordinary Ministers have the unique privilege of offering the Body and Blood of Christ to their brothers and sisters. “When people come to receive Communion, I try to give each individual my undivided attention,” says St. James parishioner Scott Mason, who has served as an Extraordinary Minister for almost 15 years. “I hold up the host so they can clearly see it and give them a big smile. This should be a joyful act for me.” Scott felt like it was his turn to serve the parish when he first got involved years ago. He and his wife, Patty, found that one thing led to another, and getting involved led them into more and more parish activities. They also wanted to set an example for their son, Sean, who is now grown. “I wanted to teach my son that it’s important to serve my fellow person,” Scott says. “I hope I did that. We’ve been given a lot and we need to give back.” While being an Extraordinary Minister is just one way to be involved — Patty often serves as a lector — Scott has found that this ministry has drawn him deeper into the liturgy. “When I am an Extraordinary Minister, I pay more attention at Mass,” he says. “I feel like I need to prepare, so I sort of prepare myself through the Mass and get ready to serve. It deepens my experience.” Both parishes have a structured schedule through a ministry scheduling app. Coordinated and trained by Deacon Dan Pickett, Extraordinary Ministers at St. John serve one or
