Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist
February 26, 2025
The news that there was an upcoming Archeparchial workshop for Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist was good news and I was very happy when our pastor Father Volodymyr informed me that I'd be among the team from our parish to participate in this workshop. Even though I've served as an Extraordinary at Holy Family Church for nearly fifteen years, there's still the occasional time when I sort of question whether I'm doing (or have done) some particular thing in the right and proper way; so, here was the excellent opportunity to listen and learn - for example, about communion for infants or when a person approaches for a blessing only.
When i arrived at St. Michael's Church the morning of February 15, I was soon in the company of an eager and enthusiastic group of people, some having travelled a long distance that morning, as those from Dauphin MB had. There were forty-plus individuals from various parishes in attendance and it was very encouraging to note that, as well as those older, there were many of a younger age and that probably half of the entire group were novices. After registration and before the initial session began, there was time for some fellowship over coffee and morning refreshments.
The workshop began with a cordial welcome by Bishop Andriy Rabiy who led us in prayer and, reading from Scripture, instructed us on the importance and the historical role of the Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. Father John Sianchuk then led the workshop, and throughout the entire time he enthusiastically informed us in a clear and concise manner, often with a great deal of passion. He reiterated on the role of the Extraordinary Minister which is rooted in Scripture and that the practices and traditions date to the earliest times of the Church; he reminded us that we are chosen to serve (that we do not ourselves volunteer to do so). He spoke on the importance of humility, of being contrite, of being attentive and aware that we are merely an instrument priveleged to bring to the people the Greatest Gift; and to being in a state of thanksgiving and reverence for the Body and Blood when approaching to serve. He then instructed us on the practices, practicalities and protocols of the distribution of the Eucharist: on the entrance through the Royal Doors, on practical methods to hold the chalice, diskos, ilition and spoon; on the proper protocol should a particle fall and steps to use to prevent that from occurring; also on the protocols in making the ablution. The final session was the practicum, during which the novices learned by performing the actual distribution of the Eucharist. There were several participants who are tasked with doing sick visitations in their respective parishes and they were instructed in the proper practices and protocols of that role.
I am very grateful for having been given the opportunity to participate in this workshop; it was a profound experience during which I learned, was inspired and became reawakened to the 'awesomeness' of the mystery of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Eugene Statkewich
Holy Family Parish
February 23, 2025
