Extraordinary MinistryJanuary 12, 2026

Extraordinary Ministry

Like many of my Ursuline sisters, as well as fellow parishioners over the years, I have been an extraordinary Eucharistic minister since the ministry was opened up to lay people. That happened in 1971, 55 years ago.

Week after week at Mass, or sometimes for hospice patients or homebound parishioners, for family members and even for friends enduring a terminal illness, I have had the honor and grace to be part of this ministry of bringing the Eucharistic bread to them.

What do I see time after time?

As I stand in front of the altar, I see people approach with smiles on their faces in gratitude for the gift Christ offers them. I also see people come near with expressions of pain in their eyes, sometimes to the point of tears. I see people whose faces reflect a serious devotion and deep faith in the Sacrament.

I put the host in hands that are gnarled with age and arthritis, or are rough from a lifetime of hard manual labor. I place the host on hands that are young and smooth and unmarred by life or struggle. I touch the host to hands that are sometimes disfigured by scars from burns or amputations.

I hold up the host and say, “The Body of Christ.” It is! We are!

Sister Elaine Berkopec