[*Updated -- Summer '07]

This ministry was initiated church wide after Vatican Council II and has been part of St. Patrick parish for many years.  Presently, there are about 32* parishioners who participate in this ministry, but the call has been made frequently to encourage more people to become part of this group.

The purpose of the Eucharistic Ministers Ministry is to join the celebrant at Mass, especially during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, by assisting with the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ.  Another part of this ministry is to take the Eucharist to Catholics within our parish who are unable to attend Mass.  This work is another way lay people serve God and their faith community.

The first formal step to becoming part of the Eucharistic Ministers Ministry is to talk with Father Sharrett.  Please let him know you seek information.  Father Sharrett submits the names of parishioners desirous of joining the ministry to the archdiocese  The next step is to attend one of the training sessions, conducted by a priest.  These sessions cover some of the work done in the ministry.  They also teach the religious significance of the ministry, helping one to understand why each of us is important in this part of God's work.

Follow-up training is given at St. Patrick's, so new Eucharistic Ministers become familiar with specific procedures at our church.  This instruction session is necessary, because each church outlines its own procedures and all Eucharistic Ministers serve only in their home parish.  Let this Ministry be your way of taking part in the stewardship of sharing time and talent by contacting Father Sharrett at the parish office at (610) 444-4364.  Before starting formal procedures to become a Eucharistic Minister, you may wish to call Betty Ann Sweet, who heads this group.  You can reach Betty at (610) 444-6250.