A New Encounter With Christ

Considering it's been almost two weeks if not more since I last posted anything (although it doesn't feel like that) there is a lot I could talk about. However, I feel compelled to share a whole new set of experiences that I have had and will soon have that bring me to encounter Christ in a new way. The three of us (Jessica, Mike, and myself) work at two different parishes on Sundays: St. Bridget's at 9 am and St. Charles at 11:30. Originally I was set to the task of liturgical coordination which quite literally ruined Mass for me. It became a stressful task that I loathed rather than a rejuvenating and prayerful encounter with God. This quickly became a problem for me in terms of both spirituality and just plain ol' stress. However, it is worth noting that I was also installed as a lector and an EM (Extraordinary Minister of Communion). Only thing was I had yet to really begin participating in those ministries.

However, last Sunday (October 6th) our boss, a Jesuit Scholastic, was stuck in Ohama Nebraska after a crazy weekend of snow (same storm that did a lot of damage to property and cattle in the western part of the state). Thus I was on my own for coordinating and was expecting it to be an extremely stressful Sunday because I honestly didn't expect many people to show up and I'd have to scramble and replace lectors, EMEs, ushers, etc. However, the unexpected happened. I lectored both readings at St. Bridget's which wasn't too bad. I actually enjoyed it (minus being nervous of course).

Then came St. Charles parish. That's where I was ready for fit to hit the shan (gotta thank my program coordinator for that expression). We started mass with only two or three people present...the consequences were I had to do both readings. Also I was being installed as an EME at this particular Mass and being put to work right away. Finally, ten minutes before Mass I ask the Jesuit saying Mass if he had anyone to alter serve for him since our boss, the Jesuit Scholastic, usually alter served at St. Charles. Of course his answer was no and then he proposed the idea that I could do that for him. I need to restate the situation: it's ten minutes before Mass starts and I've never alter served before...zero experience. Now on top of doing both readings and distributing the second species of the Eucharist (which is stressful enough) now I'm alter serving for the first time and received a five minute crash course in what to do. Doesn't sound so bad with only two or three people present, except for the fact that right after we start the Church begins to fill up. So I'm pretty stressed out at this point and borderline waiting to have a heart attack due to anxiety.

Then, something incredible happened. It was the most enjoyable Mass experience in well over four or five months. Totally blindsided. Yet that's what happened. I think it was because I was able to experience God through participation in those three ways. Tasks became prayers and encounters. I honestly couldn't ask for a better Sunday. So the following week I was able to officially change my role for Mass. I get to participate in those three forms of prayer during the Mass (granted not all in the same service anymore...if all goes to plan). Today I even wore a cassock and surplice (and in the words of my housemate Mike, looked like a badass seminarian rocking a mohawk and an earring) which was a first...and surprisingly enjoyable.

Finally, starting Tuesday I'll be bringing communion to those who cannot make it to Mass on Sundays (another thing EMEs can do). This is an experience I'm looking forward to a lot. After hearing about the powerful experiences my friend Jon had while he was in Selma, Alabama doing the same ministry I'm very much excited and nervous to help people experience God in that way. It's pretty incredible actually. So I'll have to post about that later.

Now, I know what a number of people are thinking, "Mike's gunna become a priest (or Edmundite)! However, I'm sorry to disappoint but that isn't likely to be the case. I found those forms of participation satisfying, which is key. If they weren't satisfying and I was craving more then perhaps I would reconsider religious life. However, I did find them satisfying, and I wasn't craving more (even though I'll be doing more come Tuesday). In fact I'm more excited by the fact that I can do all of these things and still do the whole family gig, I find that extremely exciting. So I just wanted to make that clear before I get barraged with vocational questions. However, the diaconate might be a cool possibility if that were to be an option.

Either way that was an awesome experience that I have been very blessed to encounter. One that I am very grateful for. As always, thanks for reading! Prayers for Jessica, Mike, and myself are always welcomed and appreciated as we tire to survive in SoDak (which we are convinced is trying to kill us). God Bless!