ABSECON – During recent training for parish extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, held at his home parish of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Art Taganlangit felt like he came full circle.
“I used to be a seminarian for the Order of the Discalced Carmelites. I was a postulant, and I joined the monastery [because] I thought I had the calling to be a priest,” he explained.
During his time in the novitiate, however, he had recurring visions of a baby, and ultimately decided the path wasn’t for him.
Today, with a family of three, he feels called once again, this time to a be an extraordinary minister. The former registered nurse will soon begin to visit the sick and homebound, bringing Jesus to them and letting they know they are not forgotten. “I’m going to serve with joy and gratefulness, knowing that God is using me as an instrument of his love, wisdom and inspiration,” he said.
Taganlangit was one of 60 individuals from 12 parishes in the Diocese of Camden to attend a four-hour training and certification session in late August organized by the diocesan Office of Worship and Christian Initiation.
The session was another in a series that are being held throughout South Jersey that focus on areas including reflection on the spirituality and theology of the role of extraordinary ministers; the qualities of a good minister; serving the sick in homes and hospitals, and the handling of vessels, eye contact, and appropriate demeanor and attire.
“These ministers’ commitment is amazing,” noted Michael Bedics, diocesan director of the Office of Worship and Christian Initiation, and leader of the workshop, who praised participants’ willingness “to dive into this ministry and be faithful.”
Like Taganlangit, Eileen Petrosh is a first-time extraordinary minister looking forward to serving. It was the memories of her beloved aunt, a Franciscan Sister of the Atonement, that brought her to Absecon.
“Her guidance, kindness and love were a huge part of my faith and my decision,” said Petrosh, of the Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit, Mullica Hill. “I’ve been thinking about what I should be doing [in the Church], and now it’s time for me to serve,” especially to the sick and homebound. “I feel humbled to bring Jesus to them.”
Fellow parishioner Joyce Finkle joined Petrosh for the day’s session. Finkle has been serving as an extraordinary minister for the past six years and was looking forward to re-certification.
When she distributes the Body and Blood during liturgies, “I can feel the joy in my heart and soul,” she said. “The Eucharist is the center of my life; it’s Jesus, it’s love.”
These stories and others were shared throughout the day among the gathered.
“When they were sick and unable to come to Mass … or when someone brought communion to their loved one’s bedside,” these witness examples motivated many of the Eucharistic Ministers to provide the same service to the community, Bedics said.
The expectation is that these ministers – and many more throughout the Diocese – will “inspire others, not just for this ministry, but to be more Christ-like and more Eucharistic in the way they live their life,” he said.
The fact that the training is taking place during the National Eucharistic Revival was not lost on the community, Bedics said. “We spoke on how to revive our interest, understanding and passion of the Eucharist. We don’t need to be in the business of reviving the Eucharist; God never went anywhere. It’s us who may have wandered.”
What You Can Do
Upcoming training and certification workshops for extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion include:
Sept. 19: Zoom, 7-9 p.m.
Sept. 26: Saint Simon Stock Parish, Berlin, 7-9 p.m.
Oct. 3: Saint Joseph, Somers Point, 7-9 p.m.
As well, there will be a Reflection Day for these ministers on Sept. 23, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Williamstown. The day will include Mass, Adoration, benediction, and time for renewal and reflection. The cost is free.
For more information, contact Michael Bedics at 856-583-2865 or Michael.bedics@camdendiocese.org
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