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My suggested book for June is entitled 'The Joy of Being a Eucharistic Minister' by Mitch Finley. Although aimed at those who assist at Holy Communion, I felt it also provides much for all to consider. An example of this is that it is the 'whole person of the Risen Christ, alive and active, that we receive in Holy Communion'. 'We find ourselves face-to-face with a supernatural mystery of overwhelming transcendence and sacredness'. Further, 'When we receive Holy Communion and when we as eucharistic ministers give Communion to others, if we have even an inkling of what we are about, we may be inclined to fall on our faces in wonder and worship'. Interesting suggestion from the Author is that one way in which the faith of the Eucharistic Minister can grow is by reading poetry. Poetry, he states, encompasses many things and, by contrast, the Eucharist packs the 'divine life into ordinary bread and wine'. In the Chapter on the 'Hope of the Eucharistic Minister', the Author advises, 'give hope by the way you offer to each person the risen Lord Jesus' and to let the words spoken be a prayer for each communicant. The practice of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is recommended to help cultivate a deeper devotion and respect for the Mass and for Holy Communion. ('The Love of the Eucharistic Minister'). Mitch Finley, in his introduction, sums up the reason for writing this book: - 'The purpose of this book is to offer some tips and insights on a spirituality for eucharistic ministers, at the heart of which is love for God and neighbour... this book is meant to nourish the heart and soul of anyone who is a eucharistic minister and encourage deeper intimacy with the risen Christ present in the eucharist. Well worth reading. The Joy of Being a Eucharistic Minister by Mitch Finley. (Resurrection Press). ISBN 1-878718-45-2 £3.95 Lynn Winter |
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page last updated 29 MAY 2000 |
