Eucharistic love abundant for all

By Raimie Caramancion, 29 May 2023
Newly commissioned Ministers at the Altar during Mass
Newly commissioned Ministers at the Altar are seen at the Diocesan Liturgical Ministry Commissioning Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral, Parramatta on 19 May 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

 

“I became an Altar Server when I was 7 years old, and now 11 years later, I knew I still wanted to be part of the Liturgy… it’s different being up there, seeing everyone’s faces and to be able to share the love, faith and commitment in a special way”. These were the words of Jessica from Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains, who was one of 159 Liturgical Ministers commissioned by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, on Friday 19 May at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta.  

Bishop Vincent with young Minister of the Altar and her family

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, with newly commissioned Minister of the Altar, Jessica (centre left) from Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains, and her family and friends. Image: Diocese of Parramatta at the Diocesan Liturgical Ministry Commissioning Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta on 19 May 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

Liturgical Ministry is a beautiful commitment and service to the Church in supporting the ordained ministers (priests and deacons) celebrating the Mass. As the Church continues to grow and has invited more participation in the liturgy, these three key areas were celebrated on the night: 

  • Ministry of Readers 
  • Extraordinary Ministers of Communion 
  • Ministers at the Altar  

The formation of these ministers are led by the Diocese of Parramatta’s Office for Worship consisting of Sr Mary Louise Walsh ISSM, Hannah Portelli and Mary Gale.

The Church needs leaders 

During the Commissioning Mass of Liturgical Ministers, Bishop Vincent boldly proclaimed, “The Church needs leaders committed to embody the Servant Christ to their brothers and sisters… to help build up the Body of Christ and support the worshipping community”.  

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta (centre), with (L-R) Fr John Paul Escarlan, Fr Christopher del Rosario, Fr Wim Hoekstra, Fr Giovani Gaviria, Deacon David Dowling, Fr Christopher Sharrock OFM Conv, Fr Jeremy Santoso OSSPE and Fr Paul Roberts celebrate the Eucharist during the Diocesan Liturgical Ministry Commissioning Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta on 19 May 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

“The abundance of Jesus’ miracles [of the loaves and fish, and the wine at the Wedding at Cana] was significant, so that those who partake in the Altar have the abundance for all”.

At the end of his homily, Bishop Vincent looked to all the men and women on one side of the Cathedral gowned in their white liturgical garments, and to the other liturgical ministers sitting beside family and friends saying, “May you be fulfilled in the way you give Eucharistic love to others in your ministry around the altar”.  

Ministers at the Altar are seen during the Diocesan Liturgical Ministry Commissioning Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta on 19 May 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

There to serve 

Looking around the room and seeing people from all across the Diocese of Parramatta was a wonderful witness to the joy and sacredness of the Universal Church. One of the newly commissioned Ministers of the Altar, John from Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown, shared his passion for his role, “I first became a Reader in 2020. I am a catechist in public schools. Becoming a Minister of the Altar is another way of helping people and spreading the Good News… Ministers of the Altar assist the priest, but we are all there to serve”.  

Newly commissioned Minister at the Altar John from Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown, is seen at the Diocesan Liturgical Ministry Commissioning Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta on 19 May 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

Lita was another commissioned Minister of the Altar from the 2022 course. We spoke to Lita’s daughter about the special night celebrating her mother who surprised her by becoming a liturgical minister: “My mum is so shy and introverted, but seeing her serving at Mass beside Fr Oliver, she is so passionate and prepares so much for it… she wants to inspire others including her group of friends to serve within the Church. It’s very inspiring and I see the need”.  

Anne (left) and Lita from Mary Immaculate Parish, Quakers Hill-Schofields, with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta at the Diocesan Liturgical Ministry Commissioning Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta on 19 May 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

These Office for Worship formation opportunities run twice a year and spots fill up quickly! For more information, see Office for Worship – Diocese of Parramatta  

 

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