New Minister Training Sessions

Smiling as a Hospitality Minister
You know that feeling, of getting a smile from a complete stranger, which in turn makes you happy and puts you in a great mood for the remainder of the day?  Imagine being able to possess that super power.  Imagine being able to assist someone struggling up the stairs, or helping a mother of three find seating for her whole family, or offering assistance to a person in need.  These simple acts of kindness are what the Hospitality Ministers of Old St. Pat's provide every Sunday during each of our Liturgies.  They distribute missalettes, worship aids, and bulletins, assist with the collection, usher during communion, but most importantly, they possess the power to brighten the day of each individual who walks through our church doors.  Won't you please consider sharing your precious smile?  Your gift also could change a person's day and leave them with "that feeling."

Sharing as a Lector
Have you ever had the opportunity of listening to a really great storyteller?  It is like being transported to the actual scene of events.  No longer are you listening, but you begin to use your other senses as well.  A person who shares a story knows the value of retelling it with vivid details and imagery, but also understands the importance of the message as well.  Old St. Pat's Lectors share the same important task.  While retelling and sharing scripture with the congregation is part of their objective, conveying the meaning behind the message
is of vital importance, too.  Through training and preparation, the Lector helps the listener gain insight into how they should model their own life.  A powerful proclaimer will grasp the congregation's attention, and in turn, will help the assembly carry that motivating message with them throughout the day.  If you possess the ability to leave a lasting impression through words, please consider sharing your talent as a Lector of Old St. Pat's.  You never know who you could be inspiring on Sunday with the messages of Scripture.

Nourishing as a Eucharistic Minister
Remember the last time you had an overwhelming desire to be fed by a particular meal?  Until you satisfy your craving, the need seems to take over your entire body.  Any sort of rational thinking escapes your mind as you focus on the one thing you cannot seem to live without.  Having an uncontrollable desire to be fed not only occurs in the physical sense, but in the spiritual sense as well.  Catholics crave scripture, and the message of understanding shared by the presider in the homily, and in rejoicing through hymns and psalms.  But most of all, they crave sharing in the communal breaking of bread.  The Eucharistic Ministers of Old St. Pat's are honored to be a part of nourishing and feeding the congregation, and in providing their spiritual meal.  They understand the importance of this sacred ritual, and value the significance of their involvement.  They too, feed a craving -- to not only be spiritually fed, but also to feed others.  If you also possess this craving, and would like to have a more significant involvement in the breaking of bread, please consider becoming a Eucharistic Minister. 
You too could be fulfilling an unknown, but unsatisfied craving, by feeding and giving your friends the Bread of Life.