In his First Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul tells us about the composition of the Church. He reminds us in this letter that: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body.” He used the image of body parts to illustrate the different roles that we have in the Church. Paul was very clear that all members of the Body of Christ are valuable and that we are all needed for the Church to function well.

In the waters of Baptism, we have not only become a member of the Church, but we also have been given responsibility in continuing the work that Jesus started. Again, St. Paul says: “You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. As members of the Church, we have been given the privilege to share in the ministry of Christ. We are called to respond to the invitation that has been placed before us.

Every Sunday, we gather to celebrate the Eucharist. It is in this gathering that we experience the fullness of our unity as the One Body of Christ. We are invited to a “full, conscious, and active participation” each time we gather for Mass. There are also different parts that we need to assume: being a lector is one, others extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, or musicians, or people who would take care of the environment, or ushers, or those who clean and prepare the linens, or altar servers, or presider. Whatever these roles are, they are a gift from God. Like any other gift, we should accept and use them properly.

As we prepare to move into indoor worship next weekend, we need your help. We need more liturgical ministers, especially USHERS. Why? They help us ensure the safety of the faithful from checking in, to seating, communion, and yes, even as we exit after Mass.

Today, I am reaching out to all of you to please respond to this invitation. Please send me an email at ritche.bueza@dsj.org, or Fr. Edgar at edgar.elamparo@dsj.org. God has prepared the feast for us. God needs our response and assistance.

I look forward to hearing from you!

God bless,
Fr. Ritche