I’m sharing this story for those who need a deeper understanding of the Eucharist.
When Mike and I were a young married couple, we once attended Mass at St. John Eudes in Chatsworth, California. We had not been to Mass in a while, yet one thing remained unforgettable: the overwhelming joy I felt after I received Communion. The sensation was profound, and though I lacked the spiritual maturity to comprehend what was truly happening, I was receiving the Body of Christ Himself. For years, I carried that memory of joy without truly understanding its source. But as I slowly returned to my Catholic roots, the meaning became clear: what had been missing from my life all along was not merely a feeling, but the Eucharist – the presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
St. Teresa of Calcutta
“Whenever I go in the world, the thing that makes me the saddest is people receive Communion in the hand.” St. Teresa of Calcutta
When reminded of this quote, a clear memory surfaced – standing in Paris at Notre Dame Cathedral during holy Mass. A nun from the Order of Saint Teresa of Calcutta was helping distribute Holy Communion. As my hands were extended to receive, she gave them a firm – though not gentle – tap, then lightly touched my cheek, signaling that Our Lord was to be received on the tongue rather than the hand.
At the time, no second thought was given to it. It was only a few weeks ago, after making the personal decision to receive Holy Communion on my tongue, that the quiet, wordless lesson that little nun was teaching finally became clear.
The Novice Eucharistic Minister
To serve as a Eucharistic Minister (EM) requires training – a brief tutorial on positioning, words, and how to properly distribute. I thought it would be simple. I was wrong.
The first time I stood at the altar, I felt inadequate. Every eye seemed to be fixed on me, scrutinizing my every movement. As a communicant approached with mouth opened and tongue extended, fear gripped me. What if I touch her tongue? What if the Host fell short of her mouth? My anxiety proved prophetic; during my first week, I dropped a consecrated wafer and it fell on the floor.
Thank the good Lord, the lady picked it up immediately and consumed it herself. I was mortified! Our training had taught us to handle the dropped Host with reverence, but in that moment I froze. When it happened again, I quickly retrieved the Host, held it carefully in my hand, and after distributing to the remaining communicants, brought it to the priest and explained. He took it reverently and consumed it.
The Lesson
I learned a powerful lesson: the reverence belongs to the Lord.
Sacred Responsibility
Six years later I continue to serving as a Eucharistic Minister. With each week, confidence has grown – not in my technique, but in the sacred responsibility itself.
Our parish serves both the parish community and an attached Catholic school, so I minister multiple times weekly, often to our young students. What began as a fear has become a privilege.
Not Again
Several years ago, while distributing Communion to a student, I noticed a small particle of the Host fall to the floor. My heart began to race – not from embarrassment but from the weight of what had happened.
I couldn’t simply pick it up because the altar was surrounded by people, and I didn’t want to disturb their communion with Christ. But my mind was crazed with worry. What if someone stepped on it? What if I lost it entirely? My eyes remained fixed on that spot for the next several minutes. I was a wreck!
After Mass, as I was still watching that area, Alan, one of the sacristans, approached me and asked what I was looking for. I explained that I’d seen a particle fall during distribution. Together we searched the floor. I found something small and, in a moment of reverence – or perhaps because I was looking too hard – placed it in my mouth, genuflected, and walked away.
Something was immediately wrong.
Whatever I placed in my mouth did not dissolve like the Eucharist. It had a grainy, almost fibrous texture – like a fingernail or toenail. As I exited the church my stomach churned. Gagging, I placed the object in my pocket to investigate it further.
At home the horrible truth became clear: it was indeed someone’s discarded toenail!
Transubstantiation
Transubstantiation is the Catholic core belief that the bread and wine used for Communion become the Body and Blood of Christ. That’s why I experienced such joy when receiving Communion at St. John Eudes. It was the Body and Blood of Christ!
In a recent Pew survey, it was discovered that 69% of Catholics do not understand nor believe the holy concept of transubstantiation. These Catholics are under the fallacy that the Body and Blood of Christ is merely a symbol. I am happy to report that I am one of the 31 % who believe in transubstantiation.
The Reverence
After experiencing the mishaps, I investigated the proper protocol for when one accidentally drops the Eucharist, so I could be better prepared. According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal #280:
Priest and Eucharistic ministers must be extremely alert during the distribution of the Holy Communion, ensuring that the recipient consumes the sacred Host immediately and retrieving it if an accident occurs.
When receiving Holy Communion, a recipient must extend his or her tongue sufficiently so that the sacred Host may be placed securely on it, or make a proper cup with his or her hands to receive it securely. The recipient should then step aside while still facing the altar and consume the sacred Host before returning to the pew. I always practice this, even before realizing it was part of the official rules.
If the sacred Host falls to the floor, or even a piece of it, it should be retrieved and given to the priest at an appropriate time – such as the end of communion when the priest is preparing to purify the vessel. The Eucharistic minister can also consume the Host if it has fallen on the floor.
What I found particularly interesting is this: if the Host that has fallen on the floor is too soiled to consume, it should be placed in water until it dissolves. The water is then discarded into a special drain that does not feed into the sewer system, but rather disperses into the ground.
My Prayer
Dear Lord, continue to shed light on our crazy world. May Your Holy Spirit open the hearts of those who do not understand that it is truly Your Body in the Eucharist. May we fall on our knees in reverence to Your Holy Presence. Amen.
Just as athletes train rigorously to achieve their goals, we too are called to exercise spiritual discipline to triumph over life’s challenges. The trials we face—whether they be illnesses, addictions, losses, or financial struggles—serve as opportunities for spiritual growth. They remind us of our dependence on God and His unfailing presence in our lives.
Every athlete exercises discipline in every way, and so must we in our spiritual journey.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
24 Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. 25 Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.
Perseverance and faith are essential to our spiritual journey.
In every trial, God is with us, guiding and strengthening us. As we grow in faith and trust in Him, we become more resilient and better equipped to face future challenges. Remember, in (2 Corinthians12:9), the Lord tells Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” God’s grace is always available to us, especially when we feel weakest.
1 Corinthians 10:13 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
13 No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it.
His creation
If we are aware that God provides us with a way out, we must place our trust in Him. Standing firm in faith and using the Word of God as our main weapon against the destructive tactics of the enemy is crucial. For instance, if you receive a concerning report from the doctor, how you respond to this information can significantly influence your path to recovery.
Doctor’s Report
In February, following my regular mammogram, I received a report indicating something irregular. A follow-up appointment was scheduled, but it was two weeks away. My husband, Mike, is my rock. When I shared this news with him, he reassured me, saying, “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine, and I’m going to take care of you.” While his words were heartfelt and comforting, I couldn’t help but feel concerned.
Prayer
I also shared the report with my sister, Jo, who offered words of encouragement. Whenever thoughts of the unknown crept into my mind, I turned to prayer. Despite my desire to put on a brave face, fear still found its way into my thoughts.
Do Not Fear
I often find myself as a seasonal Christian, someone who knows how to pray fervently for others but struggles when it comes to myself. In this time of need, I called upon many saints to intercede on my behalf and asked the Blessed Mother to petition Jesus for a favorable report. There were moments when I found myself crying while driving, yet my trust in God never wavered. My heart was heavy with the weight of constant prayer, but I also turned my focus outward, praying diligently for the needs of others.
The Second Appointment
Just as with my first appointment, Mike drove me again—not just for support, but because I accidentally scheduled the mammogram at a location that seemed as far away as Timbuktu.
Throughout the journey, I clung tightly to my rosary. When my name was called, my heart began to race. Once more, I had to endure the uncomfortable examination, which this time was more invasive and painful. The silver lining was that I would receive the results during this appointment.
As I observed other women coming and going, being told to change back into their regular clothes, I remained in my hospital robe. I prayed a full rosary before a new nurse came for me. The doctor had ordered another image to be taken. “Why another image?” I wondered. At that moment, I surrendered everything to the Lord.
After the examination, the nurse consulted with the doctor. They reviewed the x-rays and decided to take another one from a different angle. By then, I was anxious for the results. When the doctor entered the room with a smile, I knew it was good news. Poor Mike had been waiting in the car for over an hour. When he saw the look on my face, we prayed a prayer of thanksgiving together.
Fear
Allowing fear to enter your life is like inviting the enemy to seize control of your thoughts. Fear is a spirit and a stronghold, but you have the authority to bring it down (Romans 8:15). God did not give us a spirit of fear, meaning it originates from Satan. When we operate in fear, our prayers become weakened because our trust in God falters. Although you may pray, without faith, your prayer hangs in uncertainty. While God hears you, you may lack three key elements needed to navigate your trials:
Encouragement
Wisdom
Faith
Without encouragement, you may feel empty, thinking “nobody cares” or “why me?” Without wisdom, you lack God’s guidance. Without faith, you struggle to pray effectively. This can keep us in bondage, placing us exactly where Satan wants us—defeated.
Misdiagnosed
When my neurologist suggested I might have Parkinson’s, it was difficult to pray initially because of the shock. I cried, but then I prayed. God allows us these moments of sorrow to draw us into His trusting arms. From every trial, we are meant to draw closer to Him, understanding that He is in control, not us. Doubt makes us double-minded, wavering between conviction and uncertainty, which hinders our complete trust in God. He desires our trust more than ever, and I know that for some, this is a significant step to take.
After extensive testing, my neurologist downgraded my condition to tremors, which can be managed with proper medication. I praise God for all my trials because they have taught me to trust Him on a deeper level.
My Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, hear the cries of Your people who feel alone, weary, and overwhelmed. Please, Lord, help them persevere and carry their crosses. Deliver them from their afflictions, strengthen their faith, and guide them through the darkness. Thank You, Father, for Your unwavering care for us. Help us to trust in You in every area of our lives. Amen.
Remember, you are never alone! He cares, and I do too!
It was a special evening for some of us volunteers to break bread with our priests and the bishop.
The Second Confirmation
To accommodate the families of the candidates, we had to organize two services. This Friday, Bishop Timothy Freyer confirmed the remaining candidates. The service was just as beautiful as the last, with Bishop Timothy sharing his journey into his vocation. His humble beginnings remain evident as he graciously took time to answer our questions at dinner.
The Dinner
I was the first to arrive at the rectory because the dinners were mistakenly delivered to the ministry center. While the younger members of our team, “Vision,” were busy transferring the dinner to the rectory, I ended up being the only one there to welcome our priests and the bishop.
Before we served the meal, I noticed there were different choices for the main course: salmon with vegetables and pasta with chicken parmigiana. After serving the Caesar salad, I asked our guests what they preferred—salmon or pasta. To my surprise, they all chose the pasta. After serving our guests, we discovered several dishes of lasagna, and I felt responsible for not offering this option to them.
Humility
Before the meal arrived, Father Erialdo mentioned that the kitchen appliances were outdated and some weren’t working. Even with a microwave, heating each meal individually would have been challenging. Our dinner was barely warm, yet no one complained. I, on the other hand, tend to complain, and if my meal isn’t up to par, I send it back immediately! These gracious men taught me a valuable lesson in humility—that it wasn’t the meal that mattered, but the rich conversation they shared.
1 Peter 4:9 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining.
Patty, second row
Patty
Patty, our Confirmation and Youth Ministry Coordinator, truly operates in the grace of God. An introvert by nature, she surprised me with how effortlessly she engaged in conversation with Bishop Freyer. Patty asked him if he played a musical instrument. He replied, “No, I do not.” This provided the perfect opportunity for me to share that Patty was part of an all-girl Mariachi group. The Bishop was pleasantly surprised and inquired further into her experiences as a Mariachi. The quiet and humble demeanor of this young lady is a testament to how she will lead many to Christ. I thank God for her dedicated service.
Dinner Conversations
I found myself mostly listening to the dinner conversations, keeping many of my thoughts to myself.
Our parish is truly blessed to have Father John as our Pastor. The following morning, he was set to leave with the 8th-grade class on their trip back east. Father John mentioned that arrangements had been made for him to celebrate Mass at various cathedrals. Saint Patrick Cathedral in New York City and Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral in Washington, D.C. are a few where Mass will be celebrated.
Cats
When the conversation turned to cats, I joined in and shared about Prudie, my beloved cat who is over twenty years old. About two years ago, I prayed for the Lord to grant Prudie five more years, and she is indeed living up to my prayers. Whether you’re a cat lover or not, stories about Prudie always bring a smile. One more important fact: Prudie is gently being love by us. I feel that God blesses those who take care of elderly pets and the way we treat them is how we will be treated once we get up in years.
World Youth Day
Pope Leo XIV has just announced that the next World Youth Day will take place in Seoul, South Korea, from August 3rd to 8th. Patty is working diligently to prepare the Vision team for this momentous event.
Patty standing in front of Fr. Erialdo, Fr. John, Bishop Freyer and the Vision team
Vision
Vision, an organization born from our parish, is led by Patty. Under her guidance, these young men and women dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to supporting the Youth Ministry. Initially, I struggled to understand how they could effectively teach classes given their youth and limited life experience. With the Holy Spirit guiding Patty’s gentle hand in shaping these young minds into servants, I’ve witnessed firsthand their dedication and transformation as they inspire others to live a life filled with joy.
1 Timothy 4:12-13 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
12 Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. 13 Until I arrive, attend to the reading,exhortation, and teaching.
Patty’s younger siblings
Patty’s Family
During COVID I shared a Blog mentioning Patty’s family (Keeping The Faith). They faithfully attended outdoor Mass during this time and took up eight seats! They are devout and together are a force for holiness. Patty’s two younger siblings attended the Confirmation and assisted as altar servers.
Father Erialdo shared with the bishop that Patty’s brother was in seminary studying for the priesthood.
Colossians 3:12 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
Saying Good-bye
Since we were the first parish on the list for Confirmations in the Diocese of Orange, we have two more classes left to finish the program. Hopefully the students will attend so that we can bid them a proper good-bye.
I will be back the following year because Jacob, our youngest grandson, will be starting the two-year program. So, God willing, I will be around for two more years. Pray for me!
My Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for the opportunity to serve and guide the youth through our volunteer efforts. I pray that all the students who have completed their Sacrament of Confirmation may be sealed for life in service to You. Lord, move mightily over the Vision group and continue to grant them revelations to better serve our community. Amen.
