It’s The Little Things

On Sunday at our parish’s Christmas Vigil Mass, I felt a little something different this year.

Our church, Church of the Incarnation in Centerville, Ohio, always expects a higher-than-normal attendance at the Christmas Vigil Mass.  This year was no different.  Clearly parishioners, along with their out-of-town family members and other guests attempt to find, one way or the other, a spot to celebrate Mass.  Yes, lots of children and babies all need a shoehorn to fit into our church.  This year, we welcomed 1,145 people to this Christmas Vigil Mass.  It was wonderful.

A Guest Sheep

However, what especially gave me a warm feeling was one specific lady.  She arrived late and it was clear she couldn’t expect to get a seat in a pew.  Seeing that she appeared to be alone, I approached her and for some reason, as I watched many others trying to also find a place to sit, I was determined to figure out a way for her to have a place to be comfortable.  I grabbed a folding chair from nearby and offered it to her, which she accepted willingly.  I then found a hymnal to ensure she could sing Christmas carols with us during Mass.

I stood next to her throughout the Mass.  And I occasionally looked at her.  It became apparent she wasn’t reciting the prayers that we, who typically attend Mass, recite.  So, I began to wonder if she was a guest who may not be Catholic.  However, she participated to the extent she could.  The fact that she was alone and didn’t know the prayers, didn’t dissuade her from enjoying the Mass with the rest of us.

Then it happened

As Holy Communion began to be distributed, a Eucharistic Minister came to the back of the Church to distribute Holy Communion to some sitting in the pews designated for older or handicapped parishioners/guests.  He then offered Communion to her as well because she was nearby.  As I watched, I suspected that my wonderment about her being Catholic, was accurate.  As he approached her and gave her the host, he placed it in her hands, and she didn’t consume it.  She clearly was uncomfortable but continued to hold it tenderly in the palm of her hand.  I put my arm around her shoulder and asked if she was Catholic.  She said “no”, and I suggested that I would be happy to take it from her.  (I am a Eucharistic Minister as well and returned it to a bowl of another EM distributing Communion.)  It was clear she was glad I did so.  I then whispered to her that if she attended a Catholic Mass and wanted a blessing even though she was not to receive Holy Communion, that all she had to do was to cross her arms over her chest and the priest would bless her in lieu of receiving Jesus.

A few minutes later as the final song was being played and as people began leaving, she approached me and thanked me for caring for her during Mass, ensuring she had a seat and the care taken during distribution of the Eucharist.  It is important to welcome all who come through the doors whether it is Christmas or any other Sunday of the year.  Might she come back?  I hope so.  If she does, I pray she will remember that she was welcome at our Catholic Mass regardless of whether or not she is Catholic.  If I had to do it all over again, I would have attempted to find a quiet place to see if I could help her and ask more questions as to why she chose to come to our church.  However, in the moment when so many people were leaving church and the joyous feelings of Christmas being proclaimed, it didn’t happen.  But it was an experience I will remember for the next time.

It’s up to all of us to welcome the sheep

I tell this story, not as a reflection of my actions, but as a reminder to all that it is the little things that may make a difference when guests come to a Catholic Mass, whether it is Christmas, Easter or any other time of the year. 

I remember a friend of my telling me the first time he attended Mass at our church, that no one welcomed him.  And he worked very hard for 4 years trying to change that for others who come to Mass at our church.  And am happy to say he did make a difference.   I remember that every time I attend Mass.  And I ask all who read this who attend Mass, please remember that the person in front of you or to your left or right, may be a guest and looking for a home.  Be sure to welcome them to your church home, for it is there they may become part of the family of Jesus.