March 2021: Our son’s wedding was called off. I delivered groceries to my mom hugging ourselves through a glass door. I was furloughed from work and fearful of self and loved ones contracting the virus. But the WORST part of the pandemic shutdown was not being able to attend Mass. Knowing that something was deemed so powerful that it would prevent us from receiving the Eucharist scared me to my core! The only thing that helped was hanging on to my faith, over and over saying “…with God all things are possible.” That lifted the fear, but the ache persisted.
When we were finally able to attend Mass, Father Rafal reached out for volunteers. Knowing what a huge undertaking this was, and desperately wanting to attend Mass, after prayerful consideration, I said YES. YES to the Mass! YES to Jesus!
Those times with other volunteers, supporting each other through all the rules and changes, etc., sharing our fears and our strengths, convinced me that this was truly the Lord at work.
Then greeting and guiding parishioners—knowing they were likely pretty isolated most of the week, often nervous about attending a public gathering and knowing that a kind word or gesture would make it all ok—kept me coming back. I soon learned that I had said YES to my faith community that felt the same way I did.
Volunteering was something I looked forward to, even if it was only to sanitize the church after a baptism, or wipe down a pew, or make sure hands were sanitized. Things slowly got easier. But the best was when Father Rafal introduced us to the aerosol sanitizer! THAT was a joyous day! LOL
I had never been separated from the Eucharist. I learned that it truly is the Bread of Life for me and many of Holy Trinity Family. Thank you all for all of the support and love you showed.
About the Author
Mary Barton is a long-time Holy Trinity parishioner and Eucharistic Minister as well as a church volunteer. She is also a regular adorer in the Adoration Chapel.
