Stock Photo – Canva
By Patricia Schiisler
The Lay Formation program provides many opportunities for Christians of deep faith. I never dreamed that one day I would be given the blessed charge of doing a Lay Presided service at my parish church. Upon reading bulletins from other parishes, I couldn’t help but notice that weekday Masses were cancelled or prayer celebrations offered for the priest retreat days. Then, I heard the belief that if Lay-Led Liturgies are permissible and welcomed in Senior citizen homes throughout the city on Sundays. Why can’t these trained ministers, who are commissioned through the Archdiocese, offer communion at a weekday Liturgy of the Word? In this way, people who attend weekday Masses are not left without a service when the priests and deacons are unavailable.
Recently, I was commissioned to perform a Lay-Led Liturgy at Resurrection church. Being an original member of that parish since its incorporation made the event even more meaningful. When the early Masses of the church community were initially held in St. Gabriel’s gymnasium, I had been present watching and studying the involvement of the parishioners with dreams of one day being a part of it. With the greatest fear possible within me, I volunteered to become a Eucharistic minister. Eventually, I felt competent and extended my desire to become a Lector/Reader. More years passed, and I wished to discover if there were more opportunities for me to learn and grow.
The parish priest at Resurrection during my early years listened when I asked him if I could lead a bible study. What initially began as one study branched into now fifteen. My faith life expanded and continued to grow.
Only the Holy Spirit can create such a strong desire. Daily, I read and study scripture. I wrote two books about God acting in my life and how he initiated my public outreach during book signings. Did you see God so far today in your daily life? I initiate conversation often with that question. Many people turn their heads and pass by, while others respond with the love of God glowing from them.
Presently, I have been presiding over Lay-Led Liturgies for more than six years since I was commissioned from the three-year Lay Formation program. I was recruited upon the program completion due to a lack of interested participants. I offered to try, with proper training and a partner to learn with. The longer I performed the Liturgies on Sundays, the more I grew to love it. Now I do the ministry on a Sunday by myself but would like to have others participate with me. The senior people are always kind, welcoming, and appreciative. Since I am continuously reading, writing and studying scripture, it is not difficult to write the necessary reflections. I am fortunate to love writing anyway.
Then, a few weeks ago, a discussion arose concerning the possibility of doing Lay-Led Liturgies of the Word with Communion during the days of the Priest’s retreat. The need for Liturgies was on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. People selected to Lay preside were those who had completed the Lay Formation program. A very faith-filled gentleman of the parish offered to read and generally help me with the set up. Having another person is always a great asset. I welcomed the opportunity for the Thursday morning.
Being slightly nervous, in a good way, I invited the morning to begin, always asking God to be present and do the Liturgy with me. The Holy Spirit answers my prayers when I ask for His help. The morning was very blessed and meaningful. The people in the congregation were warm and receptive; there was no negativity present. This Lay-Led Liturgy with communion is now stored in a special place within my heart and memory.
The Archdiocese of Regina’s Lay Formation Program is now accepting applications for its Fall intake. One weekend a month from October to June, Catholics like Patricia gather at Campion College in Regina as they become more deeply aware of God’s personal love, activity, and invitations. Why not make their story, your story? Contact Deacon Eric Gurash [email protected] or call 306-720-6724.
