THE LIST:  I’ve often talked about THE LIST in TALLer Tales.  My family will often make reference to it during our gatherings.  Invoking those simple two words becomes the “mystical guarantor” of sorts that I have duly acknowledged and registered a family project request.  But just because something is on THE LIST doesn’t mean it’s going to get done anytime soon.  In reality, THE LIST is somewhat fictional and more of a joke with my family.  I don’t necessarily catalog all the family requests that I get; I more or less keep a mental note of the more urgent ones.  But my family will also rib me that the priority of THE LIST changes frequently based on WHO is requesting.  I insist that’s not the case; it just seems that way.  Easy tasks get pushed to the top and more challenging tasks get pushed to the bottom.
 
Sometimes the task is to work on a computer.  Those tasks are easy because I can deal with those projects remotely while I’m sitting in my recliner or while I’m yapping on the phone.  This will come as no surprise to many, but I have a remote computer support site that I bought many years ago; most of my family’s computers are registered on it and I’m able to gain access to them remotely when needed.  This makes completing computer-related tasks rather simple.  Other tasks may not be so simple, and they require some advance thought, some preparation and sometimes quick education by watching a video on YouTube or on my DIY University site I subscribe to.  Examples of projects where I’m not so skilled would include complicated plumbing, difficult electrical wiring and ALL drywall projects.  Being a novice has its pitfalls.  As one of my sisters likes to say: “It’s nice having Mike do these projects.  You just have to get used to extra holes in the walls from time to time.  At least he patches up the mistakes he makes.”
 
One Sunday afternoon not too long ago, my family was sitting around after dinner and a few projects on THE LIST got discussed.  My mom had a few that seemed rather simple.  She jokingly asked if she needed to put in a work order for her items so I wouldn’t forget them.  I smiled and said, “No, that’s okay.  I’ll just add them to … THE LIST.”  As soon as I said I would add my mom’s projects to THE LIST, my dad, who often pretends he’s not paying attention to the bantering, let out a groan and said:  “Oh no.  That means my stuff just got pushed down to the bottom … AGAIN.”  As I thought about it for a few seconds, I admitted he was right.  None of us could remember what he had on THE LIST, but whatever they were, we were all certain they just got pushed down a bit.  Sorry Dad … maybe you should have Mom put in your requests next time and see what happens.
 
“Don’t Keep Jesus in Your Glove Box - Bringing Holy Communion to the Sick and Homebound.”  Okay, it sounds like an interesting title.  In reality, it once was the title of a rector’s conference that Cardinal Hickey gave to seminarians at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.  Cardinal Hickey was making the point that Jesus shouldn’t be brought along for the ride as one buys groceries, picks up the paper, drops off their dry cleaning, etc.  Above all, Jesus shouldn’t be relegated to the glove box while you go about running some errands.
 
I thought of this example because of some recent conversations about the proper way to bring Holy Communion to the sick and homebound.  We have many people in our parish who help us in this ministry, and I am grateful for their service.  In a large parish such as ours, these extra helpers become an extension of the pastoral staff and become our voice and connection to the sick and homebound.  As the rite for the Pastoral Care of the Sick reminds us, “The faithful who are ill are deprived of their rightful and accustomed place in the Eucharistic community.  In bringing communion to them the minister of communion represents Christ and manifests faith and charity on behalf of the whole community toward those who cannot be present at the Eucharist (no. 76).”
 
There are several ways Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion can obtain the Blessed Sacrament to bring to the sick and homebound.  In all cases, one needs to have a pyx, a special container designed explicitly for this purpose.  It is not appropriate or allowed to bring communion to someone in a Kleenex or a “pillbox.”  We have pyxs available in the sacristy.  Once you have a pyx, you may present it during the normal distribution of Holy Communion and ask for a host.  The pyx with the Blessed Sacrament is then to be safeguarded and the Church expects that the visit to the sick or homebound person will take place immediately after mass.  One should not take the pyx and then go and enjoy coffee and donuts, go off to the grocery store and then finally make your way to the sick person.  If there is a period of time between your errands and the visit to the sick person, please make arrangements with someone on the Pastoral Staff or contact the Parish Center and we will be glad to assist you in obtaining the Blessed Sacrament just before your visit.
 
Our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at mass have been instructed to place no more than two hosts in a pyx at any given time.  If someone asks for more than two hosts, that person will be directed to speak to one of the priests or deacons.  It is our task to make sure the expectations of the Church are being followed and that the Blessed Sacrament is being properly safeguarded and reverenced.  Outside of mass, you can always make arrangements with the Parish Center staff to obtain Holy Communion to bring to the sick and homebound.  In these instances, you will receive a host from the tabernacle in the Parish Center Chapel.
 
CSA Update:  This coming week, the next round of CSA reminder letters will be dropped in the mail.  Have you contributed to the CSA yet? As of July 1, 282 families have contributed to the CSA.  We have received $71,869 in pledges towards our $234,440 goal.
 
Enjoy the week.  Know of my prayers.
 
In Christ,
 
gmb
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