Worship Testimonies

Below are some testimonies given by people who volunteer on our Worship Team. If you are interested in learning more on how you can support our Worship Team, visit https://www.stjohnpaulii.org/openwidethedoors!

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“As a Eucharist Minister it is a privilege and humbling experience to hold the most Precious Bread or Precious Blood and to distribute the life saving gift to our parishioners. In the process I can help see our Lord in the faces of our parishioners and to increase my personal relationship with Him.

As a Mass Coordinator I have become more aware of all of the aspects and individuals involved in preparing for and ensuring that the Mass proceeds smoothly. It also enlightens me of the needs to parishioner’s special needs such as the reception of low gluten hosts. The need for the purification of the chalices and pattens emphasizes the fact that each Precious Host particle and drop of Precious Blood is our Lord and needs full reverence and needs to handled as such.”

- Dave D.

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“When I decided that I might want to become an EMHC, I was somewhat hesitant. I asked myself a few questions.

Am I worthy to say the name of Jesus, would I be able to offer Him to others? What I found was utterly amazing. First, I had this complete thankfulness in my heart that Jesus was giving me this opportunity. The first time I said to someone "the body of Christ" I felt this overwhelming joy. I was given a gift by the Holy Spirit that I can't explain. I have grown in my love for the Lord and I have developed such a longing to receive Him. My love for the Blessed Mother has been strengthened. I feel so humbled and still not worthy, but so so grateful for this opportunity.”

- Cathy F.

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“Serving at Mass as a lector and EHMC has increased my love for the Mass, inspired me to learn more about God’s saving plan, and helped me grow closer to God. Serving in these roles has helped me appreciate that we all have a role in worshipping God and in helping each other come together in communion with Him."

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“Serving as an EMHC and as a Mass coordinator has been such a blessing in my life. Distributing the Eucharist has deepened my love and reverence for Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament, and reminded me how humbling it is to serve others. Coordinating the liturgy has given me a greater appreciation for all the behind-the-scenes work that makes Mass beautiful and prayerful. These ministries have been a blessing drawing me closer to God and to my parish family.”

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“It is a true honor to serve as a music minister. It allows me to pray better as I can enter into worship more wholeheartedly with my body, mind, soul, and spirit. Plus, sung prayer at Mass unites us in a real way to the entire communion of saints. Music ministry consistently brings me great joy and lasting peace.”

- Denise

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“Whether it is through singing hymns or playing instrumental pieces, the rhythms and melodies help me focus on God's presence, and experience His love on a different level. The music allows my heart to speak to God in a  way that goes beyond spoken words.”

- MR

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“I have been a choir member for over 20 years at OLGH Church and loved every minute of it.  I have enjoyed the friendships and being part of an amazing musical family. It is true that when one sings one prays twice.  I feel I have grown in spirituality.”

- Christina B.

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“Being involved with choir at OLGH has been a wonderful experience and offered a new appreciation for the liturgies. It encouraged me to honor Christ’s blessings by becoming a cantor to share my voice with the congregation. Choir has been a great way to meet others and make SJPii feel like home.”

- Hannah K.

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“Altar serving has strengthened my faith and prayer life. Having the honor of assisting the priests during Mass, I have had an up close and personal experience with many aspects of our Catholic faith. Praying so close to the altar and the Blessed Sacrament is a special grace that has impacted my attitude towards, and habits around, prayer.”

- Mason

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“I have been a Eucharistic Minister for over 30 years. My initial reason for joining this ministry was to set an example for my children to get involved in their faith . Over the years , I have developed a strong love of Christ and being able to help share his body and blood has made my faith stronger. On the times I brought communion to those sick and dying it was a sacred moment for me to help them celebrate Our Lord through communion.” 

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“I was called to be an EMCH, lecture, adult server and sacristan. I don’t know if I discovered my love for our Catholic faith because I was involved in bringing Jesus to his followers or I loved my church then felt the call to serve. I feel blessed to be able to help. Since I became involved I have wanted to learn more about my faith. I feel more joyful and peaceful since I began my journey.”

- Scott F.

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"Being an extraordinary minister of holy communion (EMHC) allows me to share the body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus with others.  It makes me acutely aware that we are the body of Christ.  The simple service of distributing communion builds communion among us and brings me peace."

- Susan M.   

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“I am an EMHC at St. Mary's (and have jumped in at St. Henry's once too). I have been a part of this ministry off and on for over 30 years and at 5 different parishes. There have been times when my commitment inspired me to attend weekly Mass when I was tempted to skip it. Today my faith is my anchor when my life has taken unexpected turns. Being an EMHC helps me focus on the true presence as well as the Word of God.” 

- Maggie B.

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“Being accepted as, and becoming, a sacristan and Mass Coordinator has answered some of my prayers on trying to discern and work on my mission and purpose through our roles as priests, prophets, and kings within the Mystical Body of Christ.  It has given me an enhanced level of peace and joy in being able to help serve others within our faith community.  I thank the good Lord everyday for these opportunities!”

- Tom S.

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“Being a Eucharistic Minister has made me closer to our Lord. I’ve visited nursing homes and gone to homes to bring our Lord to them. It made me aware that there are many different and holy people that want to receive our Lord.”

- Patricia B.