734

 That was the magic number.

734!

As plans became more concrete and traffic flow diagrams developed, the number 734 began to emerge as the total number of Eucharistic Ministers that would be needed to make happen the efficient (hopefully) distribution of Communion to roughly the hundred-thousand faithful projected to be present at the Silverdome for the Papal Mass.

734 could, conceivably make this happen and in eighteen minutes!

The next task became recruiting that number and then scheduling training for them.

And there was one more tiny hook.

Liturgical regulations required that, before any laity could be used for this purpose, clergy, you know, the ordained sort, had to be recruited and utilized. Once that was properly done, then and only then could laity be added to that number.

But how contact and/or recruit possible clergy. The immediate, Detroit Archdiocese, would be easy but the reality was that it was likely that clergy would be coming from other areas around the state, around the country and even Canada. 

We had to be realistic.

Notice would be sent to the Detroit clergy.

Notice would be placed in appropriate clergy newsletters around the country.

And a deadline would have to be set.

And when all was said and done, the recruiting of laity began.

Letters were sent to all Archdiocesan parishes asking to have qualified lay ministers named.

Then things got a bit more interesting - a question emerged and a rather surprising comment as well.

The question? Can we include women?

1987 remember. Roman Catholic, remember. Could women be included?

And the comment?

Ours is a poor parish. Our members are poor people.  We would be out of place at an event like this!

Out of place!

Because of being "poor"!

Of all people, they belonged. This was their place or it should be seen as such.

Firmly I declared that not only should they be there and ministering but if they needed a way to get there, I would arrange for transportation.

We would have 734 and they would look like the Church!

Some would be ordained and many would be exercising their Baptismal anointing.

Some would be better off (financially) and some would be not as fortunate (financially.)

And they would be young and old and male and female.

God's people would come to the Feast and God's people would share the Feast.

Together we would gather around our Holy Father to honor the Father of us all.

Of course more is coming! Please come back.

Meantime, Keep Praying . . .

Stay Safe!