Envisioning the Moment

And so the "Adventure" began.

Well, actually, it did not really begin when I got the word that I was being placed in charge of orchestrating the distribution of Communion for the Papal Mass at the Silverdome.

That word was given to me early in March. The event would actually take place in September and before that many, many arrangements had to be made. Sites for the planned events had to be procured. We had to be certain, for example, that the Silverdome would be available for the span of time needed. After all, we certainly could not risk conflicting with a Lions' game. (Besides, that would probably be the first time in history that the Lions would loose to the Christians!)

So, for at least a few weeks between the job assignment and the actual getting down to business, there was a little time. 

Let the project sink in.

Wrap your mind around it.

Start to measure the moment in your mind.

And the "Moment?"

Well, here was the challenge in a nutshell.

There would likely be a hundred-thousand in attendance for the Mass.

The Silverdome consisted of an array of seating arrangements, from simple straight rows to box seats to suites to that oh so distant balcony. Somehow, people would have to be moved from point A to point B and back to their original point A smoothly and quickly.

And that would involve not only training and coordinating a sufficient number of Eucharistic Ministers. Training and coordinating of ushers was critical to make this "Moment" happen. Ushers would have to enable the needed movement to happen.

And did I say happen quickly? 

There was also a certain protocol to be followed.

The Holy Father would distribute Communion and he would do so to a specially chosen group of one hundred. This normally takes about eighteen minutes. When the Holy Father begins distributing, all others likewise begin distributing. And when the Holy Father has concluded his distribution to the hundred, all distribution must be concluded and completed.

In other words, you have eighteen minutes to make this Moment happen for a hundred thousand (give or take a few.)

And then I was asked the question.

"Have you ever been to the Silverdome? Do you know what it is like?"

"No," of course not!

For the first few weeks this whole matter was just images in my imagination. But the time would come soon enough when I would be introduced to the reality of the Silverdome.

And I would get to know that building, inside and out, would I get to know that building! Every corridor and tunnel, elevator and walkway, I would get to know that building. I would really get to know that building.

And add to the task of getting to know that cavernous building was another little detail.

The designing of the sanctuary area had yet to begin. We would have no idea at this point of what that sanctuary would look like, where it would be situated on that field. And as the days would progress, all we would really have to work with would be sketches and paper plans and the assurance that it would all come together something like this paper plan the day or two before the event.

That and the timetable - Communion for a hundred-thousand (give or take a few) in eighteen minutes!

Of course more is coming! Please come back.

Meantime, Keep Praying . . .

Stay Safe!