Pulled out of my deep concentration on a polar coordinate problem for my math class, I heard the announcement I had been waiting weeks for. The moment the high-pitched voice of the school secretary said, “Would anyone who applied to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, please report to the chapel,” my heart dropped into my stomach. I sat briefly, frozen in my seat. After a few seconds, which actually felt incredibly long, I took a deep breath to calm myself and slowly got out of my seat to head out of the room. In the previously vacant and quiet hallways, a handful of girls exited their classrooms, frantically meeting up with each other and expressing worries of denial. Nervously, I joined the group and we made our way up the stairs. With each step, my heart race continued to increase. I was not sure if this quickening was a result of the treacherous climb to the third floor or the significant amount of anxiety accumulating in my mind. Before I knew it, I was at the doors of the angelic chapel. At the other end, I spotted Mrs. Elliot, smiling kindly to each of us as we entered. Immediately my attention shifted to the windowsill, which the tall stack of crème envelopes that held our unknown outcome rested upon.

A strange calmness swept over me as I entered the simple and serene chapel. Taking a seat on the cold pew, I felt at ease for the first time since I heard the announcement. God’s presence comforted me and I no longer fretted about the result, as if I received a new understanding that there would be a reason behind whatever outcome I receive. As everyone waited in silence for the remaining applicants to arrive, I began to reflect on the application process that I had recently experienced. I recalled excitedly filling out the application, never remembering wanting anything more in my life. I thought about the difficulties I had tracking down my priest so that he could sign my approval form and that I almost did not find him before the due date. Remembering the fact that I almost missed the opportunity to become a Eucharistic Minister, a long-desired goal of mine, due to my own procrastination and carelessness, brought about a pain and sense of loss in my heart. I also recalled my interview in the small mentoring office and never being so nervous to talk about myself than in that moment. I was especially worried because it was Mrs. Elliot herself, the one who ultimately decided my fate, that interviewed me. However, I reminisced on the sensation of accomplishment as I departed from my interview, knowing I did the best that I could. Lastly, I recalled the torturous two weeks, when there was nothing to do but to wait for news of the results.

Suddenly an end to the silence and the sound of Mrs. Elliot quietly speaking brought me back to reality and out of my deep reflection.  She began proclaiming what sounded like a long rehearsed speech, telling us what an honor it was to even be selected to apply and to be humble for some will not be as fortunate to receive the position as others. After a ephemeral lecture, Mrs. Elliot picked up the envelopes and began to slowly call out names. My anxiety continued to rise with each named called. Finally I heard the call I had been waiting for. Hesitantly, I rose from my pew and made my way over the front of the chapel where Mrs. Elliot was standing. With a smile, she handed me a Mount Carmel envelope with my name neatly typed in a simple font. This was the moment I had been anticipating since eight grade, when I discerned participation in Eucharistic Ministers to be a goal of mine. I slid my finder through the fold of the envelope in one swift motion to unseal the adhesive. Then, I closed my eyes for a brief moment, took a deep breath, and pulled the letter out of the envelope. Around me, I heard to joyous laughter of selected members, sighs of relief, and words of discouragement. Opening the letter, I searched the letter frantically for a sign of success or congratulations. After what seemed like a long time, I found the indication I had been looking for in a line that provided a meeting date for the selected Extraordinary Ministers of Communion. An instant feeling of tranquility filled my heart and mind and smile painted across my face. This single event impacted my life in numerous different aspects, shaping me as a person and changing the way I must live. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion is simply not an organization to participate in, but rather it is a life style that I must accept, assimilate to, and portray for others.