Jack at his First Communion
For a couple of years, Jack has pined away, waiting to be a fourth grader. His main reason for this was that he would be old enough to be an altar server at church. It has surprised me about how persistent he has been with his desire to be an altar server.
Last week, he completed server training. I couldn’t be there while he did it, but heard from Eric that it had gone well, but that Jack wouldn’t stop asking questions. Jack told us later, when Eric said the questions had been a bit much, “I’m sorry – I was just so excited!” As soon as Jack saw me, he excitedly told me, “There’s a paper we need to drop off at church so they’ll put me on the schedule. Can we do that soon?”
Then, as we got ready for Mass this weekend, Jack kept saying, “I hope they need altar servers!” (If altar servers that are on the schedule don’t get there early, they start to make a general announcement asking for servers from the crowd.) I have to admit, I was nervous. Maybe even so nervous that I stalled the whole family a little in the van as we were getting ready to go in.
As we found an open pew, one of our priests walked in front of the congregation that was there early and I watched every muscle in Jack’s body tense. He edged his bottom forward in the pew, and he was holding his breath. Then, our priest asked for two Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
Jack took a breath finally and his shoulders dropped. And, then, our priest said they also needed two more altar servers. Jack almost gasped and his head shot to the right to look at me. I have to be honest, I wanted to say no. I wanted to say, “It’s too soon after training.” Instead, I said, “Go ahead. But you remind them it’s your very first time.”
Jack shot up and sprinted down the aisle to the sacristy (trying to make sure not to be beaten by any other possible servers). Eric and I said extra prayers. Soon, we saw Jack come out with the other servers. Since they were both teenagers, he just looked tiny. One of the servers (a young lady from a family very active in our parish) motioned him to go a certain direction, and I felt some security — I knew that meant she would be helping him.
The Mass went well, even with a missionary priest performing the Mass, which often can throw a curve ball to the servers. (One of our priests was also there.) There was only a couple of points when Jack started waving to us (and some friends). I cringed and willed for him to stop. We told him he wasn’t allowed to do that up there (after the fact) and he said he didn’t know that, but would be sure not to do it again. Despite the waving, he did a great job. Jack looked extra prayerful during many points, and I could tell that he felt so proud to be serving. Sure, he had a few moments of uncertainty, but he had a wonderful guidance from that teenage girl. (We actually went and spoke with her and her family to thank them afterward.)
Jack told us that he can’t wait to be an altar server again, and that he just knows he’ll do better each time he does it. And, I know that as time goes on, I’ll probably breathe a little easier while he’s serving.
When I was able to get over my feeling of nervousness and anxiety, I realized something about the experience. I looked back and thought about how badly Jack had wanted to be a server and for how long. I remembered watching as his body tensed, his breathing stopped, and his eyes were full of hope as the priest came out in front of the congregation. I thought: When was the last time I got that excited about something? When was the last time that I felt like I needed to sprint toward fulfilling a long term goal? And, more so, when was the last time that I sat with a body fully energized and waiting so intently to serve God?
So, my hope for me (and for you)?
That we may all serve, work toward goals, and live with the same kind of enthusiasm as Jack.
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This was such a well-written post; I could picture Jack’s excitement and your trepidation. I’m glad Jack was able to serve and the Mass went well. Once again, it takes a child of remind us of how to live and what is important.
@scrapper al,
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it.
Not sure why, but your comment just made me feel extra sad that another fall will come and go and I won’t get a chance to see you again in person in Michigan. 🙁
My grandson also serves at Mass. When he first started, we only gave him two main rules. Don’t set the church on fire (the Church should be on fire) and don’t drop God. So far, so good!
Angie, that is such a sweet story!
Jack did a great job on Saturday even if I was sweating it. I am glad to see him so enthusiastic to serve God.
This is a great post. It makes me want to do everything with extra focus, and it makes me want to squeeeeeeze that Jack!
Very nice post–sounds like Jack was a little shot of what we all (even the church) needs. I think your next goal is to write a screenplay for this–can’t you see this made for tv movie on a channel like Lifetime (ugh)? “Jack FTW!” on at 8pm, 7pm Central….
How exciting for Jack! I know you must be so proud. Thank you for the reminder to be excited for opportunities to serve God.
My daughter (now in 5th grade) serves, and I remember feeling SO nervous the first several times – much more than she appeared to. She was so certain she wanted to do it. Funny about the candles – she has waist-length hair, and wanted her hair in a pony tail for a long time because she was afraid of catching her hair on fire. It is such a beautiful thing and a precious gift to see our kids serve God.
That is awesome! My children have just started serving since we got our new priest a year and a half ago. I think it is SOO great when they get excited. We have a daughter accepting first communion this year and she can’t wait – not only to accept the Eucharist, but also because they are then allowed to serve (only on the “right side” for the first year because this only involves carrying a candle and bringing it to “shed light” on the gospel).
But trust me, the anxiety never goes away – every time the children are serving, I over-analyze their movements until I remind myself that they ARE children and that I need to pay attention to Mass and not them! 😉
My Max has been serving since late June- and is about as excited as your son. Every week Max goes into the Sacristy and waits for no shows, and every week except one he has been able to serve. That week he came out, sat down int he pew and cried- it nearly broke my heart!
Oh my! That made me cry!! What a sweet boy you have. Thank you for the wonderful reminder – I know I’ll be thinking about it for the rest of the day (at least).
My oldest serves as an altar boy and loves it. He would serve every week if he could and often heads to the sacristy before Mass to see if they need any servers. I remember how tiny he looked up there the first time and even now, he’s pretty small compared to some of the altar boys (in our parish, only boys serve, so saying altar boy is appropriate).