Minister: ‘All my troubles seemed small with God in my heart to help me’

NANCY ARASA | SPECIAL TO THE FLORIDA CATHOLIC

Published: 10.24.08

Nancy Arasa is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion at Blessed Trinity Parish in St. Petersburg. “I see now that even though I didn’t know the long-lasting impact of receiving my first holy Communion, my mother surely did.”
JANET SHELTON | FC

My mom gave me the best gift any mother could give a child: She gave me the gift of faith.

As far back as I can remember, God was a part of my life.

We lived in the small town of Williston Park on Long Island, N.Y. St Aidan’s was our parish and where I received my first holy Communion. I still remember how special that day was for me. I took everything the nuns taught us so seriously as they prepared us, teaching us all our prayers. However, it was my mother’s wise and gentle words that left the greatest impression on me. She told me I always had been in God’s heart, but that now God was a part of my heart, too.

Very simple sentiments, but oh so true.

Of course, as a child I had no idea of the magnitude that the holy Eucharist would have throughout my life. At the time I was receiving my first holy Communion, my thoughts and worries were about passing second grade, who my third-grade teacher would be and would I ever learn long division!

But I soon became aware that, as I went to holy Communion each Sunday, I’d feel better about the upcoming challenges of the week ahead. If I felt sad, or alone, or worried or just plain tired, I knew everything would be OK. All my troubles seemed small with God in my heart to help me. It seemed to make it easier to smile at people, to lend a helping hand, to be patient and, yes, even to learn long division!

When I met my husband, John, and we were married, our eucharistic life continued. I was lucky enough to have my three children born in a Catholic hospital and was able to receive holy Communion after each birth. We gave thanks and we celebrated. Even after a miscarriage, receiving holy Communion was so healing for me, as I knew that even this life was in God’s hands. When my parents died, I was comforted knowing that they believed in Jesus and his promise of everlasting life.

As my life goes on, I continue to appreciate how important the Eucharist is for me. Today, I am an extraordinary minister of holy Communion for the homebound, and I am always inspired by those I visit. I understand their need and desire to receive, as well as their love of having the Eucharist as a continuing part of their lives.

I see now that even though I didn’t know the long-lasting impact of receiving my first holy Communion, my mother surely did.

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