Management guru Tom Peters posted this on his Twitter feed yesterday:

Leadership has … ZERO … to do with org charts. It can be practiced, for example, on Day #1 in any job at any age.

That made me wonder about many of the volunteer jobs parishioners take on. Do they all think of themselves as practicing leadership in their volunteer roles? How do we, as parish leaders, help those around us think of themselves as leaders? For example, here are 10 ways Communion ministers can practice leadership:

1. Arrive ten minutes before the liturgy. Offer a brief prayer in front of the tabernacle for all those you will serve today.
2. Before Mass, find at least one person in the assembly you do not know and greet that person.
3. Participate fully in the liturgy. Sing even if you don’t feel like singing, as an example to the catechumens and children in the assembly.
4. If you are new to this ministry, expect to make mistakes. Learn from your mistakes, and don’t make the same one twice.
5. A Communion minister normally receives both the Body and Blood of Christ. If you are not comfortable sharing in the cup, considers serving in a different ministry.
6. When a communicant approaches you, say with your mouth, “The Body of Christ.” Say in your heart, “I believe this bread is the Body of Christ; I believe this person before me is the Body of Christ.”
7. Or, say with your mouth, “The Blood of Christ.” Say in your heart, “I believe this cup is filled with the Blood of Christ; I believe this person before me is filled with the Blood of Christ.”
8. Do not be scrupulous.
9. Remain a moment after Mass and thank someone else for his or her ministry that day—another Communion minister, the lectors, a choir member, an acolyte.
10. If your parish hosts coffee and doughnuts after Mass, find someone who is standing alone and start a conversation with him or her.

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What are some additional ways Communion ministers can practice leadership? Share your thoughts, because your insights are valuable.

2 Responses to “10 leadership practices for Communion ministers”

1. Brian Sullivan says:

   September 2, 2010 at 9:48 am

   Maybe as part of #9, help set-up the communion vessels, chalices, ciboria, purificators, etc., for the next Mass.
2. Nick Wagner says:

   September 2, 2010 at 12:12 pm

   Thanks Brian. Terrific suggestion!