The Eucharist: God’s Greatest Gift

Worship and Evangelization Outreach / Anita Bardo

‘My faith is no longer a gift to keep to myself’

As I think back to my younger years, I did not fully grasp the significance of the Eucharist. When I received the sacrament in second grade, I knew it represented Jesus’ body and blood, his true presence. Yet understanding the importance of prayer before and after receiving the Eucharist was crucial. Before receiving, it was acknowledging his sacrifice for us, and after, it was expressing gratitude for his sacrifice.

As I began to pray more frequently through the years, my understanding of the significance of the Eucharist has deepened. Serving as the director of faith formation and youth ministry for my parish gives me the opportunity to share my insights on the sacraments with others. Teaching Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) classes has helped me recognize the eagerness of candidates and catechumens to learn more about the Eucharist. Their curiosity and enthusiasm has motivated me to examine in greater detail the teachings of the Church.

The impact of my sharing has been revealed to me through the years.

Most recently, I had a 60-year-old woman in my RCIA class. She shared with me that it was always her desire and prayer to join the Catholic Church. Her family and children weren’t supportive. It was her own conviction that allowed her to say yes. She thanked me for sharing my faith story, adding that my encouragement and patience helped her as she walked through her journey.

During one class, she was having trouble understanding about the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. She also asked me to explain the part in the Our Father where we say, “Give us our daily bread.” I told her that God gives us nourishment each day to sustain us through the concerns and challenges of our lives. She told me she is grateful for each day and that she shares that perspective with others. She now has a group chat with her family and friends, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with them.

The value of sharing my faith has enriched my life in ways I cherish deeply.

Every Sunday and during Mass, being in the tabernacle’s presence is a blessing for me. The tabernacle gives me a deeper understanding of my faith. It encourages me to keep growing in my faith. I strive to live in a manner that reflects the importance of my faith to me. I also strive to share my beliefs and experiences with others.

The act of sharing my faith is valuable to me because it allows me to be vulnerable, where I was not always. I began to feel even more empowered to share my faith with others when I began working for the archdiocese. My faith is no longer a gift to keep to myself, but to share it with family, friends and other people who come into my life.

I have accepted that I am being formed. It’s a feeling I have embraced and enjoy. God’s grace is beautiful, and I will continue spreading my joy with all those I encounter.
 

(Anita Bardo is the coordinator of evangelization and discipleship for the archdiocese and the director of faith formation and youth ministry at St. Rita Parish in Indianapolis, where she is a member.) †

 

Read more from our special edition on the Eucharist