"The blessing cup, which we bless, is it not a sharing in the Blood of Christ?" 1 Corinthians 10:15-16; 27-29

Ministers of Praise

As lay people become more involved in ministry, many have responded to the needs of the sick and the elderly. Parishes make sure that the homebound in nursing homes and their own homes receive visits from parish members and priests regularly and to bring them Holy Communion and to always let them know that the parish cares about them; they are not forgotten.

We all know that the common complaint of the sick and the elderly is that they feel so useless. After leading such busy and productive lives, they feel they no longer have anything to offer.

So in June – 1997 we began the Ministers of Praise Program in our parish. It is a ministry of prayer. This ministry is for all parishioners who are sick, handicapped or are senior citizens. Many of them can no longer be actively involved in church ministries. So while others are busy doing they are able to spend more time praying and that prayer becomes the power behind a parish bringing God’s blessings for all members of the parish community.

Twice a year, we commission those who wish to be a pray-er for the parish.

As a symbol of the Ministry of Praise, we have chosen the Cup together with hands raised in Praise. We recall the words of Jesus: “You shall drink My Cup.” In these words, Jesus reminds us that we are to unite our own lives, with their joys and sufferings, to His Precious Blood offered in Praise of the Father.

These ministers also receive a certificate bearing their name as a Minister of Praise. Every once in a while, someone will go with Father Tim or Father Tom to commission a homebound person. Sometimes we commission Minister of Praise at Tawa Manor.

Presently we have 117 Living Ministers of Praise and 31 Members who have died.

Questions & Answers

When did the Ministers of Praise begin?	A new ministry called the Ministers of Praise was initiated in Sts. Peter & Paul Parish in June, 1997 by Fr. Tom Hemm, C.PP.S. We are grateful to the late Fr. Ralph Schneider, C.PP.S. who gave this idea to Fr. Hemm to begin this ministry in our parish. Fr. Schneider shared the details of this ministry which he had organized at St. Boniface in New Reigel, Ohio.
Who can become a Minister of Praise?	All parishioners who are sick, handicapped or senior citizens are eligible to join in this spiritual ministry. Although members may be limited because of physical limitations, advanced in age or illness, these members are called to offer prayers for the needs of the parish and for the priests and religious. As a Minister of Praise, you have an important role in the work of loving and praising God. While others are busy doing, you are able to spend more time praying and that prayer becomes the power behind a parish bringing God's blessings for all members of the parish community.
Is there a symbol for the Ministers of Praise?	As a symbol of the Ministers of Praise, we have chosen the Cup together with hands raised in praise. We recall the words of Jesus, "You can drink My Cup." In these words, Jesus reminds us that we are to unite our own lives with our joys, our pains, and our sufferings with His Precious Blood offered in Praise to the Father. Members of the Ministers of Praise receive a Blessing Cup. It reminds them that they are a Living Cup. They are precious in God's eyes. Their sufferings and joys become one with the Precious Blood of Our Lord offered daily in the Eucharist.
Where should the Cup be placed in my home?	The Blessing Cup should have a place of honor in your home. The symbolism of this Cup is to remind the ministers to put their pains, their intentions, their joys and their sufferings in the Cup daily uniting them with the sufferings of Christ. When a Minister of Praise dies, the Cup may be displayed at the funeral home. It may also be used at the Mass if arrangements are made with the pastor.
When are the new Ministers of Praise commissioned and do the Ministers of Praise have to pray certain prayers?	New members are commissioned at the Mass of their choice twice a year, usually in the Spring and in the Fall. The prayers which you pray are already the ones you are praying. However, whenever you are commissioned as a Minister of Praise, you will receive a special little prayer book to be used as you wish. Ministers of Praise receive a newsletter several times a year.