Q: Here’s a question for you. I serve on the parish Worship Council. Our pastor asked us to discuss ways we could assist him in learning the names of new people, especially at one Mass where he has seen many new faces.
We already have “Name Tag Sunday” once a month, but that is limited in effectiveness for priest or parishioner because people love their usual places in the pews. They don’t really meet anyone new. Name Tag Sunday, however, could be the answer to Father’s challenge, one weekend a month.
Is it permissible for him to use the name of the person receiving Communion, as he distributes it? For example, “N.—the Body of Christ.”
I know the Eucharist is not something to be used, but it is so many things—central to and the mystery of our faith. While it creates our community it’s also very personal. I think I would appreciate hearing my name as I’m offered the Body and Blood of our Lord.
Yes? No? What do you think?
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A: I advise against it. The repetition of the phrase, “The Body of Christ,” is like a mantra, and it speaks volumes about the sacrament and the unity of the assembly. It also creates practical difficulties when the minister doesn’t know the name of the person.
Learning new names is important, and when you can call someone by name the second time you meet them, it makes an impact. I use the time before and after Mass to meet people, take note of their names, and introduce them to one another. I think that helps build the community.