Putting Faith Into Action

Written by Marketing & Communications EPIC intern Lucia Hoyt '25

As students reach their senior year at BSM, they are offered the special opportunity to be Eucharistic Ministers. This allows for the seniors to distribute communion at each Mass that Benilde-St. Margaret's holds as a community, and since it is an opportunity only for seniors, it gives them something that makes their senior year special. 

The students and young people are seen as the future of the Church, and they can truly feel that as they participate in BSM Mass at BSM. According to Claudia Williamson '25, "I truly feel connected to my community and the Mass as a whole with this opportunity to serve. It is also a way to feel present in my school community."

There are certain requirements students must fulfill in order to participate in Eucharistic Ministry. They must be Catholic and have been Confirmed, they must be active in their parish (attending Mass and understanding its importance), they must believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and have a willingness to live their life in keeping with this special ministry. 

After the merger of Benilde High School and St. Margaret's Academy in 1974, Mike Jeremiah was instrumental in establishing the student Eucaristic Ministry program  in 1977, allowing for students to participate instead of just adults. According to Mr. J, the Eucharistic Ministry program is beneficial to students because, "It is a beautiful way for them to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus. In this ministry, they truly ‘present’ Jesus to others.”

It is important for BSM to show the young people that they are the future of the Church. "By allowing them to participate in it, the Mass becomes more meaningful as we worship together as family," Jeremiah said. Overall, students are able to take on new responsibilities in the Church, while also growing closer to their community.