by Sr. Kristen Forgotch, ASC
The Eucharistic celebration of my perpetual profession was a blessed experience of community, but the eucharistic gathering of ASCs in the days prior was also another great way of being together as the body of Christ. All parts of all days were eucharist and an opening to the jubilee year of hope.
On the evening of December 29, the first sisters from the Midwest began to arrive in Columbia, but the planning for January 1 had begun months earlier. Lots of planning and help from others for how we would gather all came together in spreadsheets that helped keep things flowing. We are the body of Christ was so true in how we as ASCs gathered in Columbia. Everyone was willing to share their time and talents so that we could gather and enjoy being in community with each other. Many hands helped to cook, decorate, help with transportation, pray, and help all be included.
The eucharistic gathering of the ASC community began in the days of preparation prior to the official celebration. We gathered for meals and sharing. Many hands helped us enter into these multiple meals and time together. We broke open our daily lives and shared our joys and struggles around dining tables of eucharist. No one rushed from the table, but we all continued to fill each other’s spirits, even after our stomachs were filled.
The Eucharistic celebration on January 1 brought together a group of my family, friends, and ASCs in person in Columbia, but also from afar via YouTube. When planning this part of our Eucharistic gathering, I wanted to be intentional to include women in as many parts of the Eucharist as possible. Most music was written by women. Most of the ministries were filled by women. Many additional women were added to our litany of saints. All were invited to be a part, not just through verbal response, but also in presenting non-perishable donations during the Eucharist that eventually would be donated to the neediest of the body of Christ.
As I reflect on all the experiences of eucharist, I am filled with joy, love, and support from so many within and beyond our ASC community. I enter this jubilee year of hope called by Pope Francis with hope and passion for our ASC and Precious Blood mission to walk with our dear neighbor and let all peoples’ light shine in all places.
