THE PARISH IN THE FACE OF COVID-19

By Michael Anakwe

THE CHURCH WARDEN

During Masses,especially on Sundays, we are used to seeing some dedicated Men and Women form a barricade, either with chains or their bodies, at the entrances of the Church, especially when we are late for Mass or during the observation of a rite.

These same individuals also ensure that we remain focus in the presence of the Holy Eucharist during Mass as they tirelessly ‘roam’ within the Church looking out for ‘Mass deviants’ i.e those that chats constantly during the Mass not minding the fact that they are in the Church, those that fondle with their phones and those that unconsciously nods off during mass. Also during the reception of the Eucharist, offertory and thanksgivings they are the compass for orderliness. But that is not all, as they also, frequently in some instance, have to contend with some Parishioners with notoriously poor behaviour in the Church, and are expected to do this with utmost equanimity.

This respected group of Men and Women have since this moment of crises assumed a more committed roles in seeing that we remain within the outlined guidelines for conducting worship during this period.

I have watched them with keen interest, as they effortlessly assume the role of our own version of ‘NHS’ in our parish during this pandemic. Aside their elementary roles of ensuring that the Mass etiquette and rites are strictly adhered to, they are there to ensure that every parishioner gets a squirt of the sanitizer or a round of hand washing at the stand, making sure that everyone is wearing a mask and properly seated in line with the social distancing rule.  One cannot help but commend the courage of these individuals who more or less make several contacts with parishioners  during the Mass and this is when some of us, save for the elderly and sick ones, have refuse to resume church for fear of being a victim.

This is not a eulogy to a group of full time volunteers, who would rather wish to remain anonymous in their service to God and Humanity. Many of them, a lot of which I have engaged in conversation with and also share a common friendship with always confided that the amount of Joy and fulfillment they derive from this service is their reward.

These committed souls are responding to this pandemic with vigour and service. Their goodwill stands out as a model for us to follow in our respective relationships and commitments.

So as you see these group of individuals, led by a seventy something year old gangling around the Church during Mass like a thirty something year old, made up of a fine mix of Church warden veterans and young committed Catholics, all they ask from you is your cooperation, support and prayers as they chose to be in the forefront of this fight against an invisible enemy.  A fight, I know that we can overcome with a faith like that of the Church Warden.

The earmark of Christianity is humility, kindness, compassion and love…virtues that this group of men and women have shown in abundance and especially during this public health crises .  Let’s keep them in our prayers.