It is time for me to wrap up this four part series on the final component of "Renewing the Vision," the component of Prayer and Worship.

As stated in "Part I" of this series, "the ministry of prayer and worship celebrates and deepens young people’s relationship with Jesus Christ through the bestowal of grace, communal prayer and liturgical experiences; it awakens their awareness of the spirit at work in their lives; it incorporates young people more fully into the sacramental life of the Church, especially Eucharist; it nurtures the personal prayer life of young people; and it fosters family rituals and prayer."

Of course the component of prayer and worship encompasses many things, but from the beginning, I have shared my ultimate goal for my ministry: "to help draw our young people into a deeper love for the Eucharist."

I would like to conclude this series by sharing, as promised, a little more about my grandmother and how her love for the Eucharist helped transform me. Maybe my words will in some way help accomplish my goal.

My grandmother joined the Church and actually received her first Holy Communion on the same day as my mother. So right from the beginning there was a special place for the Eucharist in her heart.

I remember the day that I received my first Communion. After it was over, she asked me what I thought. My response was quick and simple: "It tasted so good." Without any hesitation, she responded by saying, "because it was the Body of Christ."

Years later, this simple statement speaks as strongly as it did back then.

My grandparents were very special role models for me, as was our entire family. My grandfather had 12 brothers and sisters. Most of them have been called home to heaven, but grandpa still has two sisters and one sister-in-law living. Over the years our faith and the power of the Eucharist remained strong in each of them.

As I continue to focus on my love of the Eucharist, I must say more about these two great aunts still living. Both of them live with Alzheimer’s. I am always in awe of these two women. Many times they both struggle to recognize even their most immediate family. But still, while attending Mass in Pratt about a year ago, I watched my great aunt. Was there any bow of the head? No—she did not enter the pew until she had genuflected. The bending of the knee had to be there.

As my grandmother neared her death —and as my two great aunts deal with Alzheimer’s—they may not recognize you, but bring to them communion, and they know full well that it is the Body of Christ.

With this said, shouldn’t we all strive to lead not just our young people, but all people, to a deeper understanding and love for Christ’s true presence among us in the Eucharist? For it is His presence that brings about a transformation—a change of heart—in us.