Comments on: Why names matter

By: John Paul Parks

John Paul Parks — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:20:19 +0000

In the Eastern Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, the priest has a special incentive for learning and remembering the names of the parishioners. The formula for administering Communion requires him to name the recipient:

"The most precious, most holy, and most pure Body and Blood of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ is given to the servant of God . . . [insert name] . . . for the remission of his sins and for life everlasting."

By: Fr. Dan Graves

Fr. Dan Graves — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:41:58 +0000

Good words, Tim. My wife is a high school teacher who faces 90 new students each term. We share stories about the difficulty in learning names. In her context it is even more difficult because of the incredible ethnic diversity. While such diversity is a blessing, it is harder to remember names from the different cultural groups that come together. She really has given up on last names, first names are enough. She has had to face many broken hearted students who come back to her a year or so later saying "Don't you remember my name, miss?" and respond, "ummm… (fill in name here), no… it's… no…" They can't believe that their names are not forever printed in her memory. Then, of course, as in parish ministry, there are the ones you will never forget (and perhaps wish you could!).
Dan Graves+

By: Mabel White

Mabel White — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:37:57 +0000

So right!!!! I agree 100%. If a clergy isn't personable, it leaves a void. I understand remembering all names is impossible, but a smile and a friendly hello would be valuable.

By: barry edgar

barry edgar — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:07:33 +0000

very nice &godbless