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July 1, 2021SULPHUR – On a hilltop along Highway 7 in southern Oklahoma is the quaint church of Saint Francis Xavier. The honey-colored shiplap lining the A-frame ceilings tops the beautiful sanctuary that is home to many growing families.
With the arrival of Father Aaron Foshee as pastor in 2018, the staff and parishioners began dreaming of ways to enhance the church, especially the reception of Holy Communion. At Father Foshee’s suggestion, they decided to add to the aesthetics of the church with communion rails.
David Richardson, a long-time parishioner, said, “I have been involved in many of the parish projects and improvements and it has been one of my dreams that the communion rails would come back.”
Parishioners solicited the help of local craftsman George Hoyle to make the altar rails and the cushions. It took Hoyle about a month to build the rails. He also installed the new wood flooring, niches for the statuary and the reliquary for the relic of Blessed Stanley Rother.
“All the credit needs to go to the fine craftsmanship of George Hoyle. The cushions are super comfy, and I love to see young and old rest there, in adoration, after receiving the Blessed Sacrament,” said Juan Velarde, an usher at Saint Francis.
During communion, parishioners are invited to receive Holy Communion by kneeling or standing.
Recently, a visitor from out of state, Steve Wasserman, 67, noted “It has been more than 50 years since I had the opportunity to kneel at a communion rail to receive the Body of Christ. It reminded me how humble and privileged we are as Catholics.”
Father Foshee said the communion rails have been well-received and he enjoys providing options for his congregation.
“Communion rails act as an extension of the altar for the faithful, and so they offer the ability for the faithful to offer themselves at the altar, while receiving Christ's Body and Blood,” he said.
“The rails offer an opportunity for reverence and worship by allowing those receiving Holy Communion or a blessing to remain for a moment in adoration and praise. There is no rush to make way for the next in line. Instead, there is room for true ‘eucharistia’ – thanksgiving.”
Rosalina Aglialoro-Hoyle, parish secretary, said, “I know my 93-year-old mother loves to kneel for the Holy Eucharist and utilize the communion rail.”
Mass is celebrated at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church at 9 a.m. on Sundays.
Charles Albert is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic. Editor Diane Clay contributed to the story.
Photo: Mary Aglialoro prays at the communion rail at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sulphur. Photo provided.
