Holy Communion and a Faithful Old Couple
There’s a couple at my church, St. Anselm’s, An old couple, Fred and Charlotte, that always sit in the second row. A devout and faithful couple, they pour love and appreciation on Fr. Brown (not a young man himself).

Fred has been very feeble for a few years. He no longer kneels in the service, for fear he won’t be able to get back up. He stands at the alter rail to receive communion. He often forgets where we are in the liturgy, not hearing too well and having trouble always following. With his hearing gone, his interaction with the rest of the little congregation is limited. He often sits and smiles to himself while the rest of us drink coffee and talk in the back of the church.

Charlotte has been doing worse since I returned to school. My sister told me the other day that her mind is weakening. She doesn’t notice when the time comes in the liturgy to go forward to receive.

Every week—faithfully, loyally, sweetly—Fred takes her by the hand and leads her forward that she might be blessed, receiving communion.