Earlier this summer, I had the privilege of attending a wedding in Bella Coola, B.C. As with many beautiful things in life, there is a difficult road – literally – to reach Bella Coola; and, as with many difficult paths in life, the amazing destination makes the journey’s effort worthwhile.

The road down the mountain into Bella Coola is winding and barely wide enough for two vehicles. Add sharp drop-offs, no barriers, and a bit of fog to the mix, and you are in for a ride to remember. The trip is slow, risky, and filled with anxiety and doubt, yet the destination at the end of the drive is truly inspiring.

Majestic snow-capped mountains and lush greenery greeted us as we drove into town. The natural beauty of the location was certainly note-worthy, but it was the warmth and spirit of the people that impressed me even more.

The people we met were genuine. Small talk was not “small” but revealed people with a sincere interest in one another. I was introduced to several individuals and then chatted with them for 20 minutes. Rather than simply saying, “Nice to meet you,” they showed they meant it.

When my husband and I researched Catholic churches in the area, we realized there are no regular Masses in Bella Coola. There is a church, though, so they do have Mass when a priest is available. Most weeks, in the absence of a priest, they offer a Communion service on Sunday mornings, and that was the situation while we were there.

I had never been to a Communion service led by lay people before. In this case, two women appointed by the Archdiocese of Vancouver were the organizers. They reached out to welcome us individually as we entered the church. They led us in music and prayer, proclaimed the readings of the day, delivered a short reflection, and then shared Communion with us, through pre-consecrated hosts.

Susan, our minister of the word, was noticeably moved more than once that morning. First, while reflecting on Luke’s Gospel message, “The harvest is indeed plenty, but the labourers are few” (Lk 10:2), she stated the obvious of how a harvest cannot take place if one does not plant the seeds. Her lip quivering, she asked each of us how we are prepared to become labourers.

Earlier, Susan had commented that, occasionally, their Communion service is attended only by the two organizers, but that day there were travelling fishermen as well as a few summer visitors in attendance, making the total congregation about 15 members. She seemed touched that so many were present that day and that her “seeds” of effort were taking root. She also may have wondered how to encourage more people to join in their services.

At the sign of peace, each of us left our respective seats and ensured that we had greeted each person. An elderly woman with a walker stayed in one place while every single person went over to her. Susan returned to the altar, wiping her eyes with a tissue.

After the service, our family stayed behind to take some photos of the beautiful mosaic artwork in the church. The music minister was pleased to visit with us and proudly answered questions about the building of the church.

Even though no Mass was celebrated in the church that day, the spirit of the Mass was alive and well in each person in the building. We heard the word of God and received the Eucharist.

I hope and pray for more vocations to the priesthood so that all remote communities may share in the beautiful sacrifice of the Mass more frequently. Until then, I pray for the women of Holy Name of Mary Parish in Bella Coola who share their time, talent, and faith to provide a welcoming and nurturing environment for worship. I also hope that more people in their loving community will be receptive to the gifts offered there.

Like the road to Bella Coola, the road to the spiritual harvest may also be slow-moving, steep, somewhat foggy, and filled with doubt and anxiety; however, the beautiful result of people joined in the Body of Christ is more than worth the effort.