A Blessing for Fathers

Transcription

1 JUNE 18, 2017 MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST A Blessing for Fathers We bless you and we praise you, God of our fathers! You are the God of Adam, father of the human family. You are the God of Abraham, our father in faith who was ready and willing to give up everything to be faithful to you. You are the God of Isaac, who was born of laughter and old age, and the God of Jacob, whose clever trick gained an inheritance for twelve tribes of sons and daughters. You are the God of Jesse, from whose loins a nation sprang, a sturdy family tree of monarchs, prophets and priests. You are the God and Father of Israel, your child whom you love with all your heart. You are the God of Zechariah, who fathered the Baptist and taught him the Torah, and of Joachim, the grandfather of Jesus. You are the God of Joseph, who loved and raised Jesus as his own. You are the God and Father of Jesus, and our Father in heaven, too: Holy is your Name! We thank you, God, for the gift of our fathers, for grandfathers and godfathers and fathers-in-law, too. Send your Holy Spirit upon our fathers, in whose laps we were cradled, on whose knees we were bounced, by whose hands we were fed, instructed, at times corrected, in whose company we learned to work and play and pray, at whose side we hear your word and celebrate your mysteries. Heal their pains and disappointments. Forgive all that needs to be forgiven. Give to them the good that they have given others. Welcome into your arms those who have died. Fill this world, O God, with a father s love! We ask this your Son Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray to you as Abba. He lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, who is Father of the poor, Copyright 2002 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL ; ; Text by David Philippart. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

2 Mass Times 5:00PM 7:30AM 9:30AM 11:30AM Presiders Fr. Jacob Baptism during Mass Fr. Kiepura Fr. Jacob Fr. Alexander Deacons Deacon Al Deacon Gary Deacon Mike Deacon Bob Lectors Eucharistic Ministers T. Powell J. Powell Deacon D. Prezell J. Sinkovec D. Suhling C. Sullivan P. Sullivan C. Kasamis D. Washburn S. Washburn LITURGICAL MINISTERS JUNE 24 & 25, 2017 K. Lenzen A. Kuderna Deacon L. Roberts B. Roberts A. Rafferty III P. Tekampe M. Tekampe R. Peterson D. Fuller L. Zucco B. Slack K. Igielski Deacon C. Perrelle, A.M. Perrelle S. Gunther K. Pieniazkiewicz C. Lutzow D. Slater J. Rutledge R. Fisher, J. Fisher T. Gawne R. Melnick E. McPherson Deacon M. Nelsen B. Kupsak G. Van Cura V. Van Cura N. Martin E. Martin D. Wittgen S. Scesniak Mass Intentions Monday, June 19, Saint Romuald, Abbot 8:00AM Danny Hansen req. Brad & Carol Hansen Family Frank Luberda req. Luberda Family+ William Thomas Mitchell req. Tom & Dee Tuesday, June 20 8:00AM Raymond Beyer req. Sister Emily Kemppi Rita Schmidt req. Husband Gene & Family Wednesday, June 21, Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious 8:00AM Irene Kowalski req. Daughter MaryJulie & Family Thomas E. Kean req. Victoria Hansen Mary Gorka req. Luberda Family Deceased Members Kirn Family req. Jeff & Nancy Uhler Thursday, June 22, Saint Paulinus of Nola, Bishop; Saints John Fisher, Bishop &Thomas More Marytrs 8:00AM Calvin Metcalf req. Victoria Hansen Friday, June 23, The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus 8:00AM Living Mike & Sherry Schmidt req. Gene Schmidt Family John Gagliardi req. Wife Barbara & Family Saturday, June 24 5:00PM Wendi Roberts req. Parents Vernon & Joyce Ladewig Family Deceased Members of Fred Wagner Family req. Sister Lillian Hertel Ken Gauger, Sr. req. The Family Rosa Schiele req. Kim Raasch Sam Maglares req. Patricia Flood Michael Trimpe In Loving Memory req. George & Berta Durr Sunday, June 25 7:30AM For the Parishioners of St. Mary of the Annunciation 9:30AM Living Dick & Nancy Bingham 57th Wedding Anniversary Danny Hansen req. Brad & Carol Hansen Family Ray Wetli Karla Adams req. Betty Steiner & Family John Zink req. Zink Family Susan Elizabeth Rheaume 11:30AM Jean Heney req. Fernando Cruz Family Thomas J. Schnite req. Wife Bev & Family Mary Lou Diebold req. The Diebold Family Paul Beauvais req. Wife Bonnie & Family The Week Ahead Sunday, June 18 Father s Day 9:30AM Childcare 9:30AM Liturgy of the Word for Children Monday, June 19 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary Tuesday, June 20 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary 9:00AM Lectio Divina Bible Study 6:30PM St. Vincent de Paul Meeting 7:30PM Lectio Divina Bible Study Wednesday, June 21 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary 7:00PM Country Fest Meeting Thursday, June 22 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary Friday, June 23 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM Divine Mercy Chaplet Saturday, June 24 5:00PM Liturgy of the Word for Children Sunday, June 25 9:30AM Childcare 9:30AM Liturgy of the Word for Children WEDDING BANNS Karolina Kolomyjska & Stephen Coffin I

3 from J acob s W ell Dear Parishioners, This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, traditionally known as the feast of Corpus Christi. This solemnity is an opportunity for us to reflect more deeply on the mystery of Holy Communion and the implications for our spiritual journey. In today's gospel reading Jesus says, I am the living bread that came down from heaven. In the Lord s Prayer we pray, Give us this day our daily bread. In plain English we are asking God to give us what we need to live each day. In many grocery stores there is an entire aisle devoted to bread. There are also artisan breads that are not mass produced, but are made daily on site. In the Gospel Jesus is the bread that is the living bread; that this is all we need to live forever. As Catholics we believe that Christ continues to feed us with his very body that we might remain connected to Him. As the Living Bread nourishes us, so we are to nourish others. It is far too easy for us to file out of our pews into the Communion procession, receive Holy Communion and then walk out the door to get a head start out of the parking lot. I realize that there are good reasons why one must leave Mass early from time to time but I would strongly encourage each of us to take the time for prayer after receiving Jesus, praying for the strength and grace to live faith-filled lives. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helps us celebrate the Eucharist each week, and in a particular way for our altar servers. I am grateful for the leadership of Tom Forster, Rita Gunther, Tara Ori and Erin Gardner who mentor, encourage and support the altar server ministry. This past week many of our servers participated in a cooking class held at Youthage Culinary School in Mundelein. The participants had a great time and it is the hope that our servers will bring the joy of cooking to their kitchen at home. This coming week 48 teens, seven adults, Fr Matthew Alexander and Benjamin Valle will be on mission in Victoria, Minnesota. Let us keep them in our prayers that they will have safe travels and experience the joy of serving God and that their own faith may deepen. May they be filled with enthusiasm, patience, and understanding. May they recognize Christ in the people and places they serve. On this Father s Day weekend, we recognize the unique identity of those who have fathered us. We give thanks for those who have gifted us with their wisdom, strength and example. I want express my gratitude for all the fathers of Saint Mary Parish whose example inspires us to become more Christ like. We give thanks for all fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and all who have been like fathers to us. We pray for young fathers that they may find the courage and perseverance to balance work, family and faith in joy and sacrifice. We pray for our own fathers who have supported and challenged us to be the best we can be. May God bless these men with strength and wisdom. And we remember our own fathers who have died in the hope of resurrection. May they have the reward of their goodness in the heavenly Kingdom. Let us pray for one another, Fr. Jerry The Altar Server ministry was able to get together for a team building activity at Youthage Culinary School in Mundelein. A great time was had by all! A special thank you to Youthage Culinary School, and the sponsor, Wake Forest University and their Pro Humanitate program. Save the Date: August 6 th Country Fest

4 Childcare at 9:30 Mass Childcare is available during the 9:30 Sunday morning Mass in Meeting Room 3. questions: We are delighted to welcome the following 43 families who have registered with the parish since January 2017: Ramos, Frost, Gunther, Gauthier, Calomino, Bacilio Santana, Semrad, Galli, Raucy, Quinn, Cline, Ortiz, Karolczak, Mobus, George, Watkinson, Sweeney, Durso, Thompson, Karaszewski, Greenwood, Lima, Trepelkin, Peterson, Erl, Janiszewska, Rose, Whalen, Sebring, Brown, Kania, Szalony, Koenigsknecht, Celik, Cashman, Kawa, Dasso, Bennett, DeLeo, Stafford, Knowles, Kilbride If you would like to become a registered member of our parish community please come to our May Welcoming Session and learn more about the various ministries and opportunities to share in the sacramental, spiritual, and social life of the parish! May Welcoming Session Sunday, July 9, :45-11:15 AM Meeting Room #1 We look forward to meeting you! Questions: contact Diane Mulroe dmulroe@stmota.org St. Vincent DePaul Society Dedicated to serving the poor and suffering in our local area. Confidential help line call Pray the Daily Rosary Please join other parishioners in the Eucharistic Chapel following the 8:00 AM Mass Monday through Thursday. Pray the Divine Mercy Novena & ChapletThe Divine Mercy Novena & Chaplet is prayed in the Eucharistic Chapel on Fridays immediately following the 8:00 AM Mass.and 3:00 PM during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The Family RosaryJoin us for Family Rosary Saturday Devotion, requested by Our Lady of Fatima, every First Saturday of the month at 4:30 PM. Stewardship Report St. Mary Senior s Club Picnic will be held at the Lake House at Saddlebrook Farms. Picnic will start at Noon on Monday, July 17.. Please call Jeanne Cooper with any questions, Sunday Collection June 11, 2017 $ 22, Budgeted Weekly Collection $ 21, Difference $ 1, Current Fiscal Year-to Date* $ 1,090, Budgeted Sunday Collections To-Date $ 1,064, Difference $ 26, Difference vs. Last Year $ (4,964.48) Retired Archdiocesan Priests 6/11/17 $ 8, Retired Archdiocesan Priest PY $ 10, $ (1,937.75) Featured CD for June Facing Your Fears By Mark Hart *Note: YTD amount reflects updates by bank to posting and adjustments. Mark Hart uses Scripture and his experience of surviving an earthquake to share how we can master our fears. He also reveals how our fears will pursue us if we don't meet them head on. Mark encourages us to not only face the proverbial giants in our lives but to slay them as David did Goliath, thereby finding freedom in Christ. Feature CDs can be found at the wooden kiosk in the narthex. Please remember a $3 donation per CD is suggested to allow the parish to continue the program and offer new material. Pray for all who suffer illness, pain and grief, Jean Laschen, Elizabeth Kryzowski and for the repose of all who have recently died. Leila Stearney, Madeline Gannon, Michael Towarnicki

5 To Teach Who Christ Is Capital Campaign Update As we wish to keep everyone informed about our progress, the latest monthly update from the Archdiocese on our campaign results is shown below. We are deeply grateful to all those who pledged and are contributing to the campaign! Your generous sacrifices are truly appreciated and are helping us to move ever closer to the goal of retiring our debt. We will then be able to move on towards several much-needed improvements of our campus. Results through May 31, 2017 Pledges Amount Goal $2,350,000 Pledges $2,677, % of goal Pledges Made 504 Payments Received $1,006,160 38% of pledge$ Balance Remaining $1,671,502 Campaign Allocations 1 Target To-Date Target% Archdiocesan Education and Formation $642,000 $402,464 63% St. Mary Construction Debt 2 $1,200,000 $603,696 50% St. Mary Capital Projects 3 $508,000 $0 0% Total: $2,350,000 $1,006, Campaign payments are divided 60% to St. Mary and 40% to the Archdiocese until the Archdiocesan Education and Formation target is reached. After that point, 100% of the funds come to St. Mary. 2. The Archdiocese will match our debt payment on a 3-to-1 basis. The $1.2 million from St. Mary plus the $3.6 million from the Archdiocese will eliminate our $4.8 million construction debt 3. St. Mary Capital Projects to be funded by the campaign once the Archdiocesan Debt Retirement targets have been met are: the repaving of our parking lots; and remodeling the basement of the 1889 Church for use by PADS and parish groups. Treasures from Our Tradition At the heart of today s solemnity is a eucharistic procession, held in many parishes, that calls to mind the procession of Holy Thursday, yet has a purpose different from the somber adoration in the night watch. In the late Middle Ages, a procession through the city with the Blessed Sacrament was an occasion of heartfelt joy and great emotion. In a time when people seldom approached the altar to receive Holy Communion, the procession through the streets, past homes and workplaces, was a vibrant reminder that Christ was with them as a dear companion and guide. Every year on this day, a joyful procession winds through the streets of Rome from the Lateran cathedral. A few years ago, Pope John Paul II, deeply moved at the sight of the throng accompanying the sacred host, said that we ought to feel profoundly united with the faithful everywhere in the world at such a moment. Before our mind s eye all the Churches of the world, from East to West, from North to South, are present. Originally this feast was on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, but after the calendar reform of 1970, its title was expanded from Corpus Christi to The Body and Blood of Christ and in the United States it was moved to the Sunday after Trinity Sunday. Even though Easter season ended two weeks ago, this beautiful feast is aglow with Easter light. Rev. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co.

6 Reflecting on God s Word Since early this morning Dean has been working to prepare dinner for his wife Sheila s birthday. While the bread dough rose he bought fresh vegetables, cheese, and pasta. As the aroma of baking bread filled the house Carla helped her father cook his special sauce. Later there were vegetables to prepare, pie to bake, presents to wrap, and the table to set with little George s hand-painted placemats. At last Dean calls out Dinner s ready! The family gathers and the prayer begins: Bless us, O Lord and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen. In shared meals the gift of food is made more nourishing by the gift of community. Today s Scripture invites us to unwrap some of the gifts that we bless and receive in our eucharistic meal. Christ shares the gift of himself in the word, the cup, and the loaf. Like Dean s family, we in the community also share the gift of ourselves with one another in our sharing of the Body and Blood of Christ. The living, breathing Body of Christ in the community nourishes the life of Christ in each of us when we sit down together at the eucharistic table. Virginia Stillwell Copyright 2012, World Library Publications. All rights reserved. Living God s Word Some families always set an extra place at the table as a sign that guests are welcome to share their circle of nourishment. Surely everyone is welcome at our eucharistic liturgies. But do we make that spirit of hospitality a reality in our parishes? Copyright 2012, World Library Publications. All rights reserved Summer Scripture Seminar University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary is hosting Summer Scripture Seminar June 25-30th This year the focus is Revelation: A Book of Hope in Troubled Times. Enrich your spiritual life this summer, attend presentations by some of the best Scripture Scholars in the world. Pray, eat and socialize with the speakers and other attendees, and find respite on our peaceful grounds. Attendees may commute or stay overnight, and can choose to come for individual lectures or the entire seminar. Continuing Education Units are available! For more information and registration: Like us on Facebook: SummerScriptureSeminar/ FATHERHOOD Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father! Lydia M. Child Readings for the Week Monday: 2 Cor 6:1-10; Ps 98:1, 2b, 3-4; Mt 5:38-42 Tuesday: 2 Cor 8:1-9; Ps 146:2, 5-9a; Mt 5:43-48 Wednesday: 2 Cor 9:6-11; Ps 112:1bc-4, 9; Mt 6:1-6, Thursday: 2 Cor 11:1-11; Ps 111:1b-4, 7-8; Mt 6:7-15 Friday: Dt 7:6-11; Ps 103:1-4, 6-8, 10; 1 Jn 4:7-16; Mt 11:25-30 Saturday: Vigil: Jer 1:4-10; Ps 71:1-6, 15, 17; 1 Pt 1:8-12; Lk 1:5-17 Day: Is 49:1-6; Ps 139:1-3, 13-15; Acts 13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66, 80 Sunday: Jer 20:10-13; Ps 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35; Rom 5:12-15; Mt 10:26-33

7 F isch ing Lines by Deacon Howard Fischer Happy Father's Day to all the dads who have given us life and to all the men in our lives who have taught us how to live! Today we celebrate the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, often known by its traditional Latin name Corpus Christi. Today s Gospel reading reminds us of the origin of our celebration...and its significance. To partake in the Eucharist is to accept a share of God s great bounty and a share in Christ s sacrifice for others. The Eucharist is so central to living as disciples of Jesus that the Gospels are filled with stories that share the many facets of its meaning, such as the Washing of Feet (John 13:1-15), the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish (John 6:1-14) and the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), to name just a few. Celebrating the Eucharist was the central ritual of the early Church (St. Paul s letters are among the earliest written accounts) and it has continuously been at the core of the Church s life, for both East (Orthodox) and West (Roman Catholic), down through the millennia. On this feast we seek to renew our appreciation of the fact that Jesus is truly present in the consecrated bread and wine. The Eucharist is not merely a symbol of Jesus presence; it IS the bodily presence of Christ under the appearance of bread and wine! The Second Vatican Council taught that the celebration of the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. Communion is not intended just as a church moment. We are nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ in order to carry on the work of the Gospel in our daily lives. The following story by Tom McGrath illustrates how we can experience the abundance of the Eucharist in everyday life beyond liturgy. I was on a train in Italy with college friends, including the woman who would become my wife. It was a slow train that stopped at every town and village between Florence and Rome. People boarded the train loaded with bundles and baskets and children in hand. Our train cabin, which could hold eight people comfortably, was jammed with 15 or 16 people. When the train car would sway, those who were standing would tumble onto those who were seated. It was uncomfortable and as the long trek wore on, tempers began to fray. Then the train stopped in the middle of nowhere for reasons that were never explained. As the minutes passed, everyone at first avoided eye contact and seemed uncomfortable. But then an old farmer opened a bag of pistachios and passed them around. They were delicious. Then someone else passed around a bottle of chianti. Soon, everyone was reaching in their bundles for food and water and candy and wine, and we had a feast. When the train jolted into motion again, the jostling returned, but this time we all smiled and laughed. And some of those who had been jealously guarding their prized seats stood and let others rest their feet. Since then I ve kept my eyes open for recurring versions, like this one, of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. As this story illustrates, communion with Christ and communion with each other must be celebrated, nurtured and lived not only for an hour at Mass but also in what we do and how we think during all the other hours of the week. We must become what we eat the real presence of Christ in our midst! Indeed, to the extent that we don t do out there what we profess to be about inside our worship space, we falsify, dishonor and diminish the Eucharist. Country Fest Needs Your Help! We are working on many new and improved features for Country Fest, which will held on Sunday, August 6 th. We are planning to add a silent auction to our event. To help make this possible, we would be grateful for donations of tickets for one of our professional sports teams. If you wish to donate tickets for the Cubs, Sox, Hawks, Bears, Bulls or Wolves, please contact Howard Fischer in the Parish Office. Your generosity and assistance are greatly appreciated! Raffle tickets will be available very soon in the next week or so. The raffle generates considerable income for the parish and is a key ingredient of making the Fest a success. We ask you to help by selling as many tickets as you can to your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. In addition to the raffle, the new Country Fest will include fun activities for the young and not-so-young. Plans are underway for bingo, a baggo tournament, and displays of a farm tractors and classic cars, among other features. We will have a new menu this year, featuring roasted pork, corn and cuisine from our Filipino community. A DJ will provide entertainment. We will have more details to share as plans are finalized in the next few weeks. In the meantime, please block Sunday, August 6 th on your calendar. We will begin Country Fest right after the 11:30 Mass. Please plan on joining your friends and fellow parishioners for an enjoyable afternoon of food, beverages and fun!! On this feast of Corpus Christi may we have a renewed sense of reverence, joy and gratitude for the priceless gift of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. May we also renew our commitment to be communion in the world and to be the catalysts that form community by sacrificially giving to others what they need from our time, our talents, and our resources. In other words, may we be the ones who get things started by breaking out the pistachios and chianti!! If you wish to contact me, please leave a note in the parish office or send an to deaconhwf99@yahoo.com.

8 This is a watershed moment for the church, for humanity and for the planet which Pope Francis calls our common home. It s time for the church to be bold to speak about major issues and to achieve a new level of relevance in people s lives. Cardinal Cupich ST. MARY S CARE FOR CREATION MINISTRY will hold it s first meeting on Wednesday, June 21 at 7:00pm in the Hospitality Suite [RSVP to meeting via dmulroe@stmota.org] Caring for our Earth is a requirement of our faith, as through this practice we become stewards of creation. In doing so, we are compelled to live and act in ways that protect the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants, whether human or non-human, in caring for creation we show respect and love to the Creator. Our bond to creation primordially calls us to be advocates and disciples in the current issues that environmentally threaten the integrity of our planet. The mitigation of human-induced climate change affects us all and the future of our younger generations. The Encyclical Working Group promotes the teachings, values, and vision expressed in Laudato Si On Care of Our Common Home through prayer, education, advocacy, and community organizing and engagement, directed toward Catholics in the Archdiocese of Chicago and also all partners of good will. Thanks to all who contributed to the Military Ministry s efforts to raise funds to sponsor a vet to attend an upcoming Cubs game! If you are a veteran, there will be more details coming on how to sign up for your chance to receive tickets. If you know of a veteran who we can add to our prayer list, please fill out one of the cards on the kiosk or in the parish office! HUMAN CONCERNS COMMISSION: The mission of the Human Concerns Commission is to promote the word and manifest the love of Jesus Christ by helping those who are in need, following the principle that whatever you do to the least of my people, you do unto me. FINDING HOPE/HEALING HEARTS New grief support group begins Wednesday, July 12 Meet others who have also experienced the death of a loved one. 10 weeks 1:30-3:00pm 7/12-9/13 Contact Diane Mulroe in parish office or the website for registration information. JOYFUL AGAIN is for widowed men and women learning to find joy after the loss of a spouse. Attend a retreat/workshop being held this summer: 7/1-2 St. Julie s in Tinley Park 7/22-23 Holy Family in Inverness 8/12-13 Mary Queen in Elmhurst To register, contact: Joyful Again Widowed Ministry www. joyfulagain.org St. Mary of the Annunciation Prayer Angels Faithful parishioners provide prayer support when someone is critically ill or experiencing acute trauma. With the person or family's permission, the Saint Mary Angels are notified by to pray for this person and their family. If you would like to subscribe to be a Prayer Angel, or if you have a request for prayers, please Diane Mulroe dmulroe@stmota.org. Divorce and Beyond This support group helps bring healing for those who are divorced or who have already filed for divorce. Each meeting focuses on a different aspect of the divorce healing process. The program includes education, discussion, and prayer and is held here at St. Mary of the Annunciation. Upcoming dates tbd. For additional information and to register contact Diane Mulroe in the parish office. Human Concern Commission Members: Carey Marciniak, Chairperson; Deacon Gary Kupsak, Kathleen DeCaire- Aden, Linda Green, Tom Hanley, Veronica Hertel, Mary Lou Loomis, Kathy Pannhausen, Sue Poletto, Dan Prezell, Jim Robinson, Jan Swanson; Diane Mulroe, Staff Liaison Join us for meetings 4th Wednesdays 3:30pm

9 PRAYER FOR RENEW MY CHURCH Lord Jesus, you speak to us today as you spoke to holy men and women who have gone before us. In every age and in our own time you call us and say: "Renew my Church." Pour out the gift of your Holy Spirit upon us, and so enable us to hear you clearly, to listen to each other attentively, to imagine our future boldly, to discern your direction wisely, to persevere in your holy will courageously, to stay together in charity, to surrender our own plans readily, to embrace the greater good, to hand on your gifts to future generations. May we remain in the holy company of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the apostles, and all the saints. May their example and presence inspire us with patient confidence in the work of your grace. We ask this of you who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Weekend Mass Times: Sat. 5:00pm Sun. 7:30, 9:30,11:30am

10 THE MOST HOLY BODY & BLOOD OF CHRIST Bread for the World We cannot help but be moved as we sing Franck s Panis Angelicus. But, we cannot help being more strongly moved by the realization that the bread of angels is truly the bread given to humans, to us. Jesus gives himself as bread, as Body and Blood. This sustains us, finally and wholly, on this earth. Comment The solemn celebration of the Lord s Supper on the evening of Holy Thursday commemorates the institution of the Eucharist, but the context of the three holy days of the Triduum focuses us on the story of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Today s solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ invites our return to a full and leisurely reflection on the Eucharist. The actions of taking, blessing, breaking, and giving that constitute every celebration of the Eucharist are patterned on the actions of Jesus at the Last Supper. Today we celebrate his presence with us as the living bread, come down from heaven. One cannot overestimate the importance of the Eucharist in the life of the Church. The Gospels themselves record the story of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes no fewer than six times. John narrates the story in fifteen verses (John 6:1 15) and then devotes the rest of the long sixth chapter to a prolonged reflection on the meaning of the words, I am the living bread that came down from heaven (John 6:51). Clearly, the entire sixth chapter expresses a deeply held faith in Jesus as nourishment for the human spirit as necessary as ordinary bread is for the body. The reality of Jesus as bread for the journey is foreshadowed in the other nourishment story of a people on the way. That people is the Hebrews who spent a forty-year sojourn in the desert. Here was the place of their long education of what it is to be God s own people. Throughout the desert wanderings, the Hebrews learned and forgot and learned again that God was the source of their life, beginning with their basic physical survival. One would be hard put to overestimate the importance of food and water to a desert people, not to mention a people who had no knowledge of the desert in the first place. The Hebrews, though enslaved in Egypt, were at least fed there. And doubtless for the worst motive so that they would be strong enough to slave away another day. After they were free, they wondered if they had been cut loose in the desert to die. And they would have died in fact, had it not been for God s providence. They partook of a sweet food never known before, which they called manna. This food was their physical sustenance in the wilderness. The book of Deuteronomy, or second law, reiterates the story of Israel s exodus and sojourn. Deuteronomy takes the form of a pastoral, a homily. The strange desert is parched and infested, yet God supplies food and water. And that s not even the half of it. The first reading today from Deuteronomy recalls how God fed the people with manna. The book reminds the people that although this abundance of new food was amazing, it was as nothing compared to the word issuing from the mouth of God. This God s word is the true bread that sustains the soul. Reflection Our sharing in the Body and Blood of Christ not only keeps us alive in him, it keeps us together. The bread we break and the cup we share are our participation in his life. Paul reminds us that as the bread is one, we, the many, are also one with Christ and with one another. This communion and union must show in our daily lives, which must manifest our participation in Holy Communion. The feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is a good time to remember this. Copyright 2004, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.

11 Mass Parish Staff Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 11:30 AM Weekday Monday Friday 8:00 AM PARISH NUMBER Parish Emergency Rev. Jerome Jacob Ext. 213 Pastor Rev. Matthew Alexander Ext. 212 Associate Pastor Deacons Mike Alandy, Gary Kupsak, Robert Poletto Mr. Fred Vipond Ext. 234 Director of Music & Liturgy Ms. Sue Matousek Ext. 218 Director of Religious Education Ms. Diane Mulroe Ext. 216 Director of Human Concerns Mr. Benjamin Valle Ext. 230 Coordinator of Youth Ministry Dcn. Howard Fischer Ext. 215 Director of Parish Operations Ms. Tammy Kleckner Ext. 310 Principal, CCLC Ms. Penny Elwood Ext. 217 Bookkeeper/Accountant Ms. Victoria Hansen Ext. 200 Administrative Assistant Mr. Richard Plage Ext. 304 Site Manager Mr. James Shaffer Maintenance Mr. William Tangney Maintenance Rev. Ken Kiepura Weekend Associate Pastoral Council Jon Matousek Mary Lou Loomis Joaquin Valdes Cassandra Dye Kathy Lenzen Pete Coughlin Gina Debord Roni Hertel Dan Prezell Sheila Dalton Carey Marciniak Marivie Alandy Bob Lyman Sandra Frank W. Erhart Road Mundelein, Illinois Parish Fax number Pre K 5 School: Frassati Catholic Academy (Grades 6 8) Religious Education Program (REP) Emergency Number Parish Office Hours Monday Friday 8:30AM 4:00PM Sacrament of Penance Baptisms Adult Initiation Marriage Ministry of Care New parishioners Saturdays 4:00 4:40 PM, and by appointment Ordinarily during the Mass on the 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month and after the Mass on the other Sundays, outside of Lent. Parents are required to participate in a Baptismal Preparation class before scheduling a Baptism. Adults who wish to become Roman Catholics are enrolled in a formation process that includes prayer, dialogue, instruction, and introduction to the Church s life and values, rituals and tradition. Call the parish office for more information. St. Mary Parish rejoices with parishioners who are preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony. The Church requires at least four months time before the marriage for adequate preparation. A parish wedding information packet is available at the parish office. Ministers of Care visit the homes of the sick, homebound, or hospitalized and bring Holy Communion to them. Call the parish office when a pastoral visit is desired. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered by the parish priest upon request. We welcome new members who wish to worship with us and support the parish s work and mission. Please call the parish office to schedule a time to register. A complete listing of parish services and organizations is available at the parish office.