Dear Friends,
Our first reading a few weekends ago was from chapter six of the Acts of the Apostles concerning the appointment of the first deacons in the Church as the community of believers continued to grow in Jerusalem. On Saturday of this weekend, Archbishop Peréz ordained four men to the Permanent Diaconate at the Cathedral Basilica. On this Sunday then allow me to give a “shout out” to Deacon Jack Hasson and Deacon Ed Hinson, who serve our parish family here. May God continue to bless them, and all deacons, with every grace for their diaconal ministry and service to God’s people. Additionally, I want to acknowledge Mike Connor as he progresses in his studies and formation to become a Permanent Deacon in our Archdiocese. God grant him every grace and blessing to persevere as he continues his preparation at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.
Today, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, initiates the second phase of our national Eucharistic Revival, the Year of Parish Revival. This year the focus will be on fostering “…Eucharistic devotion at the parish level, strengthening our liturgical life through faithful celebration of Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, missions, resources, preaching, and organic movements of the Holy Spirit.” We look forward to strengthening our devotion and our practices during this year as we anticipate our Archdiocesan Eucharistic Congress on Saturday, September 30 at Our Lady of Czestochowa Polish National Shrine, Doylestown. Mark your calendars, please.
Let us take one day at a time and begin today by our participation in our outdoor Eucharistic Procession around a portion of our parish property. After the 12 Noon Mass, we will form the procession from the Sanctuary, move out the front doors of Church, down the driveway to Locust Street, move along the pavement to Sixth Avenue, follow along Sixth Avenue to our driveway and move back towards Church, concluding with outdoor Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. This is a wonderful opportunity to publicly witness to our faith in Jesus Christ, truly, really, and fully present ~ Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity ~ in the Eucharist. After Benediction there will be a “cold treat” and time for socializing and sharing together.
I am looking forward to this wonderful moment in our parish life, united in our faith in Jesus Christ, offering Him our worship, and sharing the bonds of fraternity with each other. Please plan to be present and to participate in this true blessing as we begin this second year of Eucharistic Revival.
Remember our Lenten Eucharistic Challenge to make visits to our Lord in Adoration in Chapel was a huge success. Over one thousand visits were made. Let us come and worship today, joining our minds, hearts, and souls in a chorus of exultant prayer and praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Come, Lord Jesus!
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
