 Fr.
Tom's Tomes September 11, 2005
A couple of weeks ago I wrote in my column an invitation to parishioners to respond with Amen to the Eucharistic Minister’s statement of "The Body of Christ". Since putting this in the bulletin many people have more clearly and audibly responded with Amen. I appreciate all who are doing so. The Eucharist, receiving communion, is the central part of our faith. As Catholics we believe when we receive communion we are receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus was sent by God to be our redeemer. He came upon this earth and gave his life for our salvation. When we gather for Mass we are participating in Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. Each and every time we come together for Mass we don’t just remember what Jesus did for us but we enter into the saving action of Jesus Christ in our lives. As we come forward to receive communion it is important for us to answer in a clear voice Amen to the statement "The Body of Christ". This is our response of stating we believe this to be the Body of Christ. Since coming to St. Columban I have noticed that the Blood of Christ is not being shared with the people at Mass. It is my hope that with the First Sunday of Advent we will begin to share the Blood of Christ at communion time. The Blood of Christ allows us to share both the Body and Blood of Christ. Beginning the First Sunday of Advent those who attend Sunday Mass will have the option of receiving the Blood of Christ. In introducing the option of receiving the Blood of Christ please know it is not mandatory for someone to receive the Blood of Christ. When you come forward for communion there will be Eucharistic Ministers present who will be offering the Blood of Christ but no one is obligated to receive from the chalice the Blood of Christ. There will be a need for more communion ministers to help with the distribution of communion. This is a ministry of the parish and I would invite those who are interested in becoming Communion Ministers to let me know your willingness to assist in this ministry. At the same time we are in need of individuals who would be willing to take communion to the sick and those who because of health reasons are not able to make it to Mass on Sunday. At this time we are in need of more individuals who would like to be trained as Eucharistic Ministers to take communion to the sick to let me know. There are many dedicated men and women of the parish who find great peace and joy in being able to share communion with those who are not able to make it to Mass on Saturday or Sunday. Those who are sick and can not make it to Mass really miss receiving communion. I would invite you to consider if you would like to help in ministry to the parish in this area to prayerfully consider saying yes to being or becoming an Eucharistic minister and bringing communion to the sick and shut in our of parish. Next weekend is our Fall Festival and I hope all parishioners will be able to come and support this effort. I am looking forward to my first Fall Festival here and to seeing what happens. Parish events of this kind bring the parish together. This is an excellent opportunity for all St. Columban parishioners to come and be with one another and to help out. I do know this is a large fund raiser for the parish and an important event. The most important part of the Fall Festival is to build community with parishioners. In order to do this you need to be present. Please take this opportunity to come. You might have chosen not to come in the past but I do ask you to come this year and to be a part of the community building of our parish. Community building is a part of being a parish. It is work and all need to come and participate in it. This weekend is the Chautauqua in the Park. If you come to the Bishop Hogan cotton candy booth or pie booth you will be supporting the school. On Sunday afternoon from 1 until 4:30 you might even see your pastor working at the pie booth. May God bless you with a great week. |