From the Pastor’s Desk:
As we begin our parish series on the Eucharist this week (Monday or Tuesday), I want to remind us all of what we are celebrating each time we come to mass and receive Holy Communion. It is not just something to do when we have nothing else to do.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the preparation of the gifts and the altar. As the servers prepare the altar, the gifts of bread and wine that will become the Body and Blood of Christ are brought forth from the people. The celebrant blesses and praises God for these gifts and places them on the altar, that sacred table where the Eucharistic sacrifice will be offered. Along with the bread and wine, money for the support of the Church and the different ministries of the parish is brought forth. The Prayer over the Offerings concludes this preparation and prepares everyone for the Eucharistic Prayer.
The Eucharistic Prayer is the heart of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. In this prayer, the celebrant acts in the person of Christ as head of his body, the Church. He gathers not only the bread and the wine, but the substance of our lives and joins them
Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist as spiritual nourishment because he loves us. By eating the Body and drinking the Blood of Christ in the Eucharist, we become united to the person of Christ through his humanity. "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him" (John 6:56). In being united to the humanity of Christ, we are at the same time united to his divinity. Our mortal and corruptible natures are transformed by being joined to the source of life.
The transformed bread and wine are truly the Body and Blood of Christ and are not merely symbols. When Christ said “This is my body” and “This is my blood,” the bread and wine are transubstantiated. Though the bread and wine appear the same to our human minds, they are actually the real body and blood of Jesus.
This is the great gift that Jesus left for us. The uniting of Himself to us in the Eucharistic Meal. Come to the table to be fed by God Himself.
Our first Eucharistic Session will be held on Monday October 9 at 1pm, or Tuesday October 10 at 7 pm in the Cafeteria: The Bible is the story of God’s love for us. He created us out of love, redeemed us by his love, and transforms us in his love.