Sunday Within the Octave of the Sacred Heart
New photos posted June 13th! Click the photo above for a slide-show from our Mass, First Communions, and Benedictions on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.
Bishop’s Corner
I thank God for another beautiful closing to our season, with a splendid celebration of Corpus Christi Sunday and First Holy Communion. It was a pleasure to welcome (actually to welcome back; how nice to see former parishioners again!) such a good group of family members and guests for the beautiful High Mass and Procession that marked our First Communion ceremony.
It was raining, hard, on Sunday morning during the sermon at the 7:30 Mass. Afterwards, on my knees before the Blessed Sacrament Exposed, it occurred to me to put my own sermon into practice. So, I “thanked God ahead of time,” for good weather for the Procession. Fr. McGuire had Katie pray to St. Joseph, and I know many others were praying as well. Result: for the second year in a row we had out own mini-miracle, and the sun shone bright for Corpus Christi. The grotto was beautifully decorated for outdoor Benediction. After the Procession there was time for photos, and then on to the next Mass.
Paulina and Darlene anchored our afternoon adoration, and some families came for Holy Hour. A very beautiful Vesper service concluded with Benediction another memorable Corpus Christi Sunday.
Although our weekday Mass attendance is very low now, it was nice to see little ones brought for their “Second Communion” last week, as well as one or two “extra” people at the daily Corpus Christi Masses.
Sincere thanks go to our choir members for a dedicated and edifying season of beautiful High Masses, with special mention of our devoted organist, Fr. Cekada, who also directed the mens’ schola for their Saturday morning chant practice. More thanks, men!
Our school year came to an end on the feast of the Sacred Heart, after a week of most reverent High Masses before the Blessed Sacrament Exposed, sung and served by our own children. The children also gave a little informal musical program on Thursday afternoon which we enjoyed very much. Thank you, Miss Patton and Mrs. Lotarski!
Don’t forget to join us this evening for our Fatima Family Rosary Procession. It really is a wonderful family event, so peaceful and so apostolic. If the family pets feel left out (Caravaggio hasn’t mentioned anything to me…) promise to take them to church Tuesday evening for a blessing!
God bless you all, and grant you a restful and refreshing Summer!
–Bishop Dolan
NEW! Fr. Cekada’s book on the New Mass.