Author: Nathalie Godet

Dear Friends,

Have you ever been asked to bring up the gifts to the altar during Sunday Mass? Did you agree or disagree? I heard about an informal survey that asked: “Do you say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ when the usher asks you to bring up the gifts?” It seems the majority were nay-sayers! Some people feel embarrassed to bring up the gifts in front of the congregation, like this mother who told me that she was very upset when her husband readily said yes to the usher who asked “Would your family like to bring up the gifts?” She was a nervous wreck, worrying that she or the kids might spill the wine or drop the hosts. But nothing went wrong, and they were happy and the kids were excited from then on, to be chosen to bring up the gifts more often.

Inviting people to participate in the Offertory presentation is an ancient custom dating back to the early centuries of Christianity. In the 2nd Century, St. Justin Martyr wrote: “When our prayer is ended, bread and wine with water are brought forth, and the president offers prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability.” In the 5th Century, St. Augustine, in reference to the offertory, spoke of the “admirable exchange” that takes place, where the faithful return their gifts they have been given back to God. The priest acting in “persona Christi” (in the person of Christ) receives from the faithful their contributions and sacrifices, offers them to God, who perfects them and transforms them into the Body and Blood of Christ.

Pope Benedict drew attention to the presentation of the Gifts when he said: “This humble and simple gesture is actually very significant: in the bread and wine that we bring to the altar, all creation is taken up by Christ the Redeemer to be transformed and presented to the Father. In this way, we also bring to the altar all the pain and suffering of the world, in the certainty that everything has value in God’s eyes. The authentic meaning of this gesture enables us to appreciate how God invites man to participate in bringing to fulfillment his handiwork, and in so doing, gives human labor its authentic meaning since, through the celebration of the Eucharist, it is united to the redemptive sacrifice of Christ”.

After receiving the gifts, the priest prays over them: “Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through Your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life. Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through Your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink.”

The Church invites us all to have the full, conscious and active participation in the Eucharist. Bringing up the gifts is just one expression of that. The family that is chosen to bring up the gifts represents the entire congregation. Thank you to our wonderful ushers who do an excellent ministry. It’s understandable to be a little nervous when you are asked to bring up the gifts. Don’t be afraid! Consider it as an honor. In presenting the gifts, you are carrying the very bread and wine that will be changed substantially (the theological term is ‘transubstantiation’) into the Body and Blood of Christ.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

Dear Friends,

Did you follow the National Eucharistic Congress that took place in Indianapolis last month, from July 17-21? It was an inspirational and awe-inspiring event that created a sensation among the 50,000 plus Catholics present there and so many others who heard about it from them and from the media coverage.

There were many key-note speakers, break out sessions, exhibits, conferences, Mass, adoration and many other activities. In the evening, at Lucas Oil Stadium—a massive indoor and very cool-looking stadium of exposed girders and pipes and catwalks, a brilliant theater set of a stadium—thousands of people knelt in the half dark in adoration of the Eucharist as a simple song played quietly in the background (“Set a fire down in my soul, I want more of you God. No place I’d rather be than here in your love…”).

All these were meant to create a sense of Eucharistic fellowship and a greater understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist – not only for those present in Indianapolis, but also for all Catholics. Here are two ways in which it can happen:

First is through the “Walk with One” Initiative. At the sending-forth Mass on July 21, Pope Francis’ special envoy to the congress, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, delivered a homily with warmth, joy and humor that made participants both laugh and feel inspired as he told them, “A Eucharistic people is a missionary and evangelizing people.” At the close of the congress, the Year of Mission was launched, during which the bishops are encouraging Catholics to take on the initiative of “walk with one” by accompanying and helping another person to better know Jesus. This “Walk with One” initiative of the Congress invites each Catholic to commit oneself to walking with one other person. Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, MN, board chairman of the National Eucharistic Congress, exhorted: “Commit yourself to becoming a Eucharistic missionary, someone who lives deeply a Eucharistic life, and having received that gift, allows themselves to be given as a gift.” You and I can do that by being a Eucharistic missionary to any one person we choose.

Second is through the witness of those 50, 000 who were at the Congress. They were fired up with power of the Holy Spirit to become Evangelizers of the mission of Jesus Christ. Some people described this event as a “mountaintop experience,” but it was not meant to be a spiritual high to be looked back upon with nostalgia and move on. Instead, the graces received at this great event are meant to go out, spiritually irrigating a parched land of the Catholic parishes of the United States.

We are very happy that two of our own parishioners – Bill Grippo and Emile Capuno – were there in person to attend this great event that was taking place in the US after 83 years! I requested them to share their reflections with us. So each Sunday, you will find portions of what they wrote in our bulletin. Kindly read it and let us all get a taste of what they experienced, and share in their enthusiasm.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

A Message From Our Pastoral Staff

Dear Friends,

Today on National Parent’s Day we recognize the invaluable role parents or guardians play in our lives. From a Catholic perspective, we acknowledge the sacred duty of parents to nurture their children’s faith, moral development, and to encourage a life of service. Parenting is both a privilege and an awesome responsibility. This day encourages us to appreciate the sacrifices parents make and the love they pour into our lives.

I am privileged to minister to and with many teens whose faith and values have been formed by their parents.  These adults have modeled compassion which their children have embodied through their own words and deeds. This past week four St. Matthias teens attended a week of service and retreat in Trenton.  Each day they tirelessly served the residents, and homeless population in various capacities.  Stay tuned to hear about their experiences and invaluable contributions to the community.

Notice in today’s Gospel it’s the contributions of the young boy that Jesus transformed into a miracle which fed many. Just as Jesus ensured nothing was wasted, parents strive to make the most of their efforts, leaving lasting impressions on their children’s lives. We also need in our lives mentors like Andrew, who noticed the boy and invited him to share his meager offerings. This week take time to pause and notice the young people around you. Invite and encourage them to be the positive difference in someone’s life.  Regardless of our age and limitations, we all desire to be recognized, and to accompany others so we can  make a difference.

When we trust God with our poverty, God can multiply it for a greater purpose whenever we surrender what little we have or might feel we are. Although many parents face financial, emotional, and physical challenges, they still sacrificially provide and their effects multiply. Just as Jesus’ sacrifice revealed the depth of his love, and  his miracles revealed His divinity, parent’s selfless acts reveal their extraordinary capacity for unconditional divine love.  I pray that by receiving Jesus in the Eucharist that you become more  fully alive -through one small act of love at a time.

Prayers for a Blessed Summer!

Deacon John