Dear Friends,
Today’s bulletin is a special edition as we inaugurate the Parish Phase of the National Eucharistic Revival that our nation’s Bishops Conference has initiated. Please read in this bulletin the objectives and practical plans of this revival.
What are we doing here at St. Matthias for reviving Eucharistic spirituality? Our newly formed Eucharistic Revival Committee has proposed many ideas for me to consider and implement those that are practical during the course of the year. We begin with the following:
- Eucharistic Procession: This weekend we are celebrating the feast of “Corpus Christi” which is the traditional name for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. We have announced holding the Eucharistic Procession after the 5 pm Mass. Processing with the Holy Eucharist around our church and school praying and singing is a public expression of our faith in the Eucharist.
- Weekly Adoration: Being in the presence of the Eucharistic Lord is a very pious personal devotion. Sitting quietly in front of the Blessed Sacrament is a spiritually fulfilling experience that Catholics all over the world love. We are dedicating two hours every Monday from 6-8 pm. Many have already signed up. Most welcome to experience it.
- Closing the door near the Tabernacle: You may remember during the Jubilee Year of 2000, all our side doors were closed and everyone had to enter through the main door in the front. This time, only one door near the Tabernacle side in the church will be closed in order to signify the sacredness of the area. It is only human that we stand near the Tabernacle, having chitchat and laughter, taking the presence of Jesus in the Tabernacle for granted. Leaving that door closed is just a symbolic reminder to us of the reverence and silence we need to have in front and near the Lord in the Tabernacle.
- Communion from the Chalice: During the pandemic, we had suspended our practice of receiving the Precious Blood of the Lord from the Chalice due to the fear of the risk of cross-contamination. In this post-pandemic times, it is only right that we offer the chalice to those who wish to receive. We will plan the logistics and try this soon.
There are more ideas and plans in the offing as we intend to promote the four pillars of the Eucharistic revival: 1) Reinvigorating worship, 2) Personal Encounter with Christ, 3) Robust Faith Formation, and 4) Missionary Commissioning. (see page 5 of this bulletin for more on this).
Congratulations to three of our parishioners – Ricky Michel, Ivette Michel and Donna Vattelana – who have been trained as Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers. Their commissioning at the 5 pm Mass this weekend is a reminder to others to consider becoming such a Minister of Holy Communion.
Your brother in Christ,
Fr. Abraham Orapankal