Saint Mary of the Assumption
Rev. Fr. Craig R. Eilerman
Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday’s Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, often referred to as Corpus Christi gives us an opportunity to reflect on the great gift of the Eucharist. Christ gives this gift to his Church on the night before he dies, as a way of fulfilling his promise “I am with you always, until the end of time” Mat. 28:20. Although instituted at the Last Supper, the Eucharist encompasses the whole Pascal Mystery; Christ’s Life, Death, and Resurrection, as well as being a foretaste of the eternal banquet in heaven. Each time we gather to celebrate Mass, Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross is made present and we offer that sacrifice to the Father as the only acceptable oblation that we have. The Father cannot and will not refuse this offering. As the Father accepts his Son’s sacrifice, Jesus presents all of us as well to his Father. Despite our unworthiness, we are accepted in the sight of God.
As part of our Bicentennial year, we are hosting the Deanery celebration of Corpus Christi this Sunday. The Eucharist will be exposed on the altar at the conclusion of the 11:15 AM Mass. There will be time for quiet prayer, a reflection on the Eucharist will be given at 1:15 PM, and the Rosary will be prayed at 2:00 PM. Adoration will conclude with Solemn Vespers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 3:00 PM.
I hope this past week, you were able to read Open Wide Our Hearts, the United States Bishop’s Letter on Racism. You can find the link on our parish website to the USCCB website to download the letter. Please continue to pray for our nation as we confront the Sin of Racism.
This past week the parish received a number of financial gifts to help with the live streaming of Mass and to offset our deficit. My sincere gratitude to those who made these gifts. We still have a way to go if we are to end the year in the black. If you are financially able, I ask that you continue to support the parish, as expenses have not decreased, but increased during the pandemic.
Our phone ministry has been a great success. Many positive comments from parishioners who appreciated receiving a call during this time of social distancing. We were also able to update contact information, especially email addresses. We now have over 700 households who are receiving the weekly email from the parish. My thanks to all who made the phone calls, your efforts bore great fruit.
Let us continue to pray for each other, in a special way remembering and pray for those who would like to return to Mass but cannot because of the risk involved.
Fr. Eilerman
Pastor