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Author: St Mary Fred

From Our Pastor

From Our Pastor

Dear Folks,

Corpus Christi, the Feast of the Body and Blood of our Lord!

It is such a great occasion to consider this fundamental truth the faith entrusted to us by Our Lord. St. Maximilian Kolbe said, “If Angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion.” These beautiful, pure spirits gaze upon the face of God and yet they cannot receive Jesus in the manner that we do. Sometimes I ask my guardian angel to worship God on my behalf and to pray as He deserves.

How can I more worthily receive the Eucharist?

1. Remote Preparation – Spend time in adoration. To come to church and pray in the presence of the sacrament is to invest my time where my faith is. It is an act of faith to be willing to sit and gaze upon this Sacrament. When we bask in the light of the Son, we are warmed and transformed. Will I spend more time this summer sun-bathing or Son-basking?

2. Immediate Preparation – Do I arrive at Mass early enough to pray, settle, and recollect? Also re-read last week’s bulletin note on dressing in our ‘Sunday Best.’

3. Reception – when I receive on the tongue or in the hand, am I focussed only on Jesus? Am I giving him my best and most reverent attention? Banish all thoughts of watching others receive, or checking out the fashion choices of others.

4. Thanksgiving – after receiving and returning to my spot, whisper to Jesus who now dwells within me like the tabernacle. This the tabernacle that He prefers, a loving heart.

5. Discipleship – live in the manner worthy of the sacrament. Be His disciples to the world, making Him known in your love for the poor, in your concern for youth and the elderly, in your charity to all. Reject Sin, Satan, and all His works. Live the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

Ok, that is quite a recipe, and one that is far from complete. Because the real work being done in your soul is Jesus conforming your heart, mind and soul to the Lord who loves you more than you can imagine. Our after Mass prayer is an effort to consciously call to mind the life changing truth of the Eucharist. I hope it is having some effect!

Also, this coming week, please give a warm St. Mary’s welcome to Deacon Timothy Banach!! He will arrive at our parish tomorrow (Monday) for his summer assignment with us. He is in the final year of his seminary formation at St. Charles Borromeo in Philadelphia, and we will be blessed by his presence and work. Please warmly welcome him!

pax,

Father John Mosimann

June 2, 2024
From Our Pastor

From Our Pastor

Dear Folks,

Memorial Day is upon us, so a word of reminder to pray tomorrow for all who have given their lives to serve

and protect us. And don’t forget their families, and loved ones who still carry the burden of their loss. All of the

freedoms that we enjoy would not be possible without the sacrifice of those who have given their lives in defense

of our liberty.

But Memorial Day also means that 95 will be way more clogged as summer vacation period gets going. I guess

it means that you really have to plan out your weekends, so that you don’t get slammed and stuck in traffic! But

especially important for summer planning, know how and when you can get to Sunday Mass! If you need to find

a Catholic Church near to your vacation in Toledo, Timbuktu, or even Toronto …. you can find it at:

MassTimes.org

Summer also brings different wardrobes. I remember as a child that it meant that we would break out the white

pants that would be my “Sunday Clothes” for the summer. Remember those: Sunday Clothes? Some will counter-

argue that, “Jesus doesn’t care what I wear!” or “God doesn’t need me to dress up!” God doesn’t need this, I

do! Jesus cares what we wear, not because He is judging our clothes, but because how we dress is part of our

preparation for and participation in Mass!

When we take the time and effort to give Jesus our best (clothes, time, attention, and love) He can pour more

of His blessing into our souls! The concept of “Sunday Clothes” is that I give Jesus my best, because that is what

God deserves and it disposes me to receive more of His love.

Let me also be clear to say that nobody is to be turned away or judged because they are wearing shorts and flip-

flops. There are times when we are literally coming from the beach, or on our way to a soccer match, or even

sometimes folks can be simply struggling to feel welcome at Mass.

I recall a conversation in another parish with a teen who was inappropriately dressed for Mass, where they were

actually hoping that I would hammer them so that they could have an excuse not to come! I know you pray for

wisdom as parents; let us also pray for wisdom as a parish family to be gentle with our struggling sheep while

challenging ourselves to give our best to Jesus.

God bless you all, and have a blessed Memorial Day.

pax,

Father John Mosimann

May 26, 2024