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August 6, 2021

Pastor’s Corner

+JMJ+
Dear Friends,
I have mentioned on several occasions the dismal statistics among Catholics and belief in the True Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Just to refresh your memory, among Catholics in the pews only 30% profess belief in the True Presence. That leaves 70% who say things like: it is only a symbol, it isn't real, or that they just do not believe. These statistics help to explain the lack of reverence for Christ at Mass, at Holy Holy Communion and in church in general - how many people remember to genuflect when coming into the church and getting into the pew? It explains the lack of vocations to the priesthood and religious life as well as the dismal numbers of folks at Mass and other parish devotions like Eucharistic adoration and benediction, the rosary and so on... How have we come this far? What has happened to a generation of Catholics that have drifted so far from the heart of the Catholic faith? I blame catechesis, I blame priests, bishops, and others who have watered down the faith so much that it has led many not just to stop believing but to abandon the faith entirely.

The fact is, however, as I have said time and time again, Jesus does not mince words when He speaks of Himself as the "Bread of Life"; when He states "this is my body; this is my blood". This has been and will continue to be the Church's teaching and belief. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Catholic Faith.But we need to bring back reverence, devotion, understanding and belief in Christ's True Presence.

I am pleased to announce to you that the Diocese of Springfield is launching an initiative to do just that. Beginning on Sunday November 21, 2021 - The Solemnity of Christ the King - will commence a "Year of the Eucharist" and will conclude on Friday October 7, 2022. The year will be filled with devotions, teachings in order to help the faithful deepen their understanding of the mystery of the Eucharist. It will culminate with a 2-day Eucharistic Congress in Springfield - an event that will mirror the Catholic Life Conference ... speakers, events, devotions, Mass with Bishop Byrne and so on. This is going to be a year in which, we hope, will bring many faithful back to Mass, will bolster vocations to the priesthood, and will deepen our reverence and devotion to Christ's True Presence in the Holy Eucharist.

Both Fr. Frank and I serve on this planning committee and we are already brainstorming ways to engage our parish. We are praying that you will not miss out on many of the opportunities provided so that your faith in Jesus Christ will come alive.
God Bless,
Fr. Jon
013 - Corpus Christi 1200

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Parish News

Summerfest 2021: Mark your calendars for Sunday August 29, 2021 for our annual - post-covid Summerfest Parish Picnic, 11:30am-3pm. Tickets are $12/person ($15 at the door). Children 10 and under are FREE. Pre-sale tickets are on sale this weekend July 24 & 25th after all Masses. You can also purchase them in the office.

We need volunteers! Sign up to volunteer on the website (click here).
The Take and Eat Ministry is in need of volunteers. For more info please contact the office or Deacon Rod at deaconrod2017@gmail.com.

The next meal is scheduled for Saturday August 21, 2021.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesdays 12pm, concluding with Benediction at 6pm.
Donations are still being accepted for the Altar Rails. $3,900 has been donated so far. A drawing of the completed project is on display in the back hallway of the church. Thank you for your support thus far!
The Knights of Columbus will be hosting their annual Stanley Kawecki Memorial Scholarship golf outing on Sunday September 12, 2021. The fee is $100/golfer with all proceeds going to fund the scholarship. Space is limited!
Altar Server training will be held on Thursday August 12, 2021 at 7pm in the church. We are in great need of altar servers! Adults and youth are welcome to sign up, please contact the office.
Confessions are held on Wednesdays at 5pm; Saturdays at 3pm and by appointment with Fr. Jon or Fr. Frank.
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