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September 24, 2021

Pastor’s Corner

+JMJ+
Dear Friends,
Last week I began an explanation of the Sign of Peace at Mass and what it means. In the first place, this is an exchange of the peace of Christ. It is not to be defined as an absence of conflict, difficulty or fear. Rather, the peace of Christ is an interior calmness of soul. A peace, that even amid the struggles of life, we remain grounded in God. This is what makes it important for the minister - deacon or priest - to say the right words: "let us offer each other the sign of peace." This is, as noted, the peace of Christ and it is deeply spiritual.

The second meaning of that which is symbolized here is that of reconciliation. Before we approach the altar to receive Holy Communion, we are invited to be reconciled, to make peace, with one another. Recall the words of Jesus: “If you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24). Our offerings to the Lord within the context of worship, at Mass, must be pure. In other words, noting the words of Jesus above, if we have something on our hearts that needs healing, that needs reconciliation, we must take care of that before approaching the Lord to receive Him in Holy Communion. This does not mean we must be perfect as we come forward, but it does mean that we must come with a clean heart, with a clean soul. Reconciliation of this sort is not just between persons - within our friendships, with our spouses, children, extended family, etc - it also means we must be reconciled with the Lord. Confession then becomes, not just important, but necessary to embrace and experience the peace of Christ and in order to receive Him in Holy Communion.

Further, a brief note on the method of how we exchange the sign of peace. This is not an invitation to chaos. It is not the time to start talking to the person standing next you, or to walk around the church to shake hands, or to wave irreverently at everyone in church. This is a solemn moment and ought to be held with the deepest reverence. It is serious enough that a handshake or simple gesture of the nod of your head or simple, respectful wave to one's neighbor suffices in order to keep the moment sacred and reverent.

For information on the history of this practice visit: https://aleteia.org/2017/08/17/the-sign-of-peace-the-ancient-roots-of-the-greeting-we-make-at-mass/

As we begin to contemplate restoring this practice in our parish, we need to be mindful of the true nature of the ritual of the sign of peace, its meaning and symbolism. That this is not meant to be a break in the Mass where we get to talk and greet folks. It is a sacred and solemn moment of reconciliation that has deep spiritual implications. May we strive to keep this in our minds and hearts.
God Bless you!
Fr. Jon
013 - Corpus Christi 1200

Highlight Our Faith

3-Minute Theology: The Sign of Peace (3:37)

Parish News

CCD Registrations are underway! If you have not received a form to register your child for CCD please call or stop by the office. CCD begins on September 26th for all grades.
Interested in becoming Catholic? Know someone who is? Want to simply learn more about the Catholic Faith? Please contact the office - an informational meeting will be held on Sunday October 3rd at 12:30pm.
There will be a Craft Fair meeting on Wednesday September 29th at 6:30pm in the parish hall.
Join us to pray the rosary for our country, Friday October 1st at 6pm in the church.
Theology on Tap: Sep. 24th! Calling our Young Adults ... Join me and Bishop Byrne and at Berkshire Brewing Company today (Friday Sept 24) at 6pm for a discussion on Building Catholic Muscles ... young adults ages 21-40 are welcome!
Reminder: in addition to Wednesday, the church is open all week for anyone to come and pray (parking lot door is left unlocked everyday from 6am-6pm).
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is every Wednesday at 12pm, concluding with Benediction at 6pm.
Confessions are offered on Wednesdays at 5pm; Saturdays at 3pm and by appointment with Fr. Jon or Fr. Frank.
There is no new Coffee with FJ, but if you didn't catch the last episode, see below:

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