Pastors Notes from August 28, 2023
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August 28, 2023Our schools have opened their doors to a new year of learning in the midst of some very warm weather. (I remember sitting in the classroom at St. Joseph Catholic school with just a single fan blowing the hot, humid air. We may have stuck to the desks back then but I held a sense of amazement for Sr. Agatha’s cool demeanor cloaked in that black habit covering her from head to ankle; and nary a hint of discomfort on her face.) Good to remember who is the ‘Teacher’ in all aspects of life as the theologian, Karl Barth, reminds us: “Jesus does not give recipes that show the way to God as other teachers of religion do. He is himself the way.”
Through the weeks of summer we have re-instated, if you will, the Cup of Christ’s Blood, offered at Communion. Grateful for the Bishop’s decision allowing each parish to again incorporate this privilege as part of our Sunday Eucharist, we are trying to allow all parishioners who come forward for Communion to have the opportunity to receive the Blood of Christ, if they so desire. Because of logistics, this hasn’t been so at St. Malachy’s Sunday Eucharist. Visiting with various parishioners from St. Malachy’s concerning this situation and understanding what has taken place in the past I have decided to make a change in the manner we come forward to receive Communion. Beginning Sunday, Sept. 3rd, of Labor Day weekend, the ushers will direct the congregation to come forward to the middle aisle. Beginning with the pews on either side of the middle aisle, individuals will come forward to receive the Body of Christ. Those in the side pews will then be ushered forward to receive Communion. Two Eucharistic Ministers will be directly in front of the middle aisle, and the other two Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist will be stationed off to the side of the front pews (similar to Sacred Heart’s Communion). Thus, everyone coming forward to receive the Body of Christ will also have the opportunity to receive the Blood of Christ. From what was shared to me, such was the practice a few years ago until the change to the side aisle format.
Alongside this change beginning the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, I have decided to place a kneeler in front, between the two Eucharist Ministers, enabling participation for those who choose to kneel as they receive the Body of Christ. Discussion of kneelers for Communion has been ongoing for over a year with various thoughts and expressions of faith. Reaching this decision has been guided by different individuals who regard the Eucharist as a sacred part of our Sunday liturgies, with the hope it will provide a sense of dignity to the reception of this Sacrament. There will only be the one kneeler placed between the two Ministers of the Eucharist-not in front of either-yet allowing for anyone coming forward who desire to kneel while receiving the Body of Christ. There are no further intentions beyond this for the Sacrament of the Eucharist; and St. Malachy’s will be the only church it will be incorporated. If you have any questions please let me know.
One change for the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist at Sacred Heart church. If an usher or someone else informs you of a person(s) who are physically unable to come forward to receive, please do not take the paten of hosts to the back of the church offering Communion. When your Communion line is finished bring your paten of hosts to the altar. We will have an empty pyx on the altar, allowing you to place a host(s) in the pyx and in turn offer Communion to the individual(s) in the back of church. Simply bring the pyx back to the sacristy after Mass. Thus, the Body of Christ is offered in a dignified manner to those unable to come forward. Thank you for your ministry and care for those who desire to receive the Body of Christ.
“And I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I shall build my church. . . .I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.” Thus, St. Peter was commissioned as our first Pope, providing the example, grace and Spirit for those who would succeed him. And what a grand array of personalities and talents the Holy Spirit called forward through the centuries to shepherd our Church as the following quotes demonstrate.
"Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought(Pope John Paul II).” "God's love calls us to move beyond fear. We ask God for the courage to put on faith, hope and love as we go out into the world and become the Word in body as well as spirit(Pope Francis).” “God is not only true, but truth itself(Pope Leo XIII).” “Art along with science is the highest gift God has given to man(Pope Benedict XVI).” "Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do(Pope John XXIII).” And the lighthearted words of Pope John Paul I to his brother cardinals after they had elected him Pope: “May God forgive you for what you have done.”
God Bless, Fr. Tim
