Ascension of the Lord Bulletin Note

Weekly Bulletin Article
Ascension of the Lord
05/04/08
Today our parish rejoices with 35 of our young children who for the very first time will receive the Most Blessed Sacrament at the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass. This should give us pause to reflect on the day that we made our First Holy Communion – perhaps many years ago. What joy the soul experienced on that day. What joy the soul experiences each time the precious Body and the precious Blood of the Lord Jesus is taken into our own human frame. This food for the soul enlivens our faith, provides a generous portion of sanctifying grace, makes us one with our Lord and Savior, and nurtures us in a life of holiness.

Our children do not need more toys and games; they do not need more fancy and expensive clothes; they do not need more sports programs; they do not need more money to spend on things. They do need loving parents who will spend time with them; they do need to hear that they are loved; they do need an environment at home where the Catholic Faith and where Catholic values are important; and most of all, they do need to be at Mass EVERY week so that they can receive with us and learn to cherish as we do the Most Holy Eucharist.

I commend the parents of our young people for the good example that you set for them. I commend you for coming to church with your family on a regular basis, especially on those days when it is difficult and challenging to do it. I commend you for teaching your children the importance of the Mass by the manner of dress, by the spirit of prayerful quiet and reverence before – during – and after the Mass, by the example you give in a respectful reception of the Holy Eucharist. You will not regret having done your best to raise your children as good Catholics by attending Mass with them. In this you provide an avenue of grace for them so that they might be more closely united to Jesus Christ and His Most Holy Church.

I offer this reminder to one and all. It remains church practice to genuflect toward the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle before entering your pew prior to the Mass, and upon leaving your pew at the conclusion of the Mass. It remains church practice to abstain from food and drink (with the exception of a medical necessity) prior to the reception of the Blessed Sacrament. It remains church practice to be in the state of grace, that is – free of mortal sin, for the reception of the Eucharist. It has become church practice to offer a slight bow of the head as the person in front of you receives the Blessed Sacrament – this is a gesture of reverence as you step forward to receive. Notice that the priest genuflects prior to his reception of the Eucharist. In all of this, we give evidence to Our Lord that we wish to receive Him with a pure heart and with loving reverence. These gestures are received by Him with loving gratitude for sure.

As we treasure the gift of the Most Holy Eucharist and receive the Lord in this sacrament often, may He continue to bless and protect each of us in the week ahead. May our children learn from us the inestimable value of the Holy Eucharist given to the Church by Our Lord!