Related Recipes
6-Hour Chili
Chicken Chili with Beans
Vegetarian Black Bean Chili
Beef Chili with Masa Harina
Bowl of Red Chili
Moroccan-Spiced Vegetarian Chili
White Turkey Chili
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/tipTechniqueView.cfm?objectid=8284F218%2D90A0%2DD35F%2D6099F953C067C07D&bnrid=3101536&cm_ven=E3&cm_cat=EDM&cm_pla=080623%20Chili&cm_ite=080623%20Chili%20RecIM
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Random Blonde
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 8:58 AM
Subject: MySpace.com - Irish Music-Random Blonde - MEDIA, Pennsylvania - Celtic / Classic Rock / Acoustic - www.myspace.com/randomblondemusic
Cousin's other band playing at Beef O Brady next Saturday--June 21st: Random Blond
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=118068603&MyToken=210682d1-c5ec-40c6-aac7-598f194e3c07
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
For an 'Obamacon,' Communion Denied
For an 'Obamacon,' Communion Denied
By E. J. Dionne Jr.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008; A15
Word spread like wildfire in Catholic circles: Douglas Kmiec, a staunch Republican, firm foe of abortion and veteran of the Reagan Justice Department, had been denied Communion.
His sin? Kmiec, a Catholic who can cite papal pronouncements with the facility of a theological scholar, shocked old friends and adversaries alike earlier this year by endorsing Barack Obama for president. For at least one priest, Kmiec's support for a pro-choice politician made him a willing participant in a grave moral evil.
Kmiec was denied Communion in April at a Mass for a group of Catholic business people he later addressed at dinner. The episode has not received wide attention outside the Catholic world, but it is the opening shot in an argument that could have a large impact on this year's presidential campaign: Is it legitimate for bishops and priests to deny Communion to those supporting candidates who favor abortion rights?
A version of this argument roiled the 2004 campaign when some, though not most, Catholic bishops suggested that John Kerry and other pro-choice Catholic politicians should be denied Communion because of their views on abortion.
The Kmiec incident poses the question in an extreme form: He is not a public official but a voter expressing a preference. Moreover, Kmiec -- a law professor at Pepperdine University and once dean of Catholic University's law school -- is a long-standing critic of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision.
Kmiec, who was head of the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel in the late 1980s, is supporting Obama despite the candidate's position on abortion, not because of it, partly in the hope that Obama's emphasis on personal responsibility in sexual matters might change the nature of the nation's argument on life issues.
Kmiec has drawn attention because he is one of the nation's leading "Obamacons," conservatives who find Obama's call for a new approach to politics appealing. Kmiec started life as a Democrat. His father was a soldier in the late Mayor Richard J. Daley's Chicago political machine, and Kmiec's earliest political energies were devoted to Robert F. Kennedy's 1968 campaign.
But like many Catholic Democrats, Kmiec was profoundly attracted to Ronald Reagan. For him, five words in Reagan's 1980 acceptance speech summarized the essence of a Catholic view of politics: "family, work, neighborhood, peace and freedom."
In an interview over the weekend, Kmiec argued that 35 years after Roe, opponents of abortion need to contemplate whether "a legal prohibition" of abortion "is the only way to promote a culture of life."
"To think you have done a generous thing for your neighbor or that you have built up a culture of life just because you voted for a candidate who says in his brochure that he wants to overturn Roe v. Wade is far too thin an understanding of the Catholic faith," he said. Kmiec, a critic of the Bush administration's Iraq policy, added that Catholics should heed "the broad social teaching of the church," including its views on war.
Kmiec shared with me the name of the priest who denied him Communion and a letter of apology from the organizers of the event, but he requested that I not name the priest to protect the cleric from public attack.
The priest's actions are almost certainly out of line with the policy of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. In their statement"Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," issued last November, the bishops said: "A Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who takes a position in favor of an intrinsic evil, such as abortion or racism, if the voter's intent is to support that position."
The "if" phrase in that carefully negotiated sentence suggests that Catholics can support pro-choice candidates, provided the purpose of their vote is not to promote abortion.
Already, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City has played an indirect role in the 2008 campaign by calling on Kathleen Sebelius, the popular Democratic governor of Kansas who has been mentioned as a possible Obama running mate, to stop taking Communion because of her "actions in support of legalized abortion."
But because Kmiec is a private citizen and has such a long history of embracing Catholic teaching on abortion, denying him Communion for political reasons may spark an even greater outcry inside the church.
Kmiec says he is grateful because the episode reminded him of the importance of the Eucharist in his spiritual life, and because he hopes it will alert others to the dangers of "using Communion as a weapon."
postchat@aol.com
By E. J. Dionne Jr.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008; A15
Word spread like wildfire in Catholic circles: Douglas Kmiec, a staunch Republican, firm foe of abortion and veteran of the Reagan Justice Department, had been denied Communion.
His sin? Kmiec, a Catholic who can cite papal pronouncements with the facility of a theological scholar, shocked old friends and adversaries alike earlier this year by endorsing Barack Obama for president. For at least one priest, Kmiec's support for a pro-choice politician made him a willing participant in a grave moral evil.
Kmiec was denied Communion in April at a Mass for a group of Catholic business people he later addressed at dinner. The episode has not received wide attention outside the Catholic world, but it is the opening shot in an argument that could have a large impact on this year's presidential campaign: Is it legitimate for bishops and priests to deny Communion to those supporting candidates who favor abortion rights?
A version of this argument roiled the 2004 campaign when some, though not most, Catholic bishops suggested that John Kerry and other pro-choice Catholic politicians should be denied Communion because of their views on abortion.
The Kmiec incident poses the question in an extreme form: He is not a public official but a voter expressing a preference. Moreover, Kmiec -- a law professor at Pepperdine University and once dean of Catholic University's law school -- is a long-standing critic of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision.
Kmiec, who was head of the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel in the late 1980s, is supporting Obama despite the candidate's position on abortion, not because of it, partly in the hope that Obama's emphasis on personal responsibility in sexual matters might change the nature of the nation's argument on life issues.
Kmiec has drawn attention because he is one of the nation's leading "Obamacons," conservatives who find Obama's call for a new approach to politics appealing. Kmiec started life as a Democrat. His father was a soldier in the late Mayor Richard J. Daley's Chicago political machine, and Kmiec's earliest political energies were devoted to Robert F. Kennedy's 1968 campaign.
But like many Catholic Democrats, Kmiec was profoundly attracted to Ronald Reagan. For him, five words in Reagan's 1980 acceptance speech summarized the essence of a Catholic view of politics: "family, work, neighborhood, peace and freedom."
In an interview over the weekend, Kmiec argued that 35 years after Roe, opponents of abortion need to contemplate whether "a legal prohibition" of abortion "is the only way to promote a culture of life."
"To think you have done a generous thing for your neighbor or that you have built up a culture of life just because you voted for a candidate who says in his brochure that he wants to overturn Roe v. Wade is far too thin an understanding of the Catholic faith," he said. Kmiec, a critic of the Bush administration's Iraq policy, added that Catholics should heed "the broad social teaching of the church," including its views on war.
Kmiec shared with me the name of the priest who denied him Communion and a letter of apology from the organizers of the event, but he requested that I not name the priest to protect the cleric from public attack.
The priest's actions are almost certainly out of line with the policy of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. In their statement"Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," issued last November, the bishops said: "A Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who takes a position in favor of an intrinsic evil, such as abortion or racism, if the voter's intent is to support that position."
The "if" phrase in that carefully negotiated sentence suggests that Catholics can support pro-choice candidates, provided the purpose of their vote is not to promote abortion.
Already, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City has played an indirect role in the 2008 campaign by calling on Kathleen Sebelius, the popular Democratic governor of Kansas who has been mentioned as a possible Obama running mate, to stop taking Communion because of her "actions in support of legalized abortion."
But because Kmiec is a private citizen and has such a long history of embracing Catholic teaching on abortion, denying him Communion for political reasons may spark an even greater outcry inside the church.
Kmiec says he is grateful because the episode reminded him of the importance of the Eucharist in his spiritual life, and because he hopes it will alert others to the dangers of "using Communion as a weapon."
postchat@aol.com
Monday, June 2, 2008
Jim and Mary's 50th Wedding Anniversary
Sent: Monday, June 02, 2008 12:42 PM
Subject: Less than a week to go...
Believe it or not—the party’s almost here. I went over to M&D’s yesterday to go over a few things (and have cake for dad’s b-day and yes of course it was angel food cake). I thought I’d send this email with who is doing what. If I forgotten something or got something wrong, let me know.
Mass is at 4:30 on Saturday at Scared Heart (big church, not chapel). Dad will reserve seats for group—I think its on the left side of church.
Sharon has reserved space at the Italian Market for 6:15 on Saturday. This is for anyone at the mass who wants to go to dinner. The Italian Market is pretty informal and has good food (or so I’ve heard). You order and pay at the counter which eliminates having to split the bill. Sharon will write directions to have to hand out at the church. This restaurant is on 301 in the shopping center where you turn left to go to M&D’s house.
Mom gave me the table assignments. I’ll update the spreadsheet today. Patty will print name cards with the table assignments. Mom has stickers to put on them to indicate who gets chicken and who gets beef. She and Patty will get that done when Patty gets here. Patty will put the cards on a table at the hall for people to pick up.
I’ll fax or email final list of people with table assignments and entrée choices to koc.
Patty has decorations and a guest book for people to sign and will bring a pen(s).
Sharon ordered cake and will pick it up and deliver to koc on Sunday.
The hall is open 3 hours before the party starts—9 am. You may need to enter through the back since the front door may not be open at that time. Patty plans to be there pretty close to 9 to get the decorations up. I plan to be there early but maybe not as early as 9.
Since some people may bring cards (we said no gifts). I’ll bring a basket with a bow or something to put them in.
There will be a table for the cake and one for guest book. I think we’ll put the basket for cards on the table with guest book.
Sharon and Dad went over the DJ list and picked songs—a few special songs and the rest just a mix. Sharon and I will talk to the DJ about any announcements.
Mom or Dad will ask Laurie to do a blessing before lunch. Mom—also ask Laurie what Laura Elyn’s other son’s name is—Nathan?
Patty thinks they’ll get to Bowie Saturday about noonish. They are staying at Comfort Inn. I am staying there also. Karen and Jennifer will be with me and I don’t know what our plans are yet for Saturday.
Party starts at 12; lunch will be served at 1:15 and the party ends at 4:00. I think the final count is 113 including about 15 or so kids.
Anything else….
Red Roos end of the year Party
Hello Red Roos,
We will have our end of season lax party this Saturday June 7th from 1-3 at
the Baicar's house. This will be a pool party so bring your swim suits and
towel, and pray for sunny weather :o)
We will need everyone to bring something for a cookout, below are just a few
ideas:
hot dogs and hot dog rolls
hamburgers and hamburger rolls
drinks- juice boxes, soda and water bottles
fruit/ fruit salad
chips, pretzels
ketchup, mustard, relish
cheese, lett., tom.
I will make cupcakes and brownies.
Please respond to all in this e-mail with how many will attend in your
family and what you can bring to make this a very special day for our girls.
For those of you who don't know, we live in Chapman Farms neighborhood at
Twigs Court. If you come into the neighborhood at the traffic light on
Pearl Ave. continue straight to the stop sign and go straight into the court
we are the second house on the left hand side. Looking forward to a great
time.
Cindy
We will have our end of season lax party this Saturday June 7th from 1-3 at
the Baicar's house. This will be a pool party so bring your swim suits and
towel, and pray for sunny weather :o)
We will need everyone to bring something for a cookout, below are just a few
ideas:
hot dogs and hot dog rolls
hamburgers and hamburger rolls
drinks- juice boxes, soda and water bottles
fruit/ fruit salad
chips, pretzels
ketchup, mustard, relish
cheese, lett., tom.
I will make cupcakes and brownies.
Please respond to all in this e-mail with how many will attend in your
family and what you can bring to make this a very special day for our girls.
For those of you who don't know, we live in Chapman Farms neighborhood at
Twigs Court. If you come into the neighborhood at the traffic light on
Pearl Ave. continue straight to the stop sign and go straight into the court
we are the second house on the left hand side. Looking forward to a great
time.
Cindy
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Our Lady of Rock Springs
Parish History - The Shrine of the Blessed Virgin
1884 picture of the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin - click to view largerThe Shrine of the Blessed Virgin (previously called Rock Spring) is located near the Rosary Walk behind the Main Church. It was built in 1856 after the Apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes in 1854, inspired by that miraculous event. This spot became the destination of several well-attended pilgrimages. On May 14, 1874, the Feast of the Ascension, a pilgrimage was held at White Marsh that was attended by over 3,000 persons from Washington and Baltimore. It was a great event and was well covered in the Catholic and secular press. The Catholic Mirror reported in its issue of May 23, 1874:
"The first noted pilgrimage made in America appears now in that of White Marsh, and it may yet be remarkable in being the forerunner of others more imposing, more numerous, although not more animated by zeal and piety."
Faith in God and the reverence for the Blessed Virgin were rewarded at the Shrine at White Marsh as at the Shrine at Lourdes. A leaflet prepared under the direction of Father Wiget in 1874 reads:
"The scenery around, so picturesque, the rocks, the gushing waters, must remind the pious pilgrim of the hallowed place and miraculous waters of Lourdes. There (White Marsh Shrine) many a prayer has been said by pious country people around, and tears of devotion have shown the deep feeling of visitors from the neighboring cities. Many a grace has there been obtained through the intercession of the Queen of Heaven, and even cures, singular, certainly, if not miraculous, have been wrought by the use of the waters of this spring, substituting, as it were, the waters of the Rock Springs for those of Lourdes."
The Catholic Review described the procession to the Shrine:
The pilgrims formed in procession on the top of the hill and were preceded by numerous acolytes and the celebrant. Father Wiget moved in pious company down the slope of the hill to the plain below. As the solemn train winded its way down the narrow land, the sweet perfume of the incense, ascending the hill like the vapors of the oracle at the Delphic cleft, the beautiful green banners and the starry flag and Papal flag fluttering in the breeze, the inspiring strains of music from the different bands falling with rapturous melody upon the ear, proved clearly that something more than ordinary was about to be witnessed. The sky overhead was beautiful and clear, and the azure canopy of heaven, with its vaulted arches, and the beautiful imagery of the earth, rendered still more lovely on this bright May day, combined to impress the happy pilgrims that her humble shrine at the spring would be pleasing to her, and that as such it would be accepted.
When the procession arrived at the Shrine, Rev. Father Wiget addressed the pilgrims in a few words calling for his text the words of Scripture, "All nations shall call me blessed." He said, "All Christian nations have forever called her Blessed. She showers down her blessings on mankind in many ways. Who has not heard of the wonderful apparition of the Virgin at Lourdes, where thousands go to drink the waters she has blessed? Is she not the same Blessed Mother here as there? If God will give us one place like that of Lourdes in America, shall we not accept it, and thank Him for it with all the graces following it? What a beautiful sight to see the vast multitude in this humble plain. May it be to all a day of true devotion." After the conclusion of these remarks the pilgrims all knelt around the Shrine where the gathering recited the Litany of the Blessed Virgin. At this solemn moment when their souls were blended in the most holy union of prayer, there was but one feeling amongst them and that feeling was of the most intense and sublime devotion. When the Litany was finished, the pilgrims arose and chanted the beautiful hymn "The Sovereign Lord We Grateful Praise" which was sung with so much unction that it impressed all with the idea of supereminent excellence of the grand old Catholic faith, besides affording an index to the sincerity of their belief in prayers to the Mother of God.
In 1874 Father Maguire of St. Aloysius Church, Washington, preached an eloquent and powerful sermon at Rock Spring. "We are all pilgrims here, winding our way to Heaven," was Father Maguire's explanation for the success of the pilgrimage. It was likewise the reason for the European pilgrimages that were documented in the history of the Church. Recounting that they were about to have a grand one to Rome, where the pilgrims would lay their grateful and sympathetic offerings before the Holy Father, Pius IX, and also to Lourdes, Father Maguire asked, "Why then should not Catholics honor this humble shrine of the Blessed Virgin: Was not America dear to her?" He reminded those assembled that "the very soil upon which they stood was called Mary's Land." He promised "she would bestow her favors upon those who honored her shrine today."
Restoration of the Shrine - click to view largerFrom Washington and Baltimore people traveled by the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad to Collington, a depot located some two or three miles from White Marsh. From Collington, the various Catholic societies formed in procession and marched to the Church.
After early years of notoriety and use, the Shrine fell into disuse and neglect. In 1957 the OSMA Caravan of the Alhambra searched for the Shrine and began a beautiful restoration. This work was gradually taken up by James Maloney who completed it with the help of the Knights of Columbus and some members of the Caravan. A unique Rosary Walk adjoining the shrine was built almost single handedly by James Maloney and dedicated as Fr. Ganser's Rosary Walk.
1884 picture of the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin - click to view largerThe Shrine of the Blessed Virgin (previously called Rock Spring) is located near the Rosary Walk behind the Main Church. It was built in 1856 after the Apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes in 1854, inspired by that miraculous event. This spot became the destination of several well-attended pilgrimages. On May 14, 1874, the Feast of the Ascension, a pilgrimage was held at White Marsh that was attended by over 3,000 persons from Washington and Baltimore. It was a great event and was well covered in the Catholic and secular press. The Catholic Mirror reported in its issue of May 23, 1874:
"The first noted pilgrimage made in America appears now in that of White Marsh, and it may yet be remarkable in being the forerunner of others more imposing, more numerous, although not more animated by zeal and piety."
Faith in God and the reverence for the Blessed Virgin were rewarded at the Shrine at White Marsh as at the Shrine at Lourdes. A leaflet prepared under the direction of Father Wiget in 1874 reads:
"The scenery around, so picturesque, the rocks, the gushing waters, must remind the pious pilgrim of the hallowed place and miraculous waters of Lourdes. There (White Marsh Shrine) many a prayer has been said by pious country people around, and tears of devotion have shown the deep feeling of visitors from the neighboring cities. Many a grace has there been obtained through the intercession of the Queen of Heaven, and even cures, singular, certainly, if not miraculous, have been wrought by the use of the waters of this spring, substituting, as it were, the waters of the Rock Springs for those of Lourdes."
The Catholic Review described the procession to the Shrine:
The pilgrims formed in procession on the top of the hill and were preceded by numerous acolytes and the celebrant. Father Wiget moved in pious company down the slope of the hill to the plain below. As the solemn train winded its way down the narrow land, the sweet perfume of the incense, ascending the hill like the vapors of the oracle at the Delphic cleft, the beautiful green banners and the starry flag and Papal flag fluttering in the breeze, the inspiring strains of music from the different bands falling with rapturous melody upon the ear, proved clearly that something more than ordinary was about to be witnessed. The sky overhead was beautiful and clear, and the azure canopy of heaven, with its vaulted arches, and the beautiful imagery of the earth, rendered still more lovely on this bright May day, combined to impress the happy pilgrims that her humble shrine at the spring would be pleasing to her, and that as such it would be accepted.
When the procession arrived at the Shrine, Rev. Father Wiget addressed the pilgrims in a few words calling for his text the words of Scripture, "All nations shall call me blessed." He said, "All Christian nations have forever called her Blessed. She showers down her blessings on mankind in many ways. Who has not heard of the wonderful apparition of the Virgin at Lourdes, where thousands go to drink the waters she has blessed? Is she not the same Blessed Mother here as there? If God will give us one place like that of Lourdes in America, shall we not accept it, and thank Him for it with all the graces following it? What a beautiful sight to see the vast multitude in this humble plain. May it be to all a day of true devotion." After the conclusion of these remarks the pilgrims all knelt around the Shrine where the gathering recited the Litany of the Blessed Virgin. At this solemn moment when their souls were blended in the most holy union of prayer, there was but one feeling amongst them and that feeling was of the most intense and sublime devotion. When the Litany was finished, the pilgrims arose and chanted the beautiful hymn "The Sovereign Lord We Grateful Praise" which was sung with so much unction that it impressed all with the idea of supereminent excellence of the grand old Catholic faith, besides affording an index to the sincerity of their belief in prayers to the Mother of God.
In 1874 Father Maguire of St. Aloysius Church, Washington, preached an eloquent and powerful sermon at Rock Spring. "We are all pilgrims here, winding our way to Heaven," was Father Maguire's explanation for the success of the pilgrimage. It was likewise the reason for the European pilgrimages that were documented in the history of the Church. Recounting that they were about to have a grand one to Rome, where the pilgrims would lay their grateful and sympathetic offerings before the Holy Father, Pius IX, and also to Lourdes, Father Maguire asked, "Why then should not Catholics honor this humble shrine of the Blessed Virgin: Was not America dear to her?" He reminded those assembled that "the very soil upon which they stood was called Mary's Land." He promised "she would bestow her favors upon those who honored her shrine today."
Restoration of the Shrine - click to view largerFrom Washington and Baltimore people traveled by the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad to Collington, a depot located some two or three miles from White Marsh. From Collington, the various Catholic societies formed in procession and marched to the Church.
After early years of notoriety and use, the Shrine fell into disuse and neglect. In 1957 the OSMA Caravan of the Alhambra searched for the Shrine and began a beautiful restoration. This work was gradually taken up by James Maloney who completed it with the help of the Knights of Columbus and some members of the Caravan. A unique Rosary Walk adjoining the shrine was built almost single handedly by James Maloney and dedicated as Fr. Ganser's Rosary Walk.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
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!
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!
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