June 20, 2004

Our Holy Father has declared that the year October 2004 to October 2005 will be a Year of the Eucharist. This was announced after he published his directive for correcting abuses in the Eucharistic liturgy, Redemptionis Sacramentum. Its purpose is to rekindle devotion to the most blessed mystery of the Mass. As a student in Rome, I had a colleague who was asked by the Pope if there were grand processions of the Blessed Sacrament on the Feast of Corpus Christi in the United States. My friend was flustered because he had never seen one. Pray God, we shall have one next year, for the Eucharistic Year will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the chartering of our parish. I have a check-off list from a parish priest which should guide our own preparation for this special year:

Our preparation for the Eucharist begins before we even enter our church. How do we treat people from Monday to Saturday? Does our behavior outside of church match the holiness of the moment when the Eucharist is received?

Do we receive the Sacrament of Penance with frequency so that we may receive Holy Communion frequently?

At Mass, do we show up a few minutes early, so as to recollect ourselves and think about the intentions for which we will offer our communions?

Are we attentive to the readings and homily?

Do we make our responses with fervor and devotion and do we join the singing to the best of our ability?

Have we examined our conscience in order not to receive the Eucharist in a state of sin? No one should ever feel pressured into receiving when he does not feel it right. Nor should anyone ask another why he chose not to receive.

Do we try to drop in for weekday Mass once in a while even when not obliged?

Do we try to visit the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the Tabernacle during the course of our busy workday?

The Eucharist is not just about “me and Jesus.” You are closer to your separated family and friends, living and departed, at the moment of Holy Communion than at any other time.

Parents, do you live up to your responsibility to educate your children in the Faith and love for the Mass?

St. John Vianney, a new statue of whom now graces our church, said that if we really knew what happens in the Mass, we would die: not of fear but of love.

Fr. George W. Rutler