I. Feast of the Body & Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) has a twofold interwoven dimension: we believe that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ at Eucharist, and we also believe that the baptized community of believers is the living Body of Christ. Pope Pius XII in his encyclical Mystici Corporis Christi, promulgated on June 29, 1943, proclaims that “the doctrine of the Mystical Body of Christ, which is the Church, was first taught by the Redeemer himself” [Col. 1:24]. Fed by the Eucharist we are to be the hands, eyes, ears, voice, and touch of Christ to others. Quoting St. Augustine, Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that “in the Eucharist, we become what we consume.” The Eucharist unites and calls for ways to reach out to others. It cannot be simply about someone “getting” Communion; it is being in communion with the Lord and with others who are also with the Lord. Let’s give thanks for the amazing gift of Eucharist and accept the challenge it holds.
II. Gratitude to Fr. Jamie Dennis who just returned from a train trip to California. I admire how Fr. Jamie maneuvers the train system which he knows well. How many of us, if we were blind, would be fearless in such a pursuit and adventure. His “can do” attitude is inspiring! For his care for the sick, hospitalized, homebound, and convalescent/retirement homes (Fr. Jamie celebrated Mass each month at Fern Terrace and twice a month at Hermitage), we thank him. For his ministry to middle and high school youth, we thank him. For his leading Vespers (official Evening Prayer of the Church) on Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m., we thank him. While the weekend of June 10th will be his last at Blessed Sacrament Chapel, this is Fr. Jamie’s last Sunday at St. Stephen Cathedral. We invite you to express your gratitude to Fr. Jamie after the weekend Masses at an “enhanced” Coffee/Juice and Donuts/Fruit. After the 7:00 a.m. Mass on June 12th, Fr. Jamie will be heading East, not by train, to St. Mary of the Woods in Whitesville. Thank you, Fr. Jamie!
III. Xavier Society for the Blind: at its founding in 1900, inspired by a group of dedicated laywomen and aided by a Jesuit priest, Rev. Joseph Stadelman, S.J., Xavier Society had a simple mission: to make writings on religion and spirituality available to the blind. In 1904, the Xavier Society became legally incorporated and continued it’s pioneering mission by adding large print, vinyl records, audio cassette and most recently MP3 digital formats to its braille offerings. The tradition of this Jesuit-led ministry continues today, with six full-time staff members and a number of volunteers to assure that “those without sight may see.” Our parochial vicar, Fr. Jamie Dennis, receives weekend Scripture readings plus an additional item in braille, each month free of charge. Your generosity has made it possible for the Cathedral to make a substantial donation the past two years to this indispensable ministry.
IV. Pope’s Prayer of Intention: June’s special intention of Pope Francis: Universal—Social Networks: that social networks may work toward that inclusiveness which respects others for their differences.
V. Happy 40th Anniversary, Fr. Richard Meredith! Assigned to St. Stephen Cathedral in his younger years, Fr. Richard will be celebrating 40 years of generous service to the People of God on Sunday, June 3rd, beginning with a Holy Hour at 4:00 p.m., followed by dinner. His present address: Saints Peter & Paul Church, 902 East 9th Street, Hopkinsville, KY 42240.
VI. Diaconate Ordination of Mark Schuster through the laying on of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit was celebrated on Saturday, June 2nd, at 11:00am (EDT) in the Knoxville, Tennessee Cathedral. Deacon Mark will continue his pastoral ministry at St. Stephen Cathedral during his last year of Theology at St. Meinrad before his priesthood ordination in 2019. Cards and letters can be sent to St. Meinrad:
Rev. Mr. Mark Schuster, 200 Hill Drive Saint Meinrad, IN 47577