The Feast of Corpus Christi
I. Welcome To Our Newly Baptized Adults & Those Received Into Full Communion: In the afternoon of The Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), June 14, seven adults: Kyle Hatfield, Aeriel Thorpe, Geoff Nelson, Erik Oglesby, Carolyn Hagedorn, Joe Stewart, and Jay Reeves; and thirteen candidates: Kent Short, Matt Lisby, Ken Ross, Mark Calitri, Eva Stone, Susan Sherman, Kim Harris, Joe Harris, Aubrey Goatee, Sarah Eastlund, Randy Thorpe, Diane Fulkerson, Emily Faught, and Will McCrady will be received into full Communion into the Catholic Church. We welcome you into our faith community!
II. Feast of the Body & Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi): Historical Background: in the 13th century, so few people were receiving Holy Communion that the pope made a law saying that people must receive Communion at least once a year. This became known as our “Easter duty”. It was during this time in our history that veneration of the Blessed Sacrament, Benediction, and the Corpus Christi procession became substitutes for receiving Holy Communion. Yet, the Blessed Sacrament has always been reserved for the sick and the dying (otherwise, the Sacrament would be completely consumed at every liturgy). Because we continue to reserve the Sacrament, we make outward signs of respect and reverence. Is it easier to believe that the bread is transformed into the Real Presence of the Body of Christ or to see Christ’s Presence in our neighbor?
III. Chrism Mass: Normally celebrated the Tuesday of Holy Week, Bishop Medley will gather with the priests of the Diocese of Owensboro on Tuesday, June 16, at 2:00pm. The oil of catechumens, oil of the sick, and sacred chrism will be blessed by Bishop Medley and distributed to each parish. Though not open to the public, this Chrism Mass will be livestreamed. We will also celebrate the regularly scheduled 12:05pm Mass.
IV. Celebrate Your Faith: Why not take advantage of this wonderful “at home” experience for your Home/Domestic Church Created by Rick Rhodes (Director of Adult Ministries), Crissy Stevenson (Director of Youth Ministries), and Hannah Bland (Director of Children’s Ministries). Each week a new downloadable booklet is released. It can be found on Cathedral website. There is something for everyone—children, youth and adults. If you are unable to print the book, please contact the office and we can print one for you. Grow your faith!
V. World Refugee Day: Celebrated on June 20 each year, World Refugee Day is a worldwide event to honor the strength, courage, and determination of those people (including men, women, and children) who have to flee their homeland. There may be various reasons like conflict, violence, persecution, etc. that forced these people to escape from their homeland. Many of our ancestors courageously did the same thing. Let us make everybody feel like they belong. One world, one community and all are our people. This year the focus is on Raising Worldwide Awareness of Global Responsibility for Refugees.
VI. The Old Violin! It will be seven years on June 18 that I arrived at Saint Stephen Cathedral, and on that first Sunday, I retold the story of “The Old Violin”—an old, tattered violin was being auctioned off for a few bucks until a master musician stepped up, brushed off the dust, and began to make sweet music! After hearing the melodious sound, the bidding began again, and the violin was sold for several thousand dollars! The point: the need for us to allow THE Master to get hold of us. When that happens, our value escalates beyond belief! When our value escalates, we feel better about ourselves and our more eager to get involved, to share the melody (faith, gifts, talents) of our lives with others. So, our need is to allow the Master to touch us with Grace as we move forward! Thank you for the many ways you have supported, cared for, and loved me these seven years. It’s a joy to be your shepherd!