May 29, 2024May 29, 2024
by in Communications, Uncategorized
17

From the Pastor’s Desk

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ – Corpus Christi

June 2, 2024

Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
-Mark 14:26

 

Brothers and Sisters,

Brothers and Sisters,

What an amazing opportunity we all have! The Eucharist invites us to share in the life of Christ. Just like the first disciples gathered around Jesus at the Last Supper, we receive the same gift at Mass: the Body and Blood of Jesus. This gift of the Eucharist should be the priority in our lives as it is the best way to center our lives on the Lord and be in communion with him.

The earliest Christians clearly understood the importance of the Mass, seeing it as essential to their identity as disciples of Jesus. The early Church recognized Jesus’ ongoing presence, and even amidst persecution and threats of martyrdom, they were willing to risk everything to gather for the Eucharist. While some Christians still face discrimination and sometimes violence today for living out their faith, we are mostly blessed to have the free exercise of religion. Yet, through various influences, including our culture, many struggle to meet a minimum expectation: full, conscious, and active participation in the Mass every Sunday. I encourage parishioners to identify the opposing influences in their lives: busyness, disinterest, work, travel, or vacation. Be intentional about participating in the Mass every Sunday.

The earliest Christians didn’t see Mass participation as just a one-time commitment. After the Last Supper, the disciples stayed with Jesus, singing hymns and praying, although they sometimes fell asleep. Today’s Eucharistic Procession is a way to continue our worship, reminding us to remain in prayer and be attentive to Jesus’s presence. While it’s not required, activities like adoration and the Festival of Praise are great ways to deepen our devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist.

This week, we have incredible opportunities to place our focus on the Eucharist and support the 2024 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. The Seton Route will be in the Archdiocese of Baltimore from the evening of June 5 to the afternoon of June 7 as part of the procession from New Haven, Connecticut, to the Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in July. All are welcome to participate:

  • A 2.2-mile procession in Westminster at St. John on Wednesday, June 5, at 5 pm.
  • Mass with Archbishop Lori at the Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg at 8:30 am, followed by processions.
  • Vespers with Fr. Leo Patalinghug preaching at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen at 6 pm.
  • Mass with Archbishop Lori at the Basilica at 8:30 am, followed by processions.

Our parish also has a wonderful opportunity to unite and participate in our Festival of Praise this Friday at 7:30 pm. If you have not attended our FOP, we invite you to join us. Many people have found united prayer and worship invigorating and encouraging their faith. This is a beautiful expression of our parish, and we are truly strengthened by your presence and participation. Please join us, and I encourage you to check out the full event schedule – including OLPH-related activities – by visiting https://olphparish.org/2024-national-eucharistic-pilgrimage-schedule/

Lastly, connected with his ministry to assist day laborers from Senegal, Deacon Steve Sarnecki is looking for someone fluent in French to improve conversation skills. If interested or available to help for an hour on Saturday morning at 8:45 am, please get in touch with the parish office.

In the Lord,

Rev. Michael S. Triplett

What’s Happening In and Around OLPH:

WEEK-LONG SPIRITUAL EXERCISES For Women: July 8-15. For Lay Men: July 23-28. For Priests: July 23-31. The Week-Long Spiritual Exercises are for those familiar with mental prayer, silence, and the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. This format allows more time for personal prayer. With longer periods of silence, you are challenged to stretch your soul, thus engaging in deeper intimacy with God. A trained spiritual director will be available for the daily colloquy to help you detect and understand the movements of the Holy Spirit in your soul. Cost: $675 per person for the lay retreats and $975 for the priest retreat. Find more details on our website, www.ourladyofbethesda.org, or call 301-365-0612—our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center, 7007 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20187. Registration is required so that we can properly prepare.

SEVEN SISTERS APOSTOLATE – aims to offer a holy hour for each priest every day. The goal is for every priest to have a holy hour prayed by a Seven Sister each day. One of the mottos of the Seven Sisters Apostolate is “No priest left behind!” This Apostolate has been praying for our Pastor and Associate Pastor for over seven years. At this time, we have openings for someone to step into the Monday position of praying for Fr. Mike. If you want to learn more about this Apostolate, please email TJ Jescke at 2crazeecatz@comcast.net.

SUMMER 2024 SPIRITUAL RETREATS FOR WOMEN – at Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center -Whether you can spare just one night or are looking for a week-long escape, we have the perfect duration to suit your needs. Come, ignite your spirit, and immerse yourself in a transformative experience at our upcoming retreats. Let’s embark on a soulful adventure this Summer! Please find more details on their website, www.ourladyofbethesda.org, or call 301-365-0612.

INDIVIDUAL UNBOUND MINISTRY PRAYER – Many of us are fighting invisible battles with anxieties, negative thoughts, sins, unhealthy relationships, destructive habits, resentments, and bitter wounds that never seem to heal. You can experience God’s merciful love, healing, and freedom! Unbound Ministry Prayer releases the power of the Gospel of Jesus into wounded lives. On Saturday, June 22, trained teams will be available to provide individual prayer using the Unbound Model of Prayer. Unbound Prayer is based on five scriptural keys that help you unlock those areas of your life where you want greater freedom, healing & spiritual growth. We ask that you read at least the first seven chapters of the book Unbound by Neal Lozano before your appointment to receive Unbound prayer (available at www.Amazon.com OR www.heartofthefather.com). To schedule an appointment or for more information, please contact Dan or Peggy Gahagan by Monday, June 17th, at UnboundMinistryMaryland@gmail.com.