The National Eucharistic Congress will be conducted at Indianapolis from 17 July through 21 July. The Congress is the highlight of the four-year National Eucharistic Revival which began in 2022. In preparation for the Congress a National Eucharistic Procession is underway. The Eucharistic Procession began earlier this month in four locations – California, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Texas. These processions began simultaneously with the goal of reaching Indianapolis on 16 July – the day before the Congress commences. The Eucharistic Procession is an opportunity to walk with Jesus in much the same way in which the Emmaus disciples walked with our Lord after his Resurrection.
The Eucharistic Procession entered the Archdiocese of Philadelphia this past Thursday, 30 May. This weekend, as we celebrate the Most Precious Body and Blood of Jesus, the Procession will be in our area.
On Saturday, 1 June a 9:30 AM Mass will be celebrated at the Shrine of St. John Neumann. This day of prayer will conclude with an evening event for young adults at the Shrine.
On Sunday, 2 June there is an 11:00 AM Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The Mass will be followed with a procession to St. Patrick’s Church – Rittenhouse Square. An evening of prayer will follow at St. Laurence Church in Upper Darby at 7:00.
On Monday, 3 June a procession and Mass will be celebrated at Saints Simon and Jude in West Chester beginning at 8:30 AM. A noon prayer service and Benediction at St. Agnes in West Chester will conclude the procession through the archdiocese.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is celebrated every Tuesday at Our Lady of Peace Church from the 8:30 AM Mass until Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 6:30 PM. Benediction includes the weekly praying of various Eucharistic Litanies as well as traditional Eucharistic hymns and the Divine Praises. All are most welcome.
Our priorities for the Next Generation Parish initiative were selected a year ago. This year has seen the implementation of several of these priorities as well as the sharpening of their focus and purpose.
The Priorities are:
Creating an Enriching and Meaningful Worship Experience. This priority includes the enhancement of the musical selections with our choirs and various instrumentation; monthly Coffee Sundays; increased number of ushers at liturgies; creation of a Children’s Liturgy of the Word; introduction of a Youth Mass.
Growing Parish Discipleship. This priority includes the development and administration of a brief parish survey for future parish ministries and programs; the identification of lay ministry leaders; the organization of parish ministry fairs to share the offerings and opportunities with our parish.
Growing Holiness. This priority emphasizes the visibility of clergy and the relationship with the parishioners for spiritual enhancement and growth; strengthening or re-introducing sacramental preparation programs; initiation of parish-based programs for those who seek reconciliation in their relationship with Jesus.
Several of these initiatives have already been introduced within our parish and we look forward to future engagements and opportunities to know Jesus, to love Jesus, and to serve Jesus.
Prayer of St. Dominic: May God the Father who made us bless us. May God the Son send his healing among us. May God the Holy Spirit move within us and give us eyes to see with, ears to hear with, and hands that your work might be done. May we walk and preach the word of God to all. May the angel of peace watch over us and lead us at last by God’s grace to the Kingdom.