The 10th National Eucharistic Congress, in Indianapolis, an opportunity to experience a profound personal renewal through the power of Christ’s love begins this Wednesday, 17 July and concludes next Sunday, 21 July. Recall that the National Eucharistic Procession brought the Real Presence of Jesus into communities throughout the country, culminating in Indianapolis. Thus, the Congress is designed as a new Pentecost where a transformation will flow out from Indianapolis to bring revival to all the communities of the Church. The Congress seeks to facilitate a life-changing encounter with Jesus, the source and summit of our faith. Blessings to all the attendees of the Congress and thank you for being witnesses to what the Lord is doing, asking the Holy Spirit to move in and through us.
This Tuesday, 16 July at 6:30 p.m. we will begin our summer expanded Benediction at Our Lady of Peace Church. The evening will begin with our litany prayer followed by a reading from Sacred Scripture, a reflection, and Benediction. The Sacrament of Penance will be celebrated simultaneously. The program should conclude shortly after 7:00. These expanded Benediction programs will continue throughout the summer and conclude on Tuesday, 27 August. The 7:00 Tuesday evening Mass will resume from 3 September through 17 December.
Periodically we will provide updates on the priorities and goals of the Next Generation Parish initiatives. Today’s focus is on our Coffee Sundays.
Frequently, a fresh pot is required, and that is a good thing. Coffee Sundays have been one of the Next Generation Parish initiatives that has been fully operational for quite some time. We gather as a parish community in the St. Joseph Room of Notre Dame de Lourdes School after the 9:30 Mass. Continental breakfast treats are featured along with juice, coffee, and tea.
Coffee Sundays give us the opportunity to simply be present with and for each other. These Sundays give you the chance to meet with your Sunday friends and to discover new ones. These Sundays welcome you to the vibrancy of Notre Dame de Lourdes School and give you a brief insight into the wonderful things that are happening at our cherished parish school. The expanded distance between Masses allows the parish clergy (deacons and priests) to engage with you and to participate in conversation away from a structured liturgical setting.
Coffee Sundays are set to occur monthly on the third Sunday of the month – for July that would be next Sunday. To date our Coffee Sundays have occurred only at our Notre Dame de Lourdes site. Our facilities at the Our Lady of Peace site are fully engaged on Sunday mornings so a Coffee Sunday program after the 7:30 or 11:30 Masses would be relegated to the temperate months and of course would be weather dependent. All are most welcome.
Today’s Gospel from St. Mark closes with the line: “The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.” (Mark 6:13) This passage is the origin of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is intended to encourage a troubled individual about the accompaniment of Jesus during a period of despair, discomfort, doubt, or disease. The Sacrament is offered to those who are struggling emotionally, physically, or spiritually. It is also available to those who are concerned about impending medical or surgical procedures. The Sacrament is also provided for those who are at their final stage of life as an assurance of the assistance of the grace of the Eucharist during the transition to everlasting life. One sacrament, that can be received more than once, with many varied expressions and prayers that offer comfort, strength, support, and hope. Feel free to reach out to the rectory or to speak with one of our priests if you desire the grace of this most special sacrament.