"Let us return to the Eucharist with joy!"

 


Robert Cardinal Sarah, the head of the Vatican's congregation (department) for the celebration of the Holy Sacraments has recently written a letter to the Church around the world encouraging people to attend holy Mass if they are not at high risk of contracting Covid.  It's entitled, "Let us return to the Eucharist with Joy!"  This beautiful letter and explains what the difference is between watching Mass on TV or the Internet, vs. celebrating it in person.  He explains that, if possible considering health circumstances and other factors, celebrating in person is always preferred.  That is why, in ordinary times, the bishops require the faithful to attend Sunday Mass unless there are extenuating circumstances.   

As pastor, I certainly add my own strong encouragement to all parishioners to come back to Mass if you are not in a group that is high-risk for Covid complications.  

The Our Sunday Visitor weekly periodical has a bit more about this letter.


Popular posts from this blog

Suspension of Masses until May

Image
It is with a heavy heart that I announce that the Ohio bishops have decided to continue to suspend the celebration of all public Masses at least through Sunday, May 3rd, inclusive. Here is their letter . We will continue to keep you updated on the best ways to adapt to this long-term absence of Eucharistic Communion.
Read more

Thanks for your generosity

Image
 UPDATED: 22 January  I'm a little belated in posting this, but just wanted to thank all of our parishioners who have been so generous with their time and financial resources to engage in the works of mercy -- such as feeding the hungry.  In partnership with St. Vincent de Paul and New Richmond Area Ministries (NRAM), we have been continuing our ongoing efforts to feed the hungry through our food pantries, stationary and mobile, on an ongoing basis.  Each year, we also try to remember our families in need for the year-end holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. For instance, on the St. Mary side, last November 24th we provided 20 Thanksgiving dinner baskets to needy families in the Bethel area.   On December 22nd, we provided 20 Christmas Dinner baskets to needy families as well. On the St. Peter side, together with the NRAM, o n November 20th, 90 boxes of food for a Thanksgiving Dinner were assembled at St. Peter's and then passed out the next day to the needy ...
Read more

Ordinations to the priesthood this weekend

Image
  UPDATED: May 21st With great joy, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati ordained seven men to the priesthood today  at the Cathedral Basilica downtown.  .   Their biographical sketches are available from the Catholic Telegraph .  If you are curious what an ordination ceremony looks like, you can view it here on YouTube.  Their first assignments are also posted. Last month we also ordained  seven seminarians to the diaconate , including the South Clermont region's own Deacon Patrick Blenman.  Every seminarian is ordained a deacon about a year before he is ordained to the priesthood and at that time promises to lay down his life in celibacy to love the Church in a completely dedicated and undivided way, as well as promising to pray the Church's breviary prayer cycle every day of his life on behalf of the Church and her needs.  At the same time, 14 men were ordained to the permanent diaconate as well, to serve as deacons in the parishes to assi...
Read more