My sincere appreciation and thanksgiving—on so many fronts—for all the hard work by the parish staff and liturgy committee—Susan Zybert, Chris Berg, Zach Wood, Lou Daniels, Mike Grappone (as photographer) and Judith Manza for planning and executing the Mass and procession for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. It was a wonderful liturgical celebration, a first for the parish, and gave us a grand way to enter into our Church’s renewal of the meaning and purpose of the Eucharist given to us by Jesus Christ. In addition, so many thanks to our altar servers who performed an amazing job with the processional cross, the candles and all the parts of Adoration and the blessing.

I also wish to thank John McDonald, Michelle Helitzer, Mary and Kevin O’Bryan, Christine Moretta and Manuela Hanshaw for the wonderful dual celebration afterwards in Russell Hall to mark the celebration of Corpus Christi and to acknowledge my 20th anniversary of my Ordination to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ. Thank you very kindly.

In addition, a whole-hearted thank-you to the parishioners of St. Catherine of Siena Parish for their reverent and full participation in the Solemnity and the procession. It was great to see so such a large crowd outside and to hear afterwards from so many on the meaningfulness of the day. Some remembered processions of old and said it was great to participate in such a beautiful tradition, younger parishioners explained how they felt something anew—that our Catholic faith holds onto a powerful Truth: Jesus Christ IS Emmanuel, God is with us, as we journey in faith to our True Home, the eternal Kingdom of God.

In the midst of all the business of everyday life—jobs, volunteerism, sports and the rush of the modern world—it is wonderfully relaxing to participate in God’s Love for His creation. That we are His, that He Loves us, and that He has plans for us to be One with Him for all Eternity. God’s Love is unconditional. Even when we fail, He still loves us and that Love is meant to see the excellence of our lives—Eternal Joy. That truly makes one wonder why there are people who choose not to know Him and not to follow Him.

We have a big “job” ahead of us—Evangelization—leading all people to all Truth. It may be a great deal of work ahead for sure, but just think of the future—and the fact that we shall all be together in Heaven knowing we did His Work and our friends and family followed Him…enjoying the Light and Joy of Heaven together. That is His Will. “Come, follow Me!” We can all say Amen to that. Thank you!