Dear Friends,  

We have recently been hearing from the Gospel of John, Chapter 6, in what is called the Bread of Life discourse. Jesus offers himself, his Body, and his Blood to be consumed for eternal life—a gift to the world, yet not understood by many of his disciples. Some no longer stayed with him as they found this teaching too difficult.

Yet here we are today having the opportunity to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. When one receives the Body of Christ, our theology teaches that we receive both the body and the blood, since the body does contain blood. When the cup of the Blood of Christ is offered at Mass it is a further sign to follow the instructions to take and eat, take and drink. Drinking from the cup is always optional. Our Liturgy team has wanted to bring back the cup for the community to receive. A large number of Eucharistic Ministers are needed so that both the Body and the Blood may be received. One lesson I learned years ago is that it is best to teach the community what our faith calls us to do and I think we need to do some good teaching on what a Eucharistic Minister is, who is called to this ministry, and why it is good to have a LARGE number of parishioners called to serve the community in this service. 

So this Fall we will offer a teaching at Masses to call forth more parishioners to live their baptismal call by coming forward and committing to serve. 

I see so many parishioners in the pews that would be excellent in this ministry and I believe all they need is to be personally invited to serve. This I know about parishioners, when asked, they very rarely say no or I cannot. Many say YES I will serve the community. 

Our Liturgy team will be meeting to finalize plans for this Fall and we will begin our teaching soon.  

Peace in Christ,

Fr. Eric