My name is Mary Henkels, and I coordinate the Lamb of God Chapel with the help of the Adoration Committee. I also coordinate the annual Corpus Christi procession at our parish with the help of Seminarian Matt Selzer, the Adoration Committee and many others. I have been asked to write the reflection for the Pastor’s Letter this week.
I have been promoting Eucharistic Adoration in our parish for several decades, watching Eucharistic Adoration grow from twice a year, to monthly, to Lenten perpetual, to weekly, and finally going from Lenten perpetual to year-round perpetual in 2014 with the opening of Lamb of God Chapel.
So, what is the big deal about adoration and why be so dedicated to this form of prayer for so long? It all begins with the Mass, and leads back to the Mass. St. Pio said that it is easier for the earth to exist without the sun than without the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass! At every Mass we receive in Holy Communion the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Savior of the World.
Then why go to adoration? The Mass is a very active form of worship, with the full participation of the faithful. Adoration is a more passive form of worship, where we allow the Lord the extra time to work in our souls. The Church teaches that adoration deepens our Communion with Christ, and prepares us for the next time we receive Him. So first we receive Him, and then we rest in Him in the silence of adoration. This is where it is enough to just be with Him. We don’t have to do anything. He does the work. We just allow Him to love us, heal us, and refresh us. We pour out our hearts to the Living God who cares for us, and listen for His quiet voice of encouragement. He waits for each of us.
Blessed, healed, and fortified we go out in joy to share the good news of Christ fully alive and present in the Blessed Sacrament and in our hearts. Receive. Rest. Rejoice! The Corpus Christi procession is a beautiful expression of joy and our love of Christ in the Eucharist and for one another. We literally walk together in unity of faith, celebrating the incalculable Gift of the Eucharist with prayer and song.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all.
The Lord is near (Phil 4:4-5).
I want to personally invite you to attend the 11:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday June 2nd, and join the Corpus Christi procession after Mass. There will be four outdoor altars: near the St. Michael statue, behind STM Manor, in front of the school, near the office steps, and back into the church for Benediction. Then stay for a free Corpus Christi picnic in the Family Life Center. We have indoor locations in case of rain, and you can also stay in the church and wait for Benediction if the procession route is too far for you to walk.
If you are reading this and have been viewing Mass online, but are healthy enough to come to Mass, please consider Corpus Christi Sunday as a good time to return. There is a spot in the church that no one but you can fill. Come join the procession!
If you are interested in finding out more about Lamb of God Chapel or signing up as a weekly adorer or substitute, please stop by the tables outside the chapel and in the breezeway after the weekend Masses June 1-2. Committee members will be there to answer your questions, including after the procession. I look forward to seeing you there!
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength,
honor and glory and blessing” (Rev 5:12).