Greetings and Blessings my brothers and sisters,
This year has been quite a challenge for all of us. I know that for many of you the greatest challenge has been the spiritual dryness that you journeyed through for nearly two months during the recent Stay at Home order. Two months without the life-giving reception of the Eucharist. My heart broke as I heard so many people express their deep yearning to receive Jesus once again in the Eucharist. But at the same time, the yearning that many shared with me also gave me great hope. It revealed the deep faith that so many of you have in the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the life-giving power that receiving Him offers to us. It was so beautiful for me as your pastor to be made aware of the deep longing that you have for Jesus.
As we celebrate this coming weekend the great feast of Corpus Christi (Latin for the Body of Christ), our focus is, once again, brought back to our Lord and His True Presence in the Eucharist. Christ gives us His own Body and Blood to strengthen us on our journey back to Him--revealing the tremendous love He has for each one of us. A beautiful gift that not only unites us to Him but also unites us to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Another beautiful aspect of Corpus Christi is the focus on the Church as the Body of Christ; the truth that we are all brought into union with Him and through that into union with our fellow brothers and sisters around the world. Sadly, if there is anything that the last few weeks have shown us with the death of George Floyd and the subsequent protests, riots, counter-protests, and extreme venom that many have partaken in, it is that we are not the united Body that Jesus Christ calls us to be. No matter where you stand on this matter, we are all called to examine our lives and to reflect upon how we can help foster greater unity among our brothers and sisters in Christ. Whether that means praying for the gift to forgive those who have harmed us, being willing to sit down and listen to how someone we may not agree with feels on a certain issue, or answering the call to help build bridges in our community, we ALL have an important role to play in reconciling the Body of Christ.
My brothers and sisters, as we come together to celebrate the great solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, and we all pray for a deeper faith in the True Presence in the Eucharist, let us also pray for the grace of reconciliation between all of our fellow brothers and sisters, who are united to us through the Sacred Heart of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Remember, “I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me" (Philippians 4:13). God bless you and know you are in my prayers.
Your brother in Christ,
Fr. Matthew Johnston
As mentioned in last week's newsletter, we will be having a Eucharistic Procession on Sunday, June 14 following the 11 am Mass (weather permitting) in honor of the feast of Corpus Christi. The procession will follow the route outlined above. Please join us in worshiping our Eucharistic Lord and celebrating this great feast of our Church.
Did you know that St. Benilde has a Perpetual Adoration chapel? Currently, we are in need of additional committed adorers to ensure that our Eucharistic Lord is never left unattended. Please consider signing up for a weekly Holy Hour, joining our list of substitutes, or just stopping by for an impromptu visit. Adorers are specifically needed Sundays from 1-5PM. We promise, it will be time well spent.
"Could you not keep watch with me for one hour?" - Matthew 26:40
AmazonSmile is an easy way to financially support St. Benilde parish at no extra cost to you. Simply register and check out your Amazon purchase through the Amazon Smile website. This will allow 0.5% of the money you spend to be donated St. Benilde Catholic Church. You can learn more information about the program and how it works here.
Announcing St. Benilde's new Directory of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
In addition to his current position as
Director of CYO/Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, we are grateful to announce that Timmy McCaffery has also agreed to become our parish's new Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry effective June 1, 2020. Timmy and his wife Jonee' are active parishioners along with their five children--Peter, Blaise, Bernadette, Lucia, and Becket. Please join us in thanking the McCaffery family for their "yes" to serve God's people and help lift them up in your prayers.
The McCaffery Family
Your Gifts are Needed!
Now, more than ever, the Church needs your unique gifts. St. Paul tells us plainly that we are members of the body of Christ. And though "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I do not need you,' nor again the head to the feet, 'I do not need you,'" (1 Corinthians 12:21) when we each do our part it creates a beautiful whole.
That's why we invite you each to SHARE YOUR GIFTS of time, talent, and treasure with St. Benilde parish. Join or help start a new ministry. Spend some time with our Lord in prayer at the Adoration Chapel or through an upcoming Faith Formation opportunity. Give a little more of your treasure. Help us SHARE THE LOVE OF CHRIST and transform our community and world into a better, more loving place.
Click here for more information about our parish ministries.
