Corpus Christi
June 24, 2026 Column Father De Celles
SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST. Today is “Corpus Christi Sunday,” a feast established to remind us that, even as Lent and Easter are over, the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection and his continued presence on Earth remains with us in a most sublime way in the Eucharist. In particular, we remember that the bread and wine really become the very Body and Blood of Jesus Christ himself—His Real Presence among us.
So let’s consider how we react to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
— Do we show reverence toward the Blessed Sacrament? Do we genuflect before Our Lord present in the tabernacle whenever we enter the church (usually before sitting in our pew) or whenever we pass in front of the tabernacle? Do we chat loudly in church as if the Lord of Heaven were not present?
— How do we dress at Mass, especially on Sunday? Like we are going to the Wedding Feast of Our King, or going to the beach? Do we remember that skimpy clothing can be a near occasion of sin for others, and so dress modestly at Mass?
— How do we act during Mass? Do we focus prayerfully on the miracle transpiring on the altar, especially during and after the consecration? Do we chat and laugh with each other, ignoring the solemnity of the Mass? Do you pray in preparation before receiving (e.g., see the “Prayer of Saint Thomas Aquinas”
below)?
— How do we receive Holy Communion? Do we observe the Eucharist fast for one hour before Communion? Do we examine our consciences, so we don’t receive unworthily (i.e., in the state of mortal sins)? Do we approach prayerfully, or distracted? Do we carefully show some sign of reverence immediately before receiving Holy Communion: bowing, genuflecting, or even kneeling? Do we prayerfully receive as a profound act of faith and love?
If we receive on the tongue: To avoid any chance of the Host being dropped, do we stand close enough to the priest, open our mouths and extend our tongues? Do we hold still our heads, tongues and mouths (not lurching, licking or biting) until we receive and the priest removes his hand?
If we receive in our hand: Do we wash our hands before Mass? Do we extend both hands, one on top of the other, forming a throne for Our King? Do we examine our hands to make sure no particles remain?
And though I recognize and respect your right to receive in the hand, I will continue to lovingly ask you to consider switching to receiving on the tongue. As Pope St. Paul VI wrote about receiving on the tongue: “This method of distributing holy communion …expresses the faithful’s reverence for the Eucharist.… it is part of that preparation that is needed for the most fruitful reception of the Body of the Lord. This reverence shows that it is not a sharing in ‘ordinary bread and wine’ that is involved, but in the Body and Blood of the Lord…”
— Do you make good use of the altar rail? One of the beautiful things about the altar rail is that you have a few moments before and after Communion to calmly and peacefully prepare and then rejoice at receiving Our Lord. Do you take the time?
— Do we remember that Jesus remains in the tabernacle after Mass? Do we stay a few minutes after Mass is over to give thanks, or do we rush out of church as soon as possible? Do we drop by the church during the week to visit Our Lord in the tabernacle? Do we spend time with Our Lord during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament? Do we share our faith in the Eucharist with others? Do we actively teach our children to do all these things?
Prayer of Saint Thomas Aquinas (before Communion)
Almighty and everlasting God, behold I come to the Sacrament of Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: I come as one infirm to the physician of life, as one unclean to the fountain of mercy, as one blind to the light of everlasting brightness, as one poor and needy to the Lord of heaven and earth. Therefore I implore the abundance of Thy measureless bounty that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to heal my infirmity, wash my uncleanness, enlighten my blindness, enrich my poverty and clothe my nakedness, that I may receive the Bread of Angels, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, with such reverence and humility, with such sorrow and devotion, with such purity and faith, with such purpose and intention as may be profitable to my soul’s salvation. Grant unto me, I pray, the grace of receiving not only the Sacrament of our Lord’s Body and Blood, but also the grace and power of the Sacrament. O most gracious God, grant me so to receive the Body of Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, which He took from the Virgin Mary, as to merit to be incorporated into His mystical Body, and to be numbered amongst His members. O most loving Father, give me grace to behold forever Thy beloved Son with His face at last unveiled, whom I now purpose to receive under the sacramental veil here below. Amen.
CHOIR TAKES THE SUMMER OFF. With Corpus Christi Sunday behind us, the choir will take the rest of the summer off. I’m sure you join me in appreciation for all the beautiful music they have provided us with this last year. The Mass is not about the music, but the music our choir provides is definitely about the Mass, and helps us to more deeply enter into the solemnity and reverence of the Holy Sacrifice. Thank you, choir members, and especially Elisabeth Turco (director) and Joseph Mernagh (organist), and have a great and restful summer.
OFFICE STAFF CHANGES. As you may be aware we have been shorthanded in the office for a while, as I’ve been for just the right person as an additional permanent full-time Secretary. So now I am delighted to announce that Eva Radel is returning to our parish office staff. Eva was our Secretary from November of 2016 to June of 2020, when she left to work at Holy Family Academy. Before that she ran the office at St. Patrick’s in Chancellorsville for over 7 years. In addition to her great administrative skills she has a joyful and warm disposition that everyone loves. We’re so happy she’s back with us now. Please join me in welcoming Eva back home!
(I can’t write this without thanking the indefatigable Mary Butler for her dedication and hard work keeping things going so well. Thanks be to God she’s not going anywhere (yay!) and she’s looking forward to working with Eva.)
I also want to say thanks to Dominique Murray who is leaving our staff after almost 3 years part-time in the office. She and husband David are long-time parishioners and now, as “empty nesters,” they will be spending more time travelling to visit their grown kids and grandkids, and seeing the world.
Oremus pro invicem. Fr. De Celles