Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we mark the great solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ – Corpus Christi – I would like to reflect briefly on the gift that the Eucharist is, especially at St. Pius X Parish. Our parish patron is known, among other titles, as the Pope of the Eucharist. He encouraged frequent, reverent reception of the Eucharist and made it possible for children to begin receiving Holy Communion at a younger age. In the spirit of this great saint, I am immensely grateful for the reverence and devotion to the Eucharist that we have here at St. Pius X. I am grateful in particular that we have an Adoration Chapel. A few years ago, Angelica Martinez volunteered her help out of the blue to make perpetual adoration a practice here. With her help and the help of many dedicated volunteers, the chapel is up and running and is available to all who wish to find a quiet refuge of prayer. A special word of thanks is due to Charlie Rich who has been a devoted guardian and organizer of the chapel since Angelica relocated to New Jersey. If you would like to commit to an hour of adoration each week, please visit www.st-pius.org/adore365 .       As I speak with brother priests in anticipation of my move, the subject of things I will miss most about St. Pius often comes up. It may seem odd, but one of the things I am most disappointed to leave behind is the altar rail in our sanctuary. I love that we are able to distribute Holy Communion at the altar rail. As an extension of the altar, it represents an invitation to come close to the holy sacrifice being offered, and is a meeting place of heaven and earth. I am grateful that so many in this parish choose to receive Holy Communion on the tongue rather than in the hand. I recognize that my opinion on the preference for avoiding Communion in the hand is not shared by everyone, but I only have a few more weeks to tell you my opinion, so I might as well say it here. Reverence for the Eucharist must be our great priority. Jesus who gives Himself to us in the Eucharist deserves our utmost care and respect. It is Jesus in the Eucharist who is the real heart of St. Pius X Parish. Thank you for honoring Him.

Two other quick points, departing slightly from the Eucharistic theme.

1. Next weekend, Bishop Caggiano has asked all parishes in the Diocese to join with Catholics throughout the country in a prayer of consecration to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus as a way of celebrating the 250^th Anniversary of the United States. Ushers will distribute prayer cards after Communion at Masses next weekend so that we can pray the consecration prayer together after Mass.
2. Speaking of the Sacred Heart, many of you have asked where I will be living next. My new residence will be at the Georgetown Oratory of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (30 Church Street, Redding, CT 06896). In addition to the concern about housing, a number of you have very kindly expressed a worry about food. Please rest assured that food is provided in Oratory rectory and I will not starve.

Peace,

Fr. Sam