Joyce Guris

July 28, 2024 – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Joyce Guris
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This week our theme is “Fish and Loaves” based on John 6:1-15 /Juan 6:1-15

All pray the Sign of the Cross

All powerful and merciful Father, increase our faith in you.  When we struggle to believe, give us the courage to believe so that we may see your power at work in our lives.  Amen.

Using the Bible, invite a family member to read the Gospel aloud.

John 6:1-15 /Juan 6:1-15

Things to talk about:

In today’s Gospel story, Jesus miraculously feeds over 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish that a boy in the crowd has with him.

  • If you were the boy in the crowd, would you have shared your food? Why or why not?
  • What does the sign of feeding the multitudes teach us today?
  • What does the abundance teach us about God?
  • How does today’s Gospel remind you of Mass?

Things to do:

  • Harvest berries and vegetables from your garden, or visit a farmers’ market to buy locally-grown produce. Invite friends and family members to make a dish celebrating the fruits of the earth you gathered.
  • Donate extra produce from your garden during a St.Vincent de Paul (SVdP) perishable food drive.
  • Feed the hungry in your area by donating non-perishable food items to SVdP or a local food bank.

Closing Prayer

Loving God,

Multiply me, increase my energy and my efforts, expand my wisdom and capacity to serve, and make me a channel of your love. 

Amen

Catholic Insights

All four Gospels tell a story about Jesus miraculously feeding a large crowd with the lowest estimate set at 5,000 men, not including women and children. Matthew, Mark, and Luke don’t tell us where the food came from; it is John’s Gospel that gives us the detail of the boy who has five loaves of bread and two fish that Jesus multiplies. What was that boy’s experience that day?

Probably those loaves and fish were meant to be the boy’s lunch—or lunch for his whole family. The crowd had converged from the entire surrounding region, and many would have walked from many miles away. What had brought the boy there? What might he and his family have heard about Jesus? Why had they come?

Surrounded by the immense crowd, out and away from the nearest town, up on a mountain, was it a difficult choice for the boy to offer his food when he didn’t know where or when he would have more? Probably we all know people (perhaps even ourselves) who wouldn’t have let on that we had our own food among a hungry crowd. Yet something inspired the boy to share his lunch, and Jesus used a little to feed a lot. The boy learned something that day that we all need to learn and re-learn.

In his song, “What You Got,” singer-songwriter Billy Crockett put it this way: “But oh/remember the fish and the loaves/How love has a math of its own/What you got is more than enough/When God gets a hold/Of what you got.” We can trust Jesus with whatever we have, a little or a lot, to do miraculous things.

Virtus: Protecting God’s Children Adult Training

Posted on by Joyce Guris

Virtus Training is required for all adults working with children or vulnerable adults. We will be offering the training for Transfiguration adults and volunteers on Monday, July 29, 9:30 am -noon. Go to www.virtus.org to register. Pre-registration is required. Thank you for your commitment to keeping our kids safe.

July 21, 2024 – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Joyce Guris
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This week our theme is “The True Shepherd” based on Mark 6:30-34/Marcos 6:30-34

All pray the Sign of the Cross

Jesus, help us to hear you, our shepherd, so that we may do your will.  Amen.

Using the Bible, invite a family member to read the Gospel aloud.

Things to talk about:

In today’s gospel, we hear Jesus invite the Apostles to rest and relax with Him after they return from their mission to preach and heal in Jesus’ name.

  • Jesus wanted his apostles to rest after they ministered to the people.  Why is it important to rest?
  • Jesus also wanted to spend some quiet time with his disciples.  Jesus wants to spend quiet time with you too.  What are some ways you can spend quiet time with Jesus?
  • Why were there so many people following Jesus?  Why was he so popular?
  • If you could go anywhere in the world to proclaim the Gospel, where would you go?

Things to do:

  • Have a race:  We hear that the crowds were drawn to Jesus and they hastened to see Him.  Have a fun family race in the backyard or at a park. 
  • Looking ahead at the school year, pull out the family calendar. Make sure you have everyone’s schedules on the calendar and then discuss:
    • Is there time for everyone in the family to have quiet time alone with Jesus?
    • Is there time for everyone in the family to relax and unwind?
    • Is there a time when the family can be together for prayer?

Closing Prayer

Be Still Meditation

Meditate on these words from Psalm 46:10 today. Have one person read the line, wait a minute or two, and then read the next line. As they are reading, those listening can close their eyes, carefully breathing in and out while focusing on the words. If you want, you can play soft, instrumental or reflective music in the background.

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am.

Be still and know.

Be still.

Be.

Catholic Insights

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, leads the Church always guiding His flock, His disciples in all ages and times.  The Apostles were chosen to share in Christ’s mission (CCC, 1575) and to continue to lead His Church.  We, His disciples, are reminded that we too seek to rest and be near Jesus, to hear and keep His word (CCC, 2656).

Many families feel that they are always busy. Always running from one commitment to another whether it is work, school, sports, other student activities, etc.

In the gospel we see Jesus, the Good Shepherd, remind the apostles of their need for rest. We are reminded that we need this time too, to rest with Jesus as a a family. As Domestic Churches this can be a good time to pray together and instil our faith in Jesus Christ with our children.

Saint James Feast Day is July 25th he is the Apostle James, brother of the Apostle John.  To learn more about him click here.

 

July 14, 2024 – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Joyce Guris
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This week our theme is “Sent, 2 by 2” based on Mark 6:7-13/Marcos 6:7-13

All pray the Sign of the Cross

All powerful and merciful Father, increase our faith in you.  When we struggle to believe, give us the courage to believe so that we may see your power at work in our lives.  Amen.

Using the Bible, invite a family member to read the Gospel aloud.

Things to talk about:

In today’s gospel, Jesus sent the apostles out in groups of 2 to preach and heal in His name.  He sent them with no food, no extra clothes, just what they had with them.  They relied solely on the hospitality of those they encountered on their journey. 

  • Jesus sent the apostles out two-by-two instead of sending them alone. What are the advantages of doing something with a buddy?
  • What does the Gospel tell us was the result of the disciples’ missionary work?
  • Is it easy or hard to talk about Jesus to those who don’t know him? Why?

Things to do:

  • Go on a Family Adventure:  Plan a day of fun and surprise your children with a special adventure. Anything you and your kids love to do can make for a great surprise play day.  Talk about what fun you have when you are together.  Here are some ideas to consider: A hike with a picnic, spend a day at a beack or water park, pick fruits or vegetables at a local farm, visit a zoo or aquarium, explore a museum, etc.
  • Create a Mission Statement for your Family that reflects how God is calling your family to build the kingdom of God.
  • July 17th is World Emoji Day.  Have each member of the family draw and emoji for how they are feeling today and share.  Or-have each family member draw emoji’s that represent another family member and share it with them.

Closing Prayer

Prayer for Vocations

God, in Baptism you called me by name
and made me a member of your people, the Church.
Help all your people to know their vocation in life,
and to respond by living a life of holiness.
For your greater glory and for the service of your people,
raise up dedicated and generous leaders
who will serve as sisters, priests, brothers, deacons, and lay ministers.

Send your Spirit to guide and strengthen me
that I may serve your people
following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ,
in whose name I offer this prayer.
Amen.

Catholic Insights

It can be easy as we read and study the bible to use the word “disciple” and the word “apostle” interchangeably, but there is a difference.  Disciples are students who follow a leader to learn from them how to live a particular life.  The word apostle means “one who is sent.”  Jesus chose 12 of his disciples whom he sent out on a mission to preach and heal in His name.  As apostles, sent by Jesus, they represent Jesus to the people they encounter on this mission.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he appointed the Apostle Peter to lead His Church.  The Apostles were the first leaders of the Church with St. Peter.  The successors of the Apostles are the Bishops, with St. Peter’s successor being the Pope.  Because of this apostolic succession, the Church will be inspired and preserved until the end of time. (CCC 77)

July 14th is the Feast Day of St. Kateri Tekawitha, the first Native American to be canonized. To read more about her, click here.

July 7, 2024 – 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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This week our theme is “Jesus, Son of God” based on Mark 6:1-6/Marcos 6:1-6

All pray the Sign of the Cross

God of the covenant, from the time of Abraham and Moses until today, you have been faithful to your people. Even when we have wandered from your ways, you remain close and guide and protect us and make us your own. May we, your children, listen to your Word and rejoice to walk in your ways. Amen.

Using the Bible, invite a family member to read the Gospel aloud.

Things to talk about:

  • Ask each person who would they say knows them the best?
  • Why do you think the people in Jesus’ hometown rejected him? How did that make him feel?
  • Share a time when you felt rejected. How did you work through it?
  • Why do you think Jesus was unable to perform many mighty deeds when he was in his hometown?

Things to do:

  • Just like Jesus taught in the synagogue in today’s Gospel, the priest or deacon teaches us during the homily at Mass. Pay attention to the homily and share what you heard on your drive home from Church or at your next family meal.
  • Sometimes we can be mean and critical of people in our household. Make a commitment to only say kind and encouraging things to your family members this week.

Closing Prayer… I Believe

Pray together the Nicene Creed, our statement of faith in all that Jesus promises. When we pray these words, we are saying we are not like the people of Jesus’ hometown, but believe he is Jesus, the Son of God.

Name anyone who is need of prayers. Respond, “Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God.”

Amen

Catholic Insights

In this Gospel, the Nazoreans are amazed at the Jesus they thought they knew but really didn’t. Aren’t we sometimes guilty of taking someone we know and love for granted?

Even though the people in Jesus’ hometown had known him since he was a little boy, they just couldn’t believe that Jesus was the Son of God. They missed the most important thing about him. He couldn’t do much for them because they had no faith in him.

We are blessed that we know Jesus better than the people in his hometown, because we know that he is the Son of God.

Through Scripture, prayer, study and continuing to learn and service we can know Jesus even better. Amen!

Did you know?...Christianity began with a small group of disciples that followed Jesus in his earthly life. Today, there are over 2.3 billion Christians in the world (about 1/3 of the world’s population). We still have a lot of work to do to proclaim the Gospel to every creature!

June 30, 2024 – 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Joyce Guris
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This week our theme is “Believe: You’re half way there” based on Mark 5:21-43/Marcos 5:21-43

All pray the Sign of the Cross

All powerful and merciful Father, increase our faith in you.  When we struggle to believe, give us the courage to believe so that we may see your power at work in our lives.  Amen.

Using the Bible, invite a family member to read the Gospel aloud.

Things to talk about:

In today’s Gospel story, when Jesus was in the crowd, many people bumped into him, but only one person touched him in faith.

  • What was the difference between how the crowd encountered Christ and how the woman encountered him?
  • What would it have been like to witness Jesus raising a twelve-year-old girl from the dead?
  • Why do you think Jesus healed Jairus’ daughter?
  • Does God still heal today?

Things to do:

  • Take time to pray for the people you know who are experiencing illness or suffering this week.
  • As a family, make cards for a member of your family, friend, or neighbor who is preparing for surgery, ill, or homebound.
  • This week we celebrate the 4th of July, Independence Day. As we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy, take some time to learn about American Saints. Read their stories together and talk about how their lives can inspire you.
  • Pray for our country by singing God Bless America.

Closing Prayer

Prayer for the Sick by St. Augustine of Canterbury

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight,

and give your angels charge over those who sleep.

Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ.

Rest your weary ones. Bless your dying ones.

Soothe your suffering ones. Pity your afflicted ones. Shield your joyous ones.

Amen

Catholic Insights

In today’s gospel, we hear of two healings. One story is of a loving father whose child is ill and suffering. The other is of a woman who is desperate for healing. Both sought Jesus out for healing, believing that Jesus would heal them. While both sought the same thing, their stories could not be more different. The father was a public official who was respected in the community. The woman was an outcast because of her condition that caused her to bleed. Despite their differences, Jesus responds to both in the same way, in healing.

Jesus often used touch to heal in the gospel stories. In the Sacrament of the Sick, Jesus reaches out to touch the sick through the priest. We can receive this sacrament to strengthen us during sickness and if we are preparing for surgical procedures (CCC 1514, CCC 1515). This sacrament can be received as often as we need it. Through this Sacrament, we experience the same touch of Christ that he extended to those he healed in the gospel.

As lay people, we too are called to heal the sick. We are not able to minister the sacrament, but we can be a source of healing for those who are sick. When we visit them, pray for them, and help them in any way that lifts their spirits or increases their faith. Visiting the sick is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy (CCC 2447) which are charitable actions that we do to help others in their time of need.

June 23, 2024 – 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Joyce Guris
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This week our theme is “even wind and sea obey” based on Mark 4:35-41 /Marcos 4:35-41

Faith is born of an encounter with the living God who calls us and reveals his love, a love which precedes us and upon which we can lean for security and for building our lives.

All pray the Sign of the Cross

Lord of all creation, you command all elements of nature to abide by your holy plan. Protect your people as we seek refuge; grant us your peace in what can be a hectic and confusing world. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Using the Bible, invite a family member to read the Gospel aloud.

Things to talk about:

  • Share a time when you were in a big storm. Were you scared? Did you pray to God for help?
  • What do you think it would have been like to watch the wind and sea obey Jesus’ command to be still?
  • Why do you think Jesus asked his disciples, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”
  • Have you experienced the sense of powerlessness the disciples felt? What types of situations might cause young people to feel fear or to feel like they don’t have control of a situation?
  • God worked miracles in the lives of his followers while he walked this earth, he still works miracles today. Share a time when you saw God’s hand at work in your life.

Things to do:

PLANT A GARDEN

If you don’t have a storm like we hear about in today’s Gospel, create your own garden in a dedicated space in your backyard or in pots. Plant your seeds in rich soil and water them as needed. Be sure they get the right amount of sunlight. Over time, you can watch your seeds grow and reflect on how we too are Planted by God to produce great abundance!

CAST AWAY FEAR WITH PRAYER

Write out the verse from Isaiah 41:10 on your child’s bathroom mirror using dry erase markers. Or write it in a spot that will be a daily reminder for your family to trust God in times of fear: “Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” – Isaiah 41:10.

Closing Prayer

Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila: Pray this prayer before bedtime to let the peace of Christ envelop your family.

Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things, Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insights

Today’s Gospel reading tells the story of Jesus calming the storm. This can be a powerful image that many people connect with because we have all likely experienced rough times in our lives. Those situations can make us feel powerless because we have no control over them.

To see Jesus possessing the power to calm a storm reminds us to have faith in him. We also recognize the reality that our fear can control us and prevent us from being good and faithful members of the Body of Christ.

Although the reading itself may not be very long, discussions that this story prompt can often take a while and be quite worthwhile because of the universality of these types of experiences.

It is important to reinforce that while we can all relate the Gospel to the storms in our lives, we also have to ask what it means for our faith.

June 16, 2024 – 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Joyce Guris
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This week our theme is “The Kingdom of God” based on Mk 4:26-34 /Mc 4, 26-34

God has the power to turn small and seemingly insignificant things into works of great beauty, strength, and abundance. Jesus uses the image of the tiny mustard seed growing into a large plant that provides a haven for birds.

All pray the Sign of the Cross

Lord, I come into your presence with openness of heart. I know that you want to plant your seed in me and help it to bear fruit. I trust that you will pour out your mercy on me as I spend this time with you. I want to love you more and become a better instrument of your love. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Using the Bible, invite a family member to read the Gospel aloud.

Things to talk about:

  • Do you have the experience of watching things in the natural world grow? How does that experience help you to know God and/or the Kingdom of God?
  • How or where are you asked to plant the seeds of God’s Kingdom?
  • Why did Jesus tell so many parables about seeds and growing? Watch this reflection video for an explanation.

Things to do:

CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY

On this Father’s Day, Get to know your father, grandfather, Godfather or someone who is like a father to you better. Here are some questions you can ask to get to know more about him:

  • Where did you grow up?
  • Who was your best friend when you were in elementary school?
  • Where did you go to school?
  • What was your favorite sport growing up?
  • What is your favorite thing to do with your family?
  • How old were you when you were Confirmed? What do you remember about it?
  • What is your least favorite food?
  • Who is your favorite saint?
  • When have you felt closest to God? 

Closing Prayer

Strength of a Mountain

God took the strength of a mountain, the majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun, the calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature, the comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages, the power of the eagle’s flight,
The joy of a morning in spring, the faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity, the depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it … Dad

– Author Unknown

Thank you God, for all the fathers in our lives.

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insights

The vast majority of those who heard this Gospel reading in biblical times would have been farmers or gardeners or somehow involved in agriculture. They would immediately recognize the wonder and mystery of growing things. Farmers and gardeners today still get to witness the miracle of plant growth even though they understand the science behind the process better. Understanding botany is one thing, but sleeping and rising night and day to find the seeds sprouting can be awe-inspiring.
We don’t have to be farmers, though, to experience how the Kingdom of God is slowly revealed. Parents have this experience when they conceive a child and are stunned by the miracle of their new baby at birth. Teachers (hopefully!) witness virtues of patience, compassion, and maturity gradually taking root throughout 180 school days in a year. Doctors and therapists have the privilege of seeing patients healing in expected and unexpected ways. Relatives and friends experience the satisfaction of watching a loved one find new life and passion in a courageous move to a second career.
Groups working for justice witness bridge-building between communities
and individuals.

As with seeds and plants, all growth takes time. The Kingdom of God doesn’t appear instantaneously. Racism, sexism, economic inequalities, etc. still cause great pain and suffering. Because God respects human free will, He doesn’t intervene and fix everything for us in a split second. What God does do is surprise us by helping the smallest of seeds to grow and flourish in time. Our task is to plant those seeds and nurture them while we watch, wait, pray, and trust that God will grow them into plants of beauty and strength.

June 9, 2024 – 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Joyce Guris
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Our Great Journey

 

This week our theme is “Life in the Community/Vida en la Comunidad” based on Mk 3:20-35/Marcos 3:20-35

Families are places of beginnings. Within our family, we first learn what it means to be part of a community. We share a closeness and experience mutual understanding and support. We learn how to love one another, how to ask for and receive forgiveness, and how to apply all these lessons to the world outside our homes. 

As you gather as a family, talk about what makes your family special. Share some of the lessons you have learned together about love, forgiveness, and understanding. Then read Sunday’s Gospel, Mark 3:20–35.

Catholic Insights

Some people find it troubling to think that Jesus’ family didn’t understand who he was or what he had come to do. Mark tells us bluntly that his relatives tried to reign him in because they thought he was “out of his mind.” “Why would they have thought that?” we might wonder. Wasn’t Jesus full of compassion and patience? Wasn’t he healing people and feeding thousands? Wasn’t he teaching people about God’s love? How is that being “out of his mind”? Yes, he was doing all those things, but he was also riling up the religious leaders and accusing them of abusing their positions of authority. He was threatening the Roman rule by attracting crowds who identified him, not Caesar, as the Son of God. He was even dissuading tax collectors from collecting tax money that the Jews owed to the Romans (Mk 2:13-14)! His courageous and direct speeches and teachings were creating general unrest and disturbance on many levels of society. Jesus’ family would have realized that such a challenging stance before the people in power could get him killed.

Just think of Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi or Oscar Romero for more contemporary examples of prophetic leaders whose outspoken words led to their deaths. This reading is in chapter three of Mark’s gospel, and already the Pharisees have begun plotting to kill Jesus. Would you be able to stand by and watch if your relative was doing and saying things in public that endangered him? Wouldn’t you want to stop him too?

Things to talk about:

  • Jesus makes a controversial declaration about what it means to be part of a family. What is your response to Jesus’ statement that “whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother?”
  • Jesus wants us to understand that by doing God’s will, we are part of a bigger family. Choosing to follow Jesus, being his disciple, means we must treat one another with kindness and mercy. We must become a family. In what way could you widen the circle of your family to include someone in need?

Things to do:

  • Ask God to bless your family and to help you do God’s will by seeing all his people with the same kind of love and compassion. 
  • Young children: click to print and complete the “Family That Prays Together” Coloring Page.
  • Elementary age and older children, print and complete “The Kids Bulletin”. Read Psalm 130 to help you with the crossword puzzle.
  • Individuals and Families: Do Something to live out your role as members of Jesus’ family:…Click to learn about the seven spiritual works of mercy. Pick one of the spiritual works of mercy to focus on, and try to live it out this week.

Closing Prayer

Name those who need our prayers.

Click the image below to take a quick 3-Minute Prayer Retreat to celebrate Life in Community.

June 2, 2024 – The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Posted on by Joyce Guris
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Our Great Journey

 

This week our theme is “Eucharist/Eucaristia” based on Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 / Marco 14:12-16, 22-26.

All pray the Sign of the Cross

Lord Jesus Christ, out of love for us you gave us the gift of your Body and Blood so that we may be saved from our sins. When we celebrate the Eucharist, we give you thanks. May we try to do what is right by imitating you, who lives and reigns forever, Amen.

Using the Bible, invite a family member to read the Gospel aloud.

Things to talk about:

  • In what way does this Gospel reading explain our belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist?
  • Why is receiving the Eucharist special to you? Share a time when you felt Jesus powerfully present after receiving the Eucharist.
  • In what way have you been Eucharist for others?

Things to do:

  • Ask each family member who has received their First Communion to recall their feelings on that special day. What details can you remember?
  • For younger kids, create a Monstrance craft, click HERE.
  • As a family work on this True Presence craft, click HERE.
  • Make bread today and connect to this Gospel.
  • As a family, listen to the song I Am Yours—Consume Me Completely. You should be able to find the song on YouTube or wherever you stream music. Reflect on what these lyrics say about the Eucharist.
  • Find a time to go to Eucharistic Adoration as a family this week. Prepare ahead of time by explaining what Eucharistic Adoration is and what to do when you get there.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord Jesus, who in the Eucharist make your dwelling among us and become our travelling companion,
sustain Our Christian communities so that they may be ever more open to listening
and accepting your Word.
May they draw from the Eucharist a renewed commitment to spreading in society,
by the proclamation of your Gospel, the signs and deeds of an attentive and active charity.

Lord Jesus: give us your joy, give us your peace. Stay with us, Lord!
You alone have the words of eternal life!


[Taken from a Homily Pope John Paul II gave in Cremona, Italy, June 21,1992; Printed in L’Osservatore Romano July 15, 1992]

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insights

Today’s feast is also called “Corpus Christi,” Latin for the body of Christ.

This Gospel invites deep reflection on the mystery of the Eucharist. It is truly wondrous that Jesus comes to us individually and as community directly and completely through the simple gifts of bread and wine. This bread and wine are given by Jesus as his Body and Blood in the New Covenant.

The unleavened bread symbolizes that the Hebrew people left Egypt on the night o the tenth plague — they could not wait for their bread to rise. The wine symbolizes the blood of the lamb that the Hebrew people used to mark the outside of their front door so that the angel of death would “pass over” the Hebrew children. At the Passover meal at the Last Supper, Jesus does not use the traditional Passover language. Instead he says the bread is his body and the wine is his blood. Jesus states a new covenant between the people and God. The new covenant is an extension of that promise of salvation to all.

Every time we received the consecrated bread and wine during the celebration of the Mass, we are receiving Jesus himself. The resurrected Christ comes to us fully and completely through the sacred transformation of the bread and wine.

At every Mass, the priest uses the exact words that Jesus said at the Last Supper to transform the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus. These are called the Words of Institution:

Take this, all of you, and eat of it: for this is my body which will be given up for you.

Take this, all of you, and drink from it: for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant. which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Do this in memory of me.

Listen for those words when you attend Mass. After receiving Jesus, we are called to be Eucharist to others.

Did you know?… that on this solemnity, the community of faith often processes with the Blessed Sacrament and has Adoration? At the end of Mass, the priest places the Body of Christ in a display vessel called a monstrance. This is taken in a procession or placed on the altar for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The word “Eucharist” comes from the Greek word, eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving…. and yes, we are so thankful for the gift of Jesus.

Transfiguration