From our pastor, Father Neil Herlihy
This Sunday we celebrate the solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Body of Christ. On this great solemnity, on this weekend of the Eucharistic Congress, we focus on our devotion to the Eucharist. This devotion to the Eucharist was certainly shared by Saint Pope John Paul II. Shortly before his death, as he celebrated the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Pope John Paul stated that a love for the Eucharist helps to create saints and an awareness of vocations. We as Catholics, on this feast of Corpus Christi, are blessed to have such a high regard for the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. We are invited to bond with each other by nourishing together on the Bread of Life in the Eucharist, and then by going forth in loving service of our brothers and sisters, especially our brothers and sisters in need.
Devotion to the Eucharist was certainly a major influence in the call to the priesthood of Deacon Brian Baker. Brian was with us last year as a seminarian, and then continued to assist us after he was ordained a (transitional) Deacon. Next Saturday, Deacon Brian will be ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Gregory at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta. Then on the following day, Sunday, June 29th, Fr. Brian will celebrate his first Mass at 10:45 a.m. at Saint Brigid. A reception for Fr. Brian will follow in Corbett Hall. We ask you to pray for Fr. Brian as he prepares for his ordination. Fr. Brian will be assigned to Saint Brigid for about ten weeks after his ordination and then will return to Rome for his final year of studies.
As you may know, Fr. Josh is currently leading a group of our parishioners on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. They are visiting some of the most sacred sites of our faith tradition. Hopefully, they are growing in their knowledge and understanding of our precious faith. They all will be returning later this week and Fr. Josh will be here for Fr. Brian’s first Mass. Fr. Josh will also be doing some of his other pastoral duties over this next weekend before leaving to begin his new assignment as a Campus Chaplain.
Fr. Tri Nguyen, currently at Saint Peter Chanel, will be joining us in the first week of July as our new parochial vicar. He has recently met with me and Fr. Josh to discuss his new assignment and is excited to be coming to Saint Brigid. Please give Fr. Tri a warm welcome when he arrives.
Please pray for our priests in this period of transition. Please also remember that the word Eucharist means “giving thanks”. Today as we celebrate the solemnity of Corpus Christi may we truly give thanks for the Eucharistic Congress, for our priests, and for the spiritual home we call Saint Brigid.
T