Pastor's Corner

2020 07-19  Our Children and the Celebration of the Great Gift of the Eucharist

Written by: Father Neil Herlihy

In the last few weeks, at various scheduled times, many of the children in our faith community have made their First Holy Communion at Saint Brigid.  Their parents and other loved ones presented them to share with us in the fullness of the Lord’s Supper for the first time and watched proudly as these children, with great devotion, took this important step on their journey of faith.

As Catholics, we are called to focus on our devotion to the Eucharist.  This devotion 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 awareness of vocations.  We witness this love for the Eucharist and awareness of vocations bearing fruit in our faith community.  This year, one of Saint Brigid parishioners, Robbie Cotta, was ordained a Deacon for the Archdiocese of Atlanta by Archbishop Hartmayer.  Robbie is a transitional deacon, and God willing, will be ordained a priest next year.  Please keep Robbie in your prayers as he continues his journey to the priesthood.

As we celebrate the First Holy Communion of these children, and Robbie’s ordination, we are reminded that we as Catholics are blessed to have 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.

My Communion Prayer”, author Sr. Janet Schaeffler, O.P., provided by the publication “Our Sunday Visitor”, invites us to ask Our Father for guidance.

Dear God,
I know that You give me many gifts. The gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ in Holy Communion is the greatest of all. How can I ever thank You enough for this special gift?
At Mass, we are called to be like Jesus, by loving and serving one another in the world.
As I become more like Him, please continue to help me. Show me the places and ways that I can bring Your love, kindness, and peace to others…
in my family,
in my neighborhood,
in my community,
with my friends.
I ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded that the word “Eucharist” means “giving thanks.”  And today we can once again thank the Lord for the great gift of the Eucharist, for our wonderful children, and for our vibrant faith community of Saint Brigid.

2020 07-26   Reminder of our Call to Live a Life of Love and Service
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