Father Madden's Sunday Reflection
Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
St. John's Church
June 6, 2021
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Father Madden's
Sunday Reflection
Dear Friends in the Lord,
It gives me great joy to be able to tell you that Bishop McManus is assigning Fr. Brice as the Associate Pastor of St. John’s. This will be announced in the Catholic Free Press on Friday and becomes official on July1st. As you may know, Fr. Brice and I first met in Grand Goave, Haiti during our parish trips to Brit’s Home. What he accomplished at St. Francoise and its Mission churches in the face of the 2010 earthquake and, later, Hurricane Matthew was phenomenal. Fr. Brice has been both a great friend and a big help to me and to St. John’s over the past two years. We have seen that he is a hard and willing worker. I could not be happier that he is an “official” part of our parish community. Congratulations, Brice. Ad multos annos.
It also gives me great to joy to point out what many of you already know – our seminarian, Deacon John LaRochelle will be ordained to the priesthood by Bishop McManus on Saturday, June 19 at 10:00 a.m. in the Cathedral of St. Paul. The restrictions being lifted means that everyone is welcome to attend the Ordination. On the following day, Sunday, June 20 at 3:00 p.m., John will celebrate a mass of Thanksgiving – also called “First Mass” – here at St. John’s. John has had a stellar seminary experience. He entered six years ago as a mature, faithful young man and an accomplished CPA. He will enter the Cathedral on June 19th as all of that and much more. Congratulations, John. Ad multos annos.
Following on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, this Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. In his Pastoral Letter restoring the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and Holy Days, Bishop McManus said the following:
The celebration of the Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives as Roman Catholics. It is where Christ gives himself to us in his Body and Blood. Christ is present at every Mass, in his Word proclaimed, in a tangible way in his Body and Blood and in the person of his priest. He is present to feed us with Word and Sacrament, to embrace us with his love and to give us the grace we need to face the struggles of our daily lives. We hunger for his presence. We draw from the Mass the grace we need to love, and we return to it in thanksgiving to God for all he has given to us.
How wonderful it is that our prayer has been answered and as we celebrate these two great mysteries “we can gather once again to praise God’s name in the heart of the Church.”
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. John Madden
1st Reading: Exodus 24
When Moses came to the people
and related all the words and ordinances of the LORD,
they all answered with one voice,
"We will do everything that the LORD has told us."
Moses then wrote down all the words of the LORD and,
rising early the next day,
he erected at the foot of the mountain an altar
and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.
Then, having sent certain young men of the Israelites
to offer holocausts and sacrifice young bulls
as peace offerings to the LORD,
Moses took half of the blood and put it in large bowls;
the other half he splashed on the altar.
Taking the book of the covenant, he read it aloud to the people,
who answered, "All that the LORD has said, we will heed and do."
Then he took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, saying,
"This is the blood of the covenant
that the LORD has made with you
in accordance with all these words of his."
and related all the words and ordinances of the LORD,
they all answered with one voice,
"We will do everything that the LORD has told us."
Moses then wrote down all the words of the LORD and,
rising early the next day,
he erected at the foot of the mountain an altar
and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.
Then, having sent certain young men of the Israelites
to offer holocausts and sacrifice young bulls
as peace offerings to the LORD,
Moses took half of the blood and put it in large bowls;
the other half he splashed on the altar.
Taking the book of the covenant, he read it aloud to the people,
who answered, "All that the LORD has said, we will heed and do."
Then he took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, saying,
"This is the blood of the covenant
that the LORD has made with you
in accordance with all these words of his."
Responsorial: Psalm 116
R. I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.
How shall I make a return to the LORD
for all the good he has done for me?
The cup of salvation I will take up,
and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
R. I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.
Precious in the eyes of the LORD
is the death of his faithful ones.
I am your servant, the son of your handmaid;
you have loosed my bonds.
R. I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.
To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
My vows to the LORD I will pay
in the presence of all his people.
R. I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.
2nd Reading: Hebrews 9
Brothers and sisters:
When Christ came as high priest
of the good things that have come to be,
passing through the greater and more perfect tabernacle
not made by hands, that is, not belonging to this creation,
he entered once for all into the sanctuary,
not with the blood of goats and calves
but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.
For if the blood of goats and bulls
and the sprinkling of a heifer's ashes
can sanctify those who are defiled
so that their flesh is cleansed,
how much more will the blood of Christ,
who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God,
cleanse our consciences from dead works
to worship the living God.
When Christ came as high priest
of the good things that have come to be,
passing through the greater and more perfect tabernacle
not made by hands, that is, not belonging to this creation,
he entered once for all into the sanctuary,
not with the blood of goats and calves
but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.
For if the blood of goats and bulls
and the sprinkling of a heifer's ashes
can sanctify those who are defiled
so that their flesh is cleansed,
how much more will the blood of Christ,
who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God,
cleanse our consciences from dead works
to worship the living God.
For this reason he is mediator of a new covenant:
since a death has taken place for deliverance
from transgressions under the first covenant,
those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.
since a death has taken place for deliverance
from transgressions under the first covenant,
those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.
Sequence
Lo! the angel’s food is given
To the pilgrim who has striven;
see the children’s bread from heaven,
which on dogs may not be spent.
To the pilgrim who has striven;
see the children’s bread from heaven,
which on dogs may not be spent.
Truth the ancient types fulfilling,
Isaac bound, a victim willing,
Paschal lamb, its lifeblood spilling,
manna to the fathers sent.
Isaac bound, a victim willing,
Paschal lamb, its lifeblood spilling,
manna to the fathers sent.
Very bread, good shepherd, tend us,
Jesu, of your love befriend us,
You refresh us, you defend us,
Your eternal goodness send us
In the land of life to see.
Jesu, of your love befriend us,
You refresh us, you defend us,
Your eternal goodness send us
In the land of life to see.
You who all things can and know,
Who on earth such food bestow,
Grant us with your saints, though lowest,
Where the heav’nly feast you show,
Fellow heirs and guests to be. Amen. Alleluia.
Who on earth such food bestow,
Grant us with your saints, though lowest,
Where the heav’nly feast you show,
Fellow heirs and guests to be. Amen. Alleluia.
Alleluia: John 6
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven,
says the Lord;
whoever eats this bread will live forever.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Matthew 14
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven,
says the Lord;
whoever eats this bread will live forever.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Matthew 14
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,
when they sacrificed the Passover lamb,
Jesus’ disciples said to him,
"Where do you want us to go
and prepare for you to eat the Passover?"
He sent two of his disciples and said to them,
"Go into the city and a man will meet you,
carrying a jar of water.
Follow him.
Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house,
'The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room
where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"'
Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready.
Make the preparations for us there."
The disciples then went off, entered the city,
and found it just as he had told them;
and they prepared the Passover.
While they were eating,
he took bread, said the blessing,
broke it, gave it to them, and said,
"Take it; this is my body."
Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them,
and they all drank from it.
He said to them,
"This is my blood of the covenant,
which will be shed for many.
Amen, I say to you,
I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine
until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
Then, after singing a hymn,
they went out to the Mount of Olives.
when they sacrificed the Passover lamb,
Jesus’ disciples said to him,
"Where do you want us to go
and prepare for you to eat the Passover?"
He sent two of his disciples and said to them,
"Go into the city and a man will meet you,
carrying a jar of water.
Follow him.
Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house,
'The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room
where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"'
Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready.
Make the preparations for us there."
The disciples then went off, entered the city,
and found it just as he had told them;
and they prepared the Passover.
While they were eating,
he took bread, said the blessing,
broke it, gave it to them, and said,
"Take it; this is my body."
Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them,
and they all drank from it.
He said to them,
"This is my blood of the covenant,
which will be shed for many.
Amen, I say to you,
I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine
until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
Then, after singing a hymn,
they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Prayers
St. John's Parish:
Prayer Needs & Intentions
Please remember the following needs and intentions in your prayers:
- Pray that our wonderful country rid itself of the dramatic increase in violence. (Barbara K)
- Please pray for the WPD and the loss of their brother. Pray for his and all police families (Andrea D)
- Please pray for all those involved in the drownings at Green Hill Park, especially the WPD and the family and friends of Officer Familia. He was true hero. Please also pray for the 14 year old and his family and friends. (Tommy D)
- For the health and intentions of Jeff Parson. (Steve S)
- Prayers please for the soul of Joshua Peter (Sophie K)
- Praying that my family and I find a permanent and safe place to live in less then 3 1/2 weeks!! (Kerri N)
- Heartfelt thanks to all who prayed for my mom, Anne Toto. I trust that Mom is in the Lord's embrace. (Cynthia W)
- Please pray for continued good health for my family. For the family of Officer Familia, the family of the young boy and the WPD family. 🙏🙏 (Anne L)
- Please from for 20 y.o. Alyssa who is in an induced coma after suffering from seizures after getting the Covid vaccine. Also pray that the doctors receive wisdom in how to best treat her. Thank you. (Sandra K)
- Let us pray that those states trying to restrict voting rights see the light (Mary R)
- Please pray for healing and special intentions! (Kathleen L)
- Hello! 🙋♀️ Prayers to take two MTELS with passing scores, promotion to teaching, and protection. Prayers for fertility and family. 🙏🙏🙏 Thank You. Tricia 💕 (TRICIA K)
- For Worcester Officer Familia, the 14-year-old drowning victim, and Worcester Police Department. (William T)
- For Mike, who is in need of a job. (Dan S)
To share a prayer request or intention in the Sunday Reflection,
please click the REPLY button at the bottom of any
"St. John's Church (General)" email and post it in the comments.
Additional Prayers:
Spiritual Communion - Pandemic Prayer - Prayer to St. Michael
Act of Spiritual Communion
by St. Alphonsus de Liguori
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
Prayer in Time of Pandemic
from Bishop McManus
O God, whose Only Begotten Son bore the weight of human suffering for our salvation, hear the prayers of your Church for our sick brothers and sisters and deliver us from this time of trial.
Open our ears and our hearts to the voice of your Son:
"Be not afraid, for I am with you always."
Bless all doctors and nurses, researchers and public servants; give us the wisdom to do what is right and the faith to endure this hour, that we might gather once again to praise your name in the heart of your Church, delivered from all distress and confident in your mercy.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
"Be not afraid, for I am with you always."
Bless all doctors and nurses, researchers and public servants; give us the wisdom to do what is right and the faith to endure this hour, that we might gather once again to praise your name in the heart of your Church, delivered from all distress and confident in your mercy.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
by Pope Leo XIII
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against
the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
PRAYER PLEDGE
Join the team of St. John's parishioners pledging to pray daily
for the religious education and formation of our young people
In this challenging time our commitment to praying for our youth is more necessary than ever. Without prayer we cannot hope to transmit the riches of our Catholic faith to the next generation; join us as we lift our voices to God and ask for His blessing upon our efforts to teach our young people to become disciples of Christ.
We welcome you to pray a daily prayer of your own choosing, or to use the "Prayer for St. John's Religious Education" below. 👇
Prayer for St. John's Religious Education
Most gracious Lord, we ask your blessing upon the Religious Education program of our beloved parish of St. John’s. Please allow Your love and grace to flow freely and permeate the hearts and souls of our students and their families. Holy Spirit allow your gifts of Wisdom, Knowledge, and Piety to flourish in our Catechists as they pass on the teachings of Your Church to our students. Bless our volunteers for their generosity and loyalty which keeps our program operating properly. St. Joseph, intercede for our parents in this time so that they will recognize and accept their role as leaders of the Domestic Church.
We praise and honor you our Triune God, Father, Son and Spirit. Amen
St. Charles Borromeo, patron of catechists, pray for us.
St. Gemma Galgani, patron of students, pray for us.
Schola Cantorum
Introit
Cibavit eos
Communio
Qui manducat
Motet
O Sacrum Convivium
Parish Resources
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