When I returned from my retreat, I was a bit disheartened to see that most of the envelopes had not yet been taken. Good thing that on my retreat Jesus reminded me to never understimate the seemingly impossible things that the Holy Spirit can do! I say reminded, but hitting me over the head with a baseball bat is probably more accurate... but I digress. I'm looking forward to seeing what He's going to do in the next few weeks with this financial challenge! 

I've already taken the $500 envelope, and I'm trying to see if there is any way I can manage to fulfill another one. Please don't wait! Take one of the envelopes (or another one) this weekend and return it ASAP. There will be significant implications of this type of budget shortfall. Please reflect on what type of generosity the Lord is calling you to.

In other news, I also want to draw special attention to an article below from Fr. John. It speaks about the Eucharistic Renewal in the United States that begins in a few days and some ways we will celebrate it, including next week's Feast of Corpus Christi.

So many people share their gifts in making each and every Alpha series so very special. With a full meal offered at each Alpha evening, it is vital to have a solid group of kitchen/meal volunteers. The past several meals were provided by the Knights of Columbus, SOUL Prayer Group, Therese McCall, Colleen O’Dowd and the School of Sainthood crew, as well as the Alpha Team. We also recognize the fantastic contribution of our kitchen helpers: Jean Cawley and Susie Oshana.

Please join us this Sunday, June 12th, as we celebrate the amazing ministry of the Filipino Catholic Community. During the 12:00pm Mass, I will commission and bless the new officers of this vital ministry in our parish. Right after that Mass, the FCC will host an open reception in Paluch Hall. All are welcome!

I'd also like to offer a special word of thanks to the outgoing officers of the FCC. They have dedicated their time and talents to making sure that the FCC engages our entire community, bringing joy (and food!) to all. Thank you, FCC, for being an essential part of the journey as, together, we become fruitful disciples proclaiming freedom in Christ.

Let’s face it. Scandal, division, disease, and doubt are so prevalent in our world. The war in Ukraine and the violence across our nation. The Church has withstood similar challenges throughout our very human history. But today, we confront all of them, all at once. Our response at this moment is pivotal.

Our world is hurting. We all need healing, yet many of us are separated from the very source of our strength. Jesus Christ invites us to return to the source and summit of our faith—his Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist.

In the midst of these roaring waves, Jesus is present, reminding us that He is more powerful than the storm. He desires to heal, renew, and unify the Church and the world. 

At this key moment, we have the opportunity for personal transformation by participating in a National Eucharistic Revival. 

By uniting us once again around the source and summit of our faith—the Holy Eucharist. The National Eucharistic Revival is the joyful, expectant, grassroots response of the entire Catholic Church in the U.S. to this divine invitation.

It takes time to kindle a living, loving relationship—and a relationship with Jesus Christ is no exception. That’s why the Eucharistic Revival allows three years for discernment, encounter, and grassroots response on the diocesan, parish, and individual levels. Find out what to expect in the months ahead.

It just so happens that our parish celebration of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ here at Our Lady of Ransom coincides with the kick-off of the National Eucharistic Revival.

THE FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI
June 19, 2022

We launch our national response to the Lord’s call with widespread Eucharistic processions and adoration on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

Here’s how it works.Immediately after the distribution of Holy Communion and the Prayer after Communion, the ministers, representatives of our parish groups and all those in church who wish to join us, will process outside with the Blessed Sacrament singing hymns and praying as we move towards four stational altars.  Parish organizations have been invited to set up and decorate these altars. 

The procession, accompanied by sung hymns, will take us along Greenwood to Normal and conclude at our memorial prayer garden, where the final altar will be erected. Solemn Benediction will be offered there where we can all receive the blessing of the Lord Jesus present in the Eucharist.

And there’s more. The revival continues over the course of 3 years. 

YEAR OF DIOCESAN REVIVAL
June 19, 2022 – June 11, 2023

This first year of the Revival invites diocesan staff, bishops, and priests to respond to the Lord’s personal invitation and equips them to share this love with the faithful through Eucharistic congresses and events.

YEAR OF PARISH REVIVAL
June 11, 2023 – July 17, 2024

The second phase will foster Eucharistic devotion at the parish level, strengthening our liturgical life through faithful celebration of the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, missions, resources, preaching, and organic movements of the Holy Spirit.

NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS
July 17 – 21, 2024

At this historic event, more than 80,000 Catholics of all ages will gather in Indianapolis to reconsecrate their hearts to the source and summit of our faith.

July 21, 2024-Pentecost 2025

Having enkindled a missionary fire in the hearts of the American faithful, the Holy Spirit will send us out on mission to share the gift of our Eucharistic Lord.