A Eucharistic Procession

May is such a crazy month! This weekend is Memorial Day, the official kickoff to the summer, while it is often considered a day of grilling and parties, we also need to remember that it is first and foremost a day to remember all of those who have given their lives in service of their country. It is a day in which we pray for those who have gone before us as well. Friday was also the last day of school, so it will be a bit quieter in the office area. We have had some very busy weekends with Confirmations, and First Communions this month as well. It is a very busy time, but even with that, there are so many blessings that go along with it. As we think about the other sacraments that are attached to the celebration of the Eucharist, we are reminded of how important the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is to us.

In a couple of weeks, on June 2nd we celebrate the great feast of Corpus Christi, which is the celebration of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. In many parishes this feast is marked by a special Mass and a procession. Since this year is the year of the Parish in the years of the Eucharistic Revival, here at St. Luke’s we will be doing a Eucharistic Procession around the building, outside if weather permits, but if needed we will have it inside. How it will work is that, at the end of the 10:30 Mass, we will bring out the Monstrance, and then walk (process) with the Blessed Sacrament out the doors of the church, then outside where we will have a small altar set up. We will say some prayers, then we will continue to process to the West side of the building, where there will be another small altar set up. During the time of walking, we will be praying a couple of different litanies. We will process to the North side of the building and by the entrance doors of the meeting room, we will have a third altar set up and again stop there. We will then continue around to the East side of the church where we will have another altar set up and a stop. We will then continue back around to the South doors and back into the church where we will have Benediction and put the Blessed Sacrament back into the tabernacle. We will then have some light snacks and drinks available.

We are hoping that this will turn into an annual event, and possibly in the future extend the route. As we do the procession, we hope that all who attend will be blessed in the celebration of our Eucharistic heritage, and then later this summer, there will be the national Eucharistic processions that will be going on through the United States, one of them will be passing though the Southwest corner of Iowa between June 23rd and 25th. I am praying that some will also be a part of the larger procession. I pray that we will continue to feel the blessings of God in our celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

God bless,
Fr. Ken