Dear Parishioners and Friends,
I continue to revel in the extraordinary events that unfolded over the past week in which our parish community celebrated “Eucharist: Feast of Joy & Remembrance.”
Beginning with last Saturday’s concert, “O Sacrum Convivium: Choral Mediations on the Eucharist,” we were treated to some of the most sublime music from plainchant to Palestrina to composers of the present day. I congratulate Gabriel Löfvall and our choirs, together with almost 20 instrumentalists, who took us to new heights of sonic splendor. If you were not able to be present that evening, here is a link to the video on YouTube.
The Eucharistic theme continued on Sunday afternoon and Monday and Tuesday evenings with presentations by Joseph Nuzzi titled “Source and Summit, Sacrifice and Supper: The Meaning of the Eucharist.” With attendance hovering around 100 for each session, the reactions from the participants were very enthusiastic. Many people mentioned to me how much they appreciated Joe’s presentations and how much they learned about the Eucharist and the Mass.
The overwhelming response to these events have caused me to start thinking of how we might move forward with further opportunities for faith formation and enrichment on the subject of the Eucharist. In the meantime, I want to thank everyone who took part in the concert and presentations. I cannot think of a more fitting way to celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ.
One of the questions that Joe posed to the participants was: “What are the four ways in which Christ is made present during the Mass?” While the first three answers came quickly (the Assembly, the Word, and the Eucharistic elements of Bread and Wine), the last was not so obvious: the Priest. Indeed, an ordained priest (or bishop) is necessary for the celebration of Mass, and this leads me to some remarks about vocations to the priesthood, as well as vocations in general.
A few weeks ago, I mentioned that this weekend of June 8-9 has been designated by the Vocations Ministry of the Archdiocese of Hartford as “Called By Name Sunday.”
One of the many ways in which young men respond to the call to the priesthood is by having someone suggest it to them. Perhaps a teacher, another priest, or a relative might recognize their potential to be a holy and generous minister of Christ’s presence in the world as a priest. And all it takes is someone to make the offer or suggestion. That is what we wish to do this weekend. We ask you to think of someone who might make a good priest and send us his name. We also want to include those who might make a good religious sister or brother. And, as in the case of the Franciscans – a good religious priest.
This link will take you to a form you can complete and submit to the Vocations Ministry of the Archdiocese of Hartford. Cards are also available at the back of the church that you can take home, fill it out, and return it next week to my attention.
In addition to the “Called By Name” project, our Parish Vocations Awareness Committee is exploring ways to highlight and inform parishioners about different forms of vocations in the church, besides the ordained ministry, such as: religious brothers, religious sisters, and members of lay secular institutes like the Secular Franciscans, Mercy Associates and Oblates.
At this time, let us pray for vocations in all walks of life that we may live fully our baptismal commitment: “Heavenly Father, you have created us for a definite purpose. Grant us the grace to know the path you have planned for each of us in this life, and to respond with a generous ‘Yes.’ Make our parish, our homes and our hearts fruitful ground for your gift of vocations. May we respond to your call with courage and zeal. Stir among us a desire and the strength to live good and holy lives in service to others. We make our prayer to you, Father, in the Holy Spirit, through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Blessings on your week ahead!
Fr. Tim Shreenan, O.F.M., Pastor