11/13/2022

There is still time to hand in your Stewardship Renewal forms, in case you forgot them last week. We had a good initial count, but would like as many of you as possible to hand in your estimate of what you will be giving beginning on 1/1/2023. Thank you to those who have handed theirs in, and thank all of you for your generosity with time, talents, and treasure.
I wrote last week that the Bishop had not yet decided about Communion under both species (bread and wine). Early this week I received a letter informing us pastors that he is allowing it beginning in Advent. It is not mandated, but permitted, and subject to revocation if the flu and/or COVID becomes rampant. So now it is up to the pastor.
I would like to offer communion under both species, but for that to happen we need to have a few things in place:

1) We need more Extraordinary Ministers (EM). In addition, they should also be willing to consume the precious blood that is left over after everyone has received. This cannot be poured down the drain, even in the sacrarium sink. Normally the EMs who distribute the chalice consume the remaining consecrated wine – that is our normal practice. We would want people to take only a small amount and limit it to 2 chalices at first. Since coming back after COVID, we have had fewer people doing ministries (lecturing, singing, acolytes, ushers, etc.). If we do not have people to distribute the cup, we will not do it. Glenda Conover is in charge of scheduling, so either contact her or respond to her request for help.

2) We will need to teach people how to receive once again. Those who have entered the Church in the last few years and those who have begun to receive communion have not done this, and all of us can profit from a few reminders.

3) We need to hear from you that you want this to happen. There are those who want this, others who do not. It is not, and will not be required of anyone to receive from the cup. Receiving under both species is a fuller sign of the presence of Christ, but the spiritual reality is that Christ is fully present in either species as bread or wine.

So there is some work to do before beginning again. You can express your opinion to me or one of the Pastoral Council Members or someone on the staff. But the main “vote” will be if we can find enough EMs of the cup to offer both species.
In case you had not noticed it, this weekend is the 33rd Week of Ordinary Time. Nov. 20th is Christ the King (the last weekend of the Liturgical Year), and then a new Liturgical Year begins on Nov. 27th with the First Sunday of Advent. It will be Year A, which focuses on the Gospel of Matthew.
It is a privilege to be your pastor!

Father Albert, O.S.B.