From the Pastor's Desk January 19, 2025

Dear parishioners,

Reflecting on the Holy Mass, we arrive at a profound moment—the presentation of the gifts of bread and wine. In this sacred rite, we encounter the prayer: "Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life."

Following this proclamation, if the hymn is not sung, the congregation responds with heartfelt unity: "Blessed be God for ever." This exchange signifies not just individual devotion, but a collective acknowledgment of God’s grace.

At its core, this prayer is a rich expression of thanksgiving. The very word "Eucharist" means "thanksgiving," reminding us that gratitude is the heartbeat of our faith. In each moment of recognition, we are invited to reflect on the abundant blessings bestowed upon us, nurturing a spirit of appreciation that extends beyond the walls of the church into our daily lives.

This prayer also heralds a moment of divine transformation. It is here that the gifts of bread and wine are prepared for the sacred mystery of transubstantiation, where they become the true Body and Blood of Christ. In this transformation, we are reminded that our ordinary offerings can be infused with extraordinary grace, becoming vessels for divine presence.

Blessings,

Fr. Andrew