Corpus Christi Procession
This Sunday is the Feast of Corpus Christi, or the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. After our 9 AM Mass, we will be holding a Eucharistic Procession.
Why? - The Eucharist is the "source and summit of the Christian life" (CCC 1324). After Corpus Christi was established in the 13th century, It became traditional to hold a procession on this solemnity as a public witness of faith in the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
“The procession with the Blessed Sacrament…reminds us that we are called to go out and bring Jesus to others. To go out with enthusiasm, bringing Christ to those we meet in our daily lives.” - Pope Francis
We will process out of church and begin praying the rosary, reflecting on the life of Christ. At each mystery, we will stop at a station on the map for the reading of a short scripture passage. You will want to wear comfortable dress shoes for the procession.
Everyone is encouraged to participate. We plan on having a few quiet golf carts in the back of the procession for those who are unable to make the walk. All servers are invited to assist at the front of the procession.
Once we return to church, the Eucharist will be returned to our new tabernacle on the high altar. The tabernacle will be moving back to the center of the sanctuary, as it is most fitting that if we strive to make Jesus the center of our lives, he should also be in the center of our church. The 1983 Code of Canon Law states that, "The tabernacle in which the blessed sacrament is reserved should be sited in a distinguished place in the Church or Oratory, a place which is conspicuous, suitably adorned and conducive to prayer." There is no place in our church that better fits this description than in our old high altar.
Why was it ever moved? - The tabernacle was located on our high altar when our church was completed in 1869 until around the time of Vatican II. While the documents of Vatican II did not mandate moving the tabernacle, the documents were often misunderstood and poorly implemented.
The Prominence and Placement of Tabernacles Explained by Matt Dunn (Ascension Press)
Mass Hymns
At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing
Corpus Christi Sequence - Laud, O Zion
Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All
O Jesus We Adore Thee (O Sacrament Most Holy)