Dear Friends,

As we conclude our celebrations of Easter and enter into Ordinary Time, now is a perfect time to reflect on the ways that we are called to bring the joy of the risen Christ to those around us. In a particular way, the approaching Solemnity of Corpus Christi invites us to ponder the ways that the Eucharist nourishes us and sends us out on mission. Without the nourishment we receive in the Eucharist, the Church would not be able to answer the Lord’s command to bring the Gospel to all the world.p>

This awareness ought to deepen our commitment to ensuring access to the sacraments for all the faithful. Mary Beth Jambor’s article, “Eucharistic Hospitality for Those with Celiac Disease” offers concrete guidance to parishes looking to provide access to the Eucharist while safeguarding the health of those living with this disease. Nathan Chase’s reflection on the Sequence for Corpus Christi (“Receive the Body of Christ: Corpus Christi’s Lauda Sion”) reinforces the importance of reception of Communion by all the faithful, reminding us that the whole reason the Lord gave us the Eucharist was so that we could receive him and bring his transforming presence to others.

Recognizing that access to the Eucharist comes to us through the ministry of the ordained priesthood, Anne Chrzan gives practical guidance for how parishes can assist in the formation of seminarians during their time of pastoral internship in the parish. Her article, “The Christian Community’s Role in Forming Seminarians” seeks to raise awareness of the ways that communities can help shape these men to be true shepherds of Christ’s flock.

The sacredness of the gift of the Lord’s Body and Blood requires reverent handling of all items connected to the celebration of the sacred liturgy. In “Sacristy Spring Cleaning: Addressing Vessels Unsuitable for Liturgical Use,” Elizabeth Kabacinski provides criteria (rooted in the Church law and liturgical norms) for assessing the suitability of vessels for use within the liturgy and offering guidance for the proper disposal of those no longer fit for use.

During this time of year, many parishes celebrate first Communions, reception into full communion, and celebrations of confirmation and Eucharist for baptized candidates. In “Cultivating Patience as Children Wait for First Communion,” Kathryn Ball- Boruff discusses strategies for comforting and encouraging young children who desire to share in the Eucharist but are not yet able to. Paulette Chapman’s article, “Forming Candidates While Embracing Our Common Baptism,” explores the particular formational needs that baptized candidates bring to the RCIA process, and provides recommendations for the celebration of their initiation within the parish setting.

Our issue closes with an article by Luana Lienhart, introducing us to Julia Greeley, the great “Model of Mercy” whose life of loving service to others found its origin in frequent reception of the Eucharist. Her example offers each of us a glimpse into what happens when we allow ourselves to “become what we receive,” as Augustine once said.

May you find joy and strength in the Eucharist we share this season and always.

Bishop Joseph N. Perry
Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago

Using the liturgy as its source, Pastoral Liturgy^® has been intentionally designed to be of service to the whole parish with resources for leaders and parishioners, those who are just beginning to learn about liturgy, and those who are seasoned volunteers and professionals.

The six 32-page, full-color issues follow the course of the liturgical year to provide guidance for liturgy preparation, faith formation, liturgical art and architecture, and the many areas of parish ministry that flow from the liturgy to witness the Gospel and build the kingdom of God.

Pastors, parish staffs, liturgy committees, catechists, musicians, architects, and everyone seeking to learn more about how the liturgy forms and informs all of parish life will find this resource a valuable support to understanding the liturgy more fully and incorporating it as the source for all they do. That's why Pastoral Liturgy^® magazine is the liturgy magazine for the whole parish!