Dearest Parishioners of Sacred Heart Church,

Greetings from Father Fullum, Deacon Peter, the Sisters of the Convent, the Parish Pastoral Council and me! On this joyful feast of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, we are reminded that in our lives there is a mysterious mixture of happiness and tranquility, sorrow and distress. So, even on this happy day, we remember those who have died, and their families… Joseph Spano and William Niklaus. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let Perpetual Light shine upon them.

I would also like to express our heartfelt and enthusiastic CONGRATULATIONS to the Graduates of 2020 of our Sacred Heart Catholic Academy! God bless you all as you begin High School in the Fall! You truly are an amazing class as a whole and as individuals. You endured these past three months of isolation with dedication to your studies and a great spirit of
acceptance and creativity! I would also like to acknowledge Miss Gangi, our Principal, the Faculty and Staff of the Academy, the Board of Directors, and especially the Parents of our students, not only those of our Graduates, but ALL parents of the Academy for their support.

The Holy Eucharist, The Blessed Sacrament, Holy Communion, The Real Presence are all revered and venerable titles the Catholic Church has attributed to that great Gift given to us that is Jesus Himself. Each title reveals and describes a different aspect of the mystery of Our Lord.

The word “Eucharist” means Thanksgiving as He offered His life in loving gratitude and service to us. The word “Sacrament” means an outward sign of an interior experience of God’s love and presence. The word “Communion” expresses His intimate desire to be united body and soul to ours. “The Real Presence” proclaims that He is NOT just a symbol, but is truly present! Even
though we honor and adore this Gift to us every time we celebrate Holy Mass, the Church offers us this special day to pause, and reflect on It’s meaning in our own lives.

The hardship frequently expressed by Catholics who I spoke with during the recent lockdown was NOT receiving Holy Communion. To hear this was not only heartbreaking, but to be honest, was also INSPIRING. The longing you feel to be united with Jesus and the comfort, strength and peace He brings in receiving the Holy Eucharist, truly helped me feel the same. Sometimes I can
take that experience for granted. But, not anymore… because of YOU! May this Feast of Corpus Christi, unite ALL of us as a parish community. May our daily Spiritual Communion keep us longing for that day when we can receive Our Lord Sacramentally once again, and share His Presence with one another.

With love and blessings and gratitude for your continued support and generosity,

Father Fred+

P.s. A prayerful reminder that on this Sunday, 6-14, (The Feast of Corpus Christi) between 1:00p.m. and 3:00 p.m. I will be processing (in a convertible) with Father Fullum and Deacon Peter throughout the Parish “boundaries.” I will try to reach as many blocks as possible… If you hear the Mass bells coming down your block, please come outside for a blessing with the Holy
Eucharist!