Dear Parishioners:

Next Sunday, June 11, 2023, the United States Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar observes Corpus Christi (Latin for ‘Body of Christ’) Sunday, also known as the Feast of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.  What is it? 

“On this feast, we celebrate our covenant with God established through the shedding of Jesus’ blood, and through his eagerness to feed us with the only bread that will satisfy our hunger.  We renew this covenant by participating in the banquet of his body and blood, a banquet that through his death, gives us life.” 

Today we are celebrating a solemn feast that expresses the awesome wonder of the People of God: a wonder filled with gratitude for the gift of the Eucharist. In the Sacrament of the Altar, Jesus wanted to perpetuate his living presence in our midst in the same form in which he gave himself to the Apostles in the Upper Room. He left to us what he did at the Last Supper and we faithfully renew his action.

According to established custom, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi consists of two moments: the Mass, in which the offering of the Sacrifice takes place and the procession, which manifests the public adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Our Parish will have a Corpus Christi procession immediately following the 9am Liturgy, all are invited to participate in this procession from St. Gabriel to St. Raphael.

Days, years, and centuries go by, but this most holy act in which Jesus condensed his entire Gospel of love does not pass away. He never ceases to offer himself, the Lamb immolated and risen, for the salvation of the world. With this memorial the Church responds to the command of God's Word, which we heard in today’s Second Reading: "Do this in remembrance of me" (Cor. 11: 24).

From the Eucharist, "the source and the summit of all preaching of the Gospel”, our Parish Community of St. Gabriel the Archangel must daily draw the strength and enthusiasm for our call to witness to Christ in the world.

A reminder that during the day our Church is open for Eucharistic Adoration here at St. Gabriel; all are welcome to partake in this time of prayer.  In a special way thanks to all who partake in our Eucharistic Adoration here at St. Gabriel; your prayer is a gift to all of us in the Church. 

                                                                                    Blessings!

                                                                                    Msgr. John Shamleffer

I am sure you have heard that Archbishop Rozanski has appointed me to Ste. Genevieve du Bois and Annunziata parishes as pastor with Father Thomas Molini coming here and at St. Raphael parishes.  Thanks for your many prayers and wishes and we will have much more information to come.