Corpus Christi 6/8/23

Dear St. James Family,

This Sunday is Corpus Christi, a celebration established in 1264 to emphasize the doctrine of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. This Sunday I will be delivering a homily with the intention of stirring your heart and helping you to grow in fervor for our Lord as he comes to us in the Blessed Sacrament. If this is an area of struggle for you, you will want to hear this homily.  

Corpus Christi Procession and Indulgence

This Sunday we will be concluding the 10:15 AM Mass with a Corpus Christi procession. The Church teaches that “when the Eucharist is carried through the street … the Christian people give public witness of faith and devotion toward the sacrament.” St. Pope John Paul II wrote that this is a day of great joy, a reminder of Christ with us. The practice of Corpus Christi processions harken back to the later middle ages during the rise in Eucharistic devotions. These processions developed into splendid pageants of devotion and honor to the Blessed Sacrament. They are still publicly held, and often with the ancient splendor, in many countries around the world. 

The Church highly encourages attendance at these events, so much so that those who devoutly participate in a eucharistic procession on Corpus Christi will receive a plenary indulgence (standard conditions apply). Come and give public witness to your faith and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Exposition and benediction to follow both Masses and procession to follow the 10:15 AM Mass.

Solemn Mass & Holy Burning: Reverent Disposal of Old Bibles and Blessed Items, Friday, June 23, 2023

Celebrate the Nativity of John the Baptist with Mass and the age old tradition of disposing of unwanted blessed objects on this day through a sacred fire or burial. Bring unwanted Bibles, broken rosaries, holy cards, statues, etc. There will be a small burning and the rest will be taken away and buried in sacred soil (church grounds).

• Dropping off Items? We are not currently accepting holy objects to be disposed ahead of time. Instead, please bring them with you to the event.

• Pro tip: Come early and check out the holy items that are being disposed. You might even find at item or two to rescue and to use for your own devotions.

• Popsicles: What could be better than concluding a festive and most likely warm night with a popsicle!

Would you like to be involved in a Monthly Women’s Gathering?

This past Saturday five women gathered together at First Watch Mandarin to pray together and enjoy good food and even better company. It was a great time and there is talk that this may begin being held monthly. If you are interested in learning more or being on the invitation list, please contact CathymMessina@gmail.com or 415-205-9705.

RSVP Deadline is Today, June 8 – Where the Bible Came From Workshop: Introduction to Catholicism for your Protestant Friend: June 12, 2023, 6:30 PM

Know a person or two who might be curious to learn where the Bible came from and how this points to the Catholic Church? Bring them with you to dig deeply into Church history, examining the roots of the Bible, how it was assembled, and what this teaches us about the Church. This evening will be led by myself, Father Mayer, who grew up as a devout Pentecostal, then served for a time as an Episcopal Priest before coming into the Catholic Church. This is a great opportunity for Protestants to better understand Catholics and to experience an engaging and interactive presentation designed to bring Protestants and Catholics together around the Scriptures. Let me know if you plan on coming or bringing someone so that I can save you a spot before they get filled up! Learn more about the food we will be serving and the location of the event.

Pool Party: Join the St. James Crew Sat. June 17, 2023

Join us from 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, generously hosted by the Bonkowski family. St. James will be providing sub sandwiches and you are asked to bring a side (desert if your last name begins with A-M or a side or drinks if your last name begins with M-Z). Please RSVP with Tammy Bonkowski by June 15 so that we know how much food to purchase.

Living a Trinitarian Life – Most Recent Homily

Many Catholics, by religion are trinitarian in their beliefs, but not in practice.  Many tend to focus on one particular person of the Holy Trinity and the avoid the other two. By inspired to the fullness of the work of all three persons of the Blessed Trinity in your life and beyond.

Listen to this and my other homilies at StJamesCC.org/Homilies or by searching “Fr. Mayer’s Preaching & Teaching” wherever you get your podcasts

Other Upcoming Dates

• Eucharistic Congress: June 9, 10. Speakers and Mass

• How we Got the Bible Workshop: July 17, bring those curious about Catholic Church

• Festival of St. James: Sunday, July 23, 12:00 PM Food. Mission update.

• Hannah Park Outing: Saturday, August 8, 2023, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM

• Dinner with the Bishop: Saturday Evening, December 9, 2023, Black Tie Event

Check out More Upcoming Events at the Website

Faithfully, your pastor,

Father Mayer