Corpus Christi
This coming Sunday my parish will participate in an outdoor Procession of the Blessed Sacrament following the Noon Mass.
This will be the seventh year we’ve taken Jesus through the streets of Tacoma and amongst His people.
Our outgoing parish priest, Rev. Martin Bourke, will celebrate the Noon Mass of Corpus Christi in the school auditorium, and then he and our Pastoral Administrator, Deacon Jim Fish, will take turns carrying the monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament.
If you are anywhere in the area, I hope you will consider joining us.
Eucharistic Procession is a practice that’s been celebrated since the 13th century, particularly in honour of this springtime feast of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.
Commonly termed “Corpus Christi”, the feast celebrates the Catholic belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ – that the consecrated bread and wine truly are the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
Following a cross-bearer and candle-bearers come the religious sisters and the Altar Society. Following two thurifers, the priest or deacon carries a monstrance – a golden vessel containing the consecrated bread – under a canopy carried by altar servers. Torchbearers flank the canopy, and the choir and the people of the parish follow behind.
(photo by Emily Gossard)
This year, following Mass and Benediction, we will process from Holy Rosary, across I-5 and back. In front of Holy Rosary Church, we will have some moments of Adoration and Benediction.
Come and join us!
Following the procession, there will be a potluck picnic, featuring a hotdog bar sponsored by the Altar Society of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
We will be saying our farewells to Father Bourke, who is becoming Pastor of Visitation Parish, and Sister Hanh our Sacristan, who has been transferred by her Order to a parish north of Seattle. It will be a sad farewell, but Holy Rosary is truly blessed to have had them both.