The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Cycle A

Sunday, June 11, 2023

John 6:51-58
Jesus says, “I am the living bread.”

This Sunday we celebrate a second solemnity during this period of Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar. Next Sunday is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. This day was once called Corpus Christi, which is Latin for “Body of Christ.” In the Gospel, Jesus tells us about a different kind of food. Bread gives us life and nourishes our bodies. Jesus is the living bread who saves us from sin and gives us life forever with God in heaven. The sacraments give us God’s grace. Jesus gives us a special gift in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus. The Eucharist nourishes our souls and strengthens our faith. Jesus is truly with us in this sacrament.

Our faith teaches us that when we gather to celebrate Mass, Jesus is present to us. The bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Christ. This is what we mean by the word transubstantiation: Jesus makes himself present to all who receive the Body and Blood of Christ.

Children in your family who have already celebrated their First Holy Communion, invite them to share their memories of this special day. If there are family photos taken on this occasion, bring them out and share them together. Adults in the family may also share memories or photos that they have of their First Communion. Reflect together on what Jesus means when he calls himself the “living bread.” Recall that every time we receive the Eucharist, Jesus keeps the promise he made in the Gospel—those who eat his flesh and  drink his blood will remain forever connected to him. Perhaps family members can share what it means for them to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. Together thank God for this gift of Holy Communion.

Pray: Jesus, the Bread of Life, you are truly with us in the Eucharist. We love you and believe in you. Thank you for the gift of your loving presence.

SAVE THE DATE!  The Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop: A School Family Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Help of Christians Church on Saturday 5th August 2023 at 6.30pm. Students and families are invited to take on special roles for this Parish Mass.  Watch this space for further details. 

Student Fundraisers - Several of the student-led fundraising groups thanked the school community for its assistance, completed their competitions, and announced the sums raised per stall during assembly last Friday. In the course of tomorrow's Assembly, the remaining groups will present. The overall total raised was an amazing $2015.45. Again, many thanks to all of you. Each fundraising team received a certificate of appreciation and on the attached poster, they expressed their gratitude to everyone. The photos reflect their wonderful efforts and enjoyment. Well done.