St. Boniface Catholic Church
by Sue Beams

Sunday, June 10th, members of St. Boniface Catholic Church, celebrated the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (also known as Corpus Christi). In the readings, we are told of the priest Melchizedek. The Responsorial Psalm reminds us that the Lord is a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek. In the Second reading, in his letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul recounted the night of Jesus' betrayal. When he took the bread and wine and instituted the Eucharist.

In the Gospel reading, we heard of the miracle performed with the loaves and fishes. In this account, we learn of the need to feed the large, hungry crowd. And Jesus does so, just as he con- tinues to feed us at the Eucharist. The Lord will always provide for us to overflowing!

In His mercy and goodness, we will be forever in His favor when we share in the Eucharist. In his homily, Fr. Jesse shared that the literal translation of Corpus Christi is the Body of Christ. We celebrate "Corpus Christi" in memory of Jesus Christ and his institution of the Eucharist. Jesus taught His disciples how to celebrate the Eucharist "in memory" of Him.

As Catholics, we believe that the Sacrament and Sacrifice IS the Body and Blood of Christ. Through transubstantiation the entire substance of the Bread and Wine become the Body and Blood, the real presence of Lord Jesus. This fact of our Faith, is just that: our belief as Catholics and we defend it in the name of the Lord who died for our sins in Passion and Death, and we obtain life through the Eucharist. We must always show the utmost reverence for the Body and Blood of Christ.

Fr. Jesse called upon us to reflect upon the Holy Presence in the Eucharist. Following Communion, in accordance with the solemnity of the occasion, there was a Rite of Eucharistic Exposition, Veneration, and Benediction followed by the Divine Praises. While members enjoyed refreshments after Mass, they viewed a short DVD presentation of Eucharistic Miracles. This brief film was informative and thought provoking.

Our parish picnic was deemed a success by those who attended. The fun, food and fellowship was wonderful! Thanks to those who attended, the event was most enjoyable. A special thanks to Kay Chavez for opening up her home to us, and to "Chef" Tony Ramirez for manning the grill. There was a bit of excitement as the day began when a calf was born in the field near the house, much to the awe and delight of those lucky enough to witness it. During the day, the young people enjoyed croquet and the "gents" pitched horseshoes. Joe Hoffman proved again, that accuracy is much more important than speed!

St. Boniface is appealing to the congregation to look into their hearts as there are some vacancies in several ministries in the parish. We are in need of an Altar Servers Coordinator, preferably a couple. Also, there are openings in our Faith Formation Ministry as well as our Youth Ministry. Please pray upon these needs, and contact Fr. Jesse or Iris Mamo for more information or to volunteer your much needed services.

On Friday, June 15 at 9am, Mass will be offered in celebration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Sunday, June 17, Fr. Nathan Mamo will celebrate the 9:30 a.m. Mass in honoir of Father's Day. It is always a special treat to have Fr. Nathan join us at St . Boniface. Fr. Nathan is the son of our Faith Formation Director, Iris Mamo.

Congratulations and best wishes to all who are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. Please pray for all who are sick and suffering. Remember the souls of the faithful departed. Continue to lift up in prayer those men and women serving in the military. Have a wonderful week!