St. Boniface Catholic
by Sue Beams

Members of St Boniface Catholic Church commemorated the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) on Sunday. Three newly trained altar servers and one veteran looked nearly angelic as they assisted in the Exposition and Veneration of the Eucharist. I would like to personally commend these children who did such an outstanding job. Parishioners were delighted to hear the newest member of our Sunday choir, Horton Bunch sing the Ave Maria. What a beautiful contribution to our liturgy!

Deacon Ruben Natera, in his homily, said that when we eat and drink of the body and blood of Christ we are united with the humanity of Jesus. Recalling the events of the Last Supper when Jesus took the bread and wine, blessed them and gave them to his disciples instructing them to eat and drink of His body and blood in remembrance of Him; what a beautiful event before He gave His life for us! Each Eucharistic celebration restates those words. Jesus sustains us with Himself as the manna from heaven sustained the Israelites. He is present always in ALL ways! Give thanks for this gift that proves to each of us that He loves us and has not or never will abandon us!

There have been some changes made within the diocese in recent weeks. Unfortunately for us at St Boniface, we are among those parishes involved in those changes. Our beloved Fr Jesse has been reassigned in the diocese and while I am sure I speak for many in wishing him all the best in his new duties, I am saddened at his departure. Under his guidance, St Boniface has reclaimed structure and discipline. We have added to our numbers and to the number of Masses celebrated each week. Members of the Apostolic Groups have made and met many ambitious goals. The atmosphere is one of respect and cooperation. Fr Jesse has been an inspiration in our faith and devotion to that faith. As a confessor, he is patient, loving and just. He will be missed! Following the Mass in Spanish on June 1st (at approximately 2:00pm) there will be a potluck dinner in his honor. May God Bless you, Fr Jesse!

Our parish will celebrate the feast of our Patron, St Boniface with a special bi-lingual Mass on June 8th at 10 am. Monsignor Strickland will join us for the celebration. A pot luck luncheon will follow. Everyone is invited, so bring a dish and help us honor St Boniface!

The Youth of St Boniface are planning an end-of-school year bash on June 14th at the church. Volleyball, t-shirt designing and of course, food are planned! Join them from 11 - 3 and bring a friend!

Congratulations and best wishes to all those who are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. We pray for those who are sick and suffering. Remember in prayer those who have gone to their rest. On this Memorial Day we remember in gratitude those who have fought for our freedom and we continue to ask God's protection for those serving our country in the armed services.

Have a good week!