Eucharistic Processions for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi gives our parish an opportunity to worship our Eucharistic Lord by processing with the Blessed Sacrament. As the National Eucharistic Revival continues, we are increasing the solemnity, reverence, and joy of our parish’s celebration of Corpus Christi. One way we are doing this is by using our beautiful new canopy to cover the Blessed Sacrament when we are outside the building. We purchased the canopy with a grant awarded by the Corpus Christi Foundation. The canopy is a beautiful way to honor our Lord, and it will also help people further back in the procession to see where the Blessed Sacrament is.
This feast is also an occasion to pray for and honor Corpus Christi Catholic School. Students from our parish school will serve at the 11 a.m. Mass and procession. School families are invited to sit in reserved pews at the front of the church so they can take an honored place near the front of all the processions. Wear your Corpus Christi uniforms!
Main Procession and Ice Cream Social
11 a.m. Mass on June 2
At the conclusion of Mass, Fr. Michael will process out of the church with the Blessed Sacrament. The servers, choir, and people will follow. The procession will exit the church through the main doors and go to the prayer garden, where there will be a brief period of Adoration. We will then process around the church on the sidewalk, turn at the corner, and head back to the front doors. The procession will return to the main church and conclude with Benediction. An ice cream social on the chapel lawn will follow. (In the event of inclement weather, we will process around the narthex and back into the main church. The ice cream social will be in the hall.)
Shorter Processions
5 p.m. and 9 a.m. Masses on June 1-2
These processions will be similar to the main procession, except we will not stop at the prayer garden. (In the event of inclement weather, we will process around the narthex and back into the main church.)
Procession etiquette is important! Please either sing or maintain a reverent silence at all times during the procession.
Parishioners with mobility issues may choose to stay in their seat and wait for the procession to return. They may also accompany the procession for part of its route.
More Information on Eucharistic Processions
Eucharistic processions are a traditional part of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Led on a symbolic pilgrimage by Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, carried by our pastor, we publicly give glory to God, demonstrate our faith in Christ’s real presence among us in the Eucharist, and experience with our senses how he leads the Christian community from this earth to the heavenly Jerusalem. Incense is used during Eucharistic processions. The fragrant smoke creates an atmosphere of sacredness and solemnity while also symbolizing the prayers of the faithful rising up to heaven. Benediction is a solemn blessing with the Blessed Sacrament.