Corpus Christi by Fr. Chris House

June 17, 2022

One of the highlights of making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land is visiting Capernaum on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. Capernaum was the home town of St. Peter and St. Andrew and became an adopted home of Jesus.

One of the highlights of making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land is visiting Capernaum on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. Capernaum was the home town of St. Peter and St. Andrew and became an adopted home of Jesus. I have been blessed to stand in the ruins of Capernaum’s ancient synagogue. It was in this synagogue where Jesus gave one of his most famous teachings found in the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel known as The Bread of Life Discourse. Jesus repeats himself several times in this discourse, commanding us to feed on him, to literally eat his flesh and drink his blood. This is not figurative language; this is John’s exposition on the Eucharist.


This weekend we celebrate the feast formally titled the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, but popularly known as Corpus Christi. Every time the Church gathers to celebrate the Mass, the Eucharist, which is the body, blood, soul, and divinity of our Lord, is at the center of our worship. We must avoid the danger of growing lax in our reverence and awe due to our familiarity with this great and wonderful sacrament, which is one reason why the Church dedicates a particular day of solemnity to focus solely on this mystery. The Eucharist is the life source of the Church, the ultimate manifestation of Christ’s presence among us, and it has been the strength of the faithful for the Church’s entire history. It is not a sign or symbol, because a sign or symbol points to another reality; the Eucharist is the reality of Jesus’s real presence among us.

 

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus’s feeding of the five-thousand is recounted for us which happened at another site a few miles from Capernaum called Tabgha. The transformation of those five loaves and two fish, meager as they were, reminds us that our simple gifts of bread and wine, when changed by the power of the Holy Spirit, become something new and wonderful in the Eucharist. In the Church of the Multiplication at Tabgha, there is a famous mosaic on the floor of two fish but only four loaves. The absence of the fifth loaf in the mosaic invites us to raise our eyes to the Blessed Sacrament present either on the altar or the tabernacle and to see that it is Jesus who is the true bread who continually comes down from heaven in the Eucharist.

 

Beginning this weekend with the Feast of Corpus Christi, the Church in the U.S. is beginning a three-year Eucharistic Revival. The first year of the revival will focus on the diocesan level; in our diocese this will culminate in October of 2023 with a Jubilee celebration of the centennial of the transfer of our diocesan see from Alton to Springfield. A year from now we will begin a year of parish renewal. The final year of the revival will focus on the call to missionary discipleship to give witness to our community of the great gift that we have in the Eucharist. I truly believe that this revival is going to be a wonderful opportunity for an outpouring of grace into the Church, nationally and locally. I will keep you informed of new initiatives during this time as they are presented.

 

*From Last Weeks Bulletin Since Many Did Not Receive It*

 

New Parish Census/Giving Program

 

We are transitioning from WeGather to Our Sunday Visitor for our church census management software as well as our online giving platform. The transformation is occurring because WeGather is decommissioning their product. We will need to transfer all online giving accounts to the new platform in the next few weeks. All online giving with WeGather (including recurring transactions) will end on June 30, 2022. If you are an online donor please look for an email invitation from OSV Giving to transfer your recurring donation. The parish office will also be in further contact with parishioners as we work through this transition. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

 

Seminary Summer Intern

 

We have been asked to host seminarian Troy Niemerg here at CTK for a parish experience this summer. Troy is a native of Dieterich, on the east side of our diocese, and has completed his second year of theology at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He will be with us from June 20th through August 22nd. I know that you will make Troy feel welcome.

 

Thank you Jerry!

 

Our fellow parishioner Jerry Smith, who has served several years as the director of facilities, has retired. Jerry was a great help to me in my transition as pastor two years ago. I wish Jerry the very best and thank him for his service to our parish and school.

 

The Precious Blood

 

Several weeks ago I stated my intention to return the option to receive the Precious Blood at Mass starting the first week of June. At that time, I did not envision a significant rise in Covid cases. I have made the decision to delay the return of cup at Mass until the beginning of July, continuing to evaluate the size of this new Covid wave. While I firmly believe that our Lord’s Precious Blood will make no one ill, I cannot definitively say that the virus cannot be passed on the outside of the cup. I know that some in our parish have been waiting for this option to return and I am sorry that I believe we need to wait a little longer; thank you for your patience!

 

Blessings to you and yours for the week ahead!

Father Chris House

 

Rejoice! Celebrating Gaudete Sunday and the Joy of Advent

December 14, 2025
Happy 3rd Sunday of Advent! Also known as Gaudete Sunday, which means Rejoice in Latin. We rejoice because Christmas Season is near during which we recall how God fulfilled all His promises to Isrealthrough Jesus. Gaudete Sunday is also known for the word Joy because of the Rose vestment. Rose or common called pink is color of joy. Rose is color of joy because the violent color of Advent and Lent associated with penance is fading away with rose color vestment. Like the rose and orange hue thatis seen right before sunrise. On Dec. 14, we as a Parish will participate in Advent Penance with Blessed Sacrament and St. Agnes. Blessed Sacrament will host this time and CTK will host in Lent. 6 priests will be available to hear confessions at 2pm. A chance before Christmas to bring our sins to God’s mercy as we prepare for joy of Christmas Season. Please note for December that there will be no Adoration of Blessed Sacrament on Dec. 24 and 31. Advent Penance Service: Blessed Sacrament, Christ the King, and St. Anges Hosted byBlessed Sacrament - December 14 at 2pm. 6 priests will be available for confessions. Advent Resources Devotions Word on Fire Hallow App Exodus 90 App Magnificat Behold! By Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT Marian Candlelight Mass - Dec 17 at 5:30pm Confessions Monday through Friday: 6:30am-6:50am Every Saturday: 3:00pm-4pm Every Sunday: 4-45pm Wednesday 4pm-4:45pm Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve: 4pm, 6:30pm, and 11pm Christmas Day: 9:30am 30 minutes of prelude music before Mass New Years Mass Schedule Dec 31: 5:30pm Jan 1: 9:30am Military Weekends Jan 10-11 and Feb 21-27 

A Season of Hope and Promise: The First Sunday of Advent

November 30, 2025
Happy 1ˢᵗ Sunday of Advent! Advent is a beautiful season of hope and expectation. We recall the promises that God made to Israel throughout the Old Testament especially Isaiah and see how God fulfilled these promises in Jesus. As we recall these promises and their fulfillment, we are renewed in our confidence and hope God will fulfill the promises of the New Testament. I encourage you not to jump straight into Christmas. I invite you to enter the great season of Advent. Be renewed by Advent to root your life more deeply in Christ’s promises, His promises are a sure and steadfast anchor. During my State of the Parish Homily back in October, I mentioned several places on our Campus are in need of attention, below is a list of projects coming in future years. This is not an exhaustive list, just gives a glimpse of major projects coming up in the next few years. Based on cash flow, summer of 2026 projects are listed in the right-hand column. Projects School Tuckpointing School Windows Gym Roof Parish Center Roof Rectory and St Joseph Roof Parking Lot HVAC Pre-K and K-8 Playgrounds School Security Cameras - Interior Summer of 2026 Projects Pre-K Tuckpointing Pre-K HVAC Pre-K and K-8 Playgrounds School Security Cameras - Interior Advent Resources Devotions Word on Fire Hallow App Exodus 90 App Magnificat Behold! By Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT Marian Candlelight Mass - Dec 3, 10, and 17 at 5:30pm Confessions Monday through Friday: 6:30am-6:50am Every Saturday: 3:00pm-4pm Every Sunday: 4-45pm Wednesday 4pm-4:45pm Advent Penance Service: Blessed Sacrament, Christ the King, and St. Anges Hosted byBlessed Sacrament - December 14 at 2pm. 6 priests will be available for confessions. Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve: 4pm, 6:30pm, and 11pm Christmas Day: 9:30am New Years Mass Schedule Dec 31: 5:30pm Jan 1: 9:30am Military Weekends Dec 5-7 and Jan 10-11

Celebrating Our Parish Feast of Christ the King

November 22, 2025
Happy Christ the King Sunday! I am excited to celebrate our Parish Feast Day for the first time as Pastor. I have always loved this Solemnity! It emphasizes that Jesus’s Kingdom is bigger than any nation. Indeed as the Solemnity suggests He is King of Universe. His Kingdom is bigger than the entire universe. Christ the King Solemnity also acknowledges the universality of the Catholic Faith, every race, ethnicity, language, etc. is invited into Christ’s Kingdom. More information on the history of the Feast visit - https://www.usccb.org/committees/religious-liberty/solemnity- christ-king-background or https://ewtn.co.uk/ca-why-was-the-feast-of-christ-the-king-instituted/ During my State of the Parish Homily back in October, I mentioned several places on our Campus are in need of attention, especially at our school. In next week’s bulletin, I will lay out some upcoming projects for summer of 2026. Advent Resources Devotions Word on Fire Hallow App Exodus 90 App Magnificat Behold! By Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT Marian Candlelight Mass - Dec 3, 10, and 17 at 5:30pm Confessions Monday through Friday: 6:30am-6:50am Every Saturday: 3:00pm-4pm Every Sunday: 4-45pm Wednesday 4pm-4:45pm Advent Penance Service: Blessed Sacrament, Christ the King, and St. Anges Hosted byBlessed Sacrament - December 14 at 2pm. 6 priests will be available for confessions. Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve: 4pm, 6:30pm, and 11pm Christmas Day: 9:30am New Years Mass Schedule Dec 31: 5:30pm Jan 1: 9:30am Military Weekends Dec 5-7 and Jan 10-11

Christ Who Reigns Over Life and Death

November 15, 2025
Happy 33 Sunday of Ordinary Time! Our Gospel today is part of what we call the eschatological teachings of Jesus. Eschatological teachings have to do with final things; Our Doctrines about 2nd coming, judgment, heaven, hell, purgatory, etc. coming from Jesus’s teaching in the Scripture about final things. Eschatological teachings can sometimes be unnerving, but they point towards the Divinity of Christ Jesus. That He is above all of creation and reigns over death and life. Reminder that next weekend is our Parish Feast of Christ the King Sunday, Nov. 22-23. We will have a Parish Breakfast after 8am and 10am Masses. There will also be Incense at both 4:30pm and 10am Mass that weekend. Thank you to all you came out for the Pre-Advent Mission. Both evenings were great times of formation, prayer, and fellowship. Dennis did a brilliant job on inviting us to journey with Mary this Advent followed by some beautiful Candlelight Adoration of Jesus. Thank you to all as well who made the Social possible Monday Night. It was a great time of fellowship. Advent Resources Marian Candlelight Mass Dec 3, 10, and 17 at 5:30pm Confessions Monday through Friday: 6:30am-6:50am Every Saturday: 3:00pm-4pm Every Sunday: 4-45pm Wednesday 4pm-4:45pm Advent Penance Service: Blessed Sacrament, Christ the King, and St. Agnes Hosted by Blessed Sacrament December 14 at 2pm 6 priests will be available for confessions. Christmas Schedule Christmas Eve: 4pm, 6:30pm, and 11pm Christmas Day: 9:30am New Years Mass Schedule Dec 31: 5:30pm Jan 1: 9:30am Military Weekends Dec 5-7 and Jan 10-11

The Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran

November 8, 2025
Happy Feast of Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome! Often when we think of Mother Church for us as Catholics, we might think of St Peter’s in Rome. The Mother Church for us as Catholics is actually St. John Lateran, which is the Cathedral of the Pope since the 3rd century. The feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran is celebrated by the entire Church. It marks the dedication of the cathedral church of Rome by Pope Sylvester I in 324. This church is the cathedra (or chair) of the bishop of Rome, who is the Pope. A Latin inscription in the Church reads: “omnium ecclesiarum Urbis et Orbis mater et caput.” Translated, this means, “The mother and head of all churches of the city and of the world.” The basilica was originally named the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior. However, it is called St. John Lateran because it was built on property donated to the Church by the Laterani family, and because the monks from the monastery of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Divine served it. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/dedication-of-st-johnlateran-650 The 1st Reading for this Feast emphasizes the prophecy of new springs of grace pouring out from the Temple to the nations. We see this prophecy fulfilled through Jesus’ Death and Resurrection. The waters of grace spring forth from the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. Water and Blood flowing from the cross are the wellspring of the Church Sacraments. Reminder that our Pre-Advent Mission is coming up on Nov. 9 and 10 at 6:30pm. You can find details in the bulletin. Dennis will present on Mary, our Blessed Mother, and I will present on St. Joseph. Candlelight Masses for Advent will be offered on December 3, 10, and 17 at 5:30pm. We will have a few lights in the Church to provide light to get to the pews and Holy Communion. In the sanctuary, there will only be Candlelight as we await the light of Christ at Christmas.  Military Weekends Dec 5-7 and Jan 10-11

Commemorating All Souls: Praying for Our Beloved Departed

November 2, 2025
Happy All Souls Day! All Souls Day falls on November 2 each year and we have the great privilege of celebrating this commemoration on Sunday this year. Each All Souls Day, we are invited to honor and pray for our beloved dead - our friends and family. A common practice in most parishes is to have a Book of the Dead, where we write down names of people that we want to pray for during November. Our Book of the Dead is located by the Baptismal Font. Feel free to add names of those you want to honor and pray for in a special way. Also as a Parish Family, we will honor and pray for our beloved parishioners who passed away this past year at a special Mass of Remembrance on November 5. Another great practice for the first days of November is the following Novena prayed during the first 9 days of November in a cemetery. https://www.praymorenovenas.com/souls-daynovena. Traditional Prayer when visiting a grave: Eternal rest grant unto him/her, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him/her. May his/her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. Below, you can see another change to my military schedule. The on-going changes are due to the federal government shut down. Reminder that our Pre-Advent Mission is coming up on Nov. 9 and 10 at 6:30pm . You can find details in the bulletin. Dennis will present on Mary, our Blessed Mother, and I will present on St. Joseph. Candlelight Mass for Advent will be offered on December 3, 10, and 17 at 5:30pm. We will have a few lights in the Church to provide light to get to the pews and Holy Communion. In the sanctuary, there will only be Candlelight as we await the light of Christ at Christmas. Military Weekends Dec 5-7 and Jan 10-11

Lessons in Humility

October 25, 2025
Happy 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time! Jesus speaks in today’s Gospel of the importance of humility. He uses the powerful image of a tax collector to convey the virtue of humility. It is an odd image since tax collectors were not seen as examples of virtue. They were often worldly men who stole and cheated through the tax system of the day. The tax collector’s action in the Gospel today Is what we live out at the beginning of every Mass with the Penitential Act – Lord have mercy on me a sinner! I am away this weekend at Good News Conference in Florida. https://www.goodnewsconference.com/ If you are interested in signing up for a Mass ministry, sign-up sheets available in the back and the Parish Office will reach out for training. Next weekend, Nov 1, All Saints, is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year. We will have a special Daily Mass that day at 8am on Nov. 1. For the regular Sunday Masses, Nov. 1-2, we will celebrate All Souls Day, a special day every year that we pray and remember our beloved dead. We will have a special Mass of Remembrance as a Parish on Nov. 5. Before you know it our Patronal Feast Day and Advent will be here. Christ the King Sunday falls on Nov. 22-23. We will have our Parish Breakfast on Nov. 23 after 8am and 10am Masses to celebrate our Parish Feast Day! This year, we will do new things for Advent. On Nov. 9 and 10 at 6:30pm, we will have a Pre-Advent Mission on Advent Journey with Mary our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph. This Pre-Advent Mission will consist of a talk each night to prepare us for our Advent Journey to Christmas. On Nov. 9, Dennis Trickey will offer a talk on Mary, our Blessed Mother and help us apply lessons from her life that can assist us with Advent. Following his talk, we will have Candlelight Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for an hour with confessions available. One Nov. 10, I will offer a talk on St. Joseph and glean lessons from his life to assist us with Advent. Following this talk, we will have a social fellowship opportunity in the Parish Center with drinks and snacks. Anyone is welcome to attend this Mission as we prepare for our Advent journeys. Also, during Advent this year, we will have special Masses on Wednesday evenings called Rorate Caeli Mass. It is a Mass honoring Mary’s role in salvation done by Candlelight only, since we are awaiting the light of Christ at Christmas. We will offer these special Masses on December 3, 10, and 17 at 5:30pm. We will have a few lights on in the Church to provide light to get to the pews and Holy Communion. In the sanctuary, there will only be Candlelight as we await the light of Christ at Christmas. Military Drill Nov. 14-16, no Dec drill, Jan 10-11

Prayer, Perseverance, and Preparing for the Season Ahead

October 19, 2025
Happy 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time! Jesus speaks in today’s Gospel of the importance of persistence in prayer. Persistence in prayer is not so much about changing God’s mind, but about us persistently seeking communion with God in prayer. As St. John of Damascus said prayer is lifting up of our heart and mind to God. From that encounter and communion with God, prayer changes us. Prayer transforms our thoughts, feelings, desires, and choices over time as we seek communion with God. Due to the federal government shutdown, I will be here this weekend. My military drill was rescheduled for a later date. My next weekend with the Reserves will be in November I will be away next weekend for the Good News Conference in Florida. If you are interested in signing up for a Mass ministry, sign-up sheets are available in the back and the Parish Office will reach out for training. Before you know it our Patron Feast Day and Advent will be here. Our Patron Feast Day, Christ the King Sunday, falls on Nov. 22-23. We will continue the Parish Breakfast on Nov. 23 after the 8am and 10am Masses to celebrate our Parish Feast Day! This year, we will do new things for Advent. On Nov. 9 and 10 at 6:30pm, we will have a Pre-Advent Mission on Advent Journey with Mary our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph. This Pre-Advent Mission will consist of a talk each night to prepare us for our Advent Journey to Christmas. On Nov. 9, Dennis Trickey will offer a talk on Mary, our Blessed Mother and help us apply lessons from her life that can assist us with Advent. Following his talk, we will have Candlelight Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for an hour with confessions available. One Nov. 10, I will offer a talk on St. Joseph and glean lessons from his life to assist us with Advent. Following this talk, we will have a social fellowship opportunity in the Parish Center with drinks and snacks. Anyone is welcome to attend this Mission as we prepare for our Advent journeys. Also, during Advent this year, we will have a special Daily Mass on Wednesdays called Rorate Caeli Mass. It is a Mass honoring Mary’s role in salvation done by Candlelight only, since during we are Advent awaiting the light of Christ at Christmas. We will offer this special Mass on December 3, 10, and 17 at 5:30pm. We will have a few lights in the Church to provide light to get to the pews and Holy Communion. In the sanctuary, there will only be Candlelight as we await the light of Christ at Christmas. Military Drill Nov. 15-16, no Dec drill

State of the Parish Review

October 12, 2025
Happy 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time! Last Weekend, I gave the State of the Parish Homily to give us a snapshot of parish life at Christ the King. Below are some numbers that I mentioned in my homily. I also mentioned some next steps including recruiting more Mass ministers, discerning our Parish Vision/Mission and goals, discerning more fellowship and formation opportunities and campus map of projects upcoming. Those will all come in due time. If you are interested in signing up for a Mass ministry, sign-up sheets are available in the back and the Parish Office will reach out for training. I will be away Oct. 17-19 for military drill with Army Reserves. I also will be away Oct. 24-25, for the Good News Conference. I scheduled this conference before I received my new military schedule. My apologies for being away two straight weekends. Parish Life Numbers (approximate yearly averages) Offertory: $1.2 Million Parish Subsidy to School from offertory: $500,000 Mass attendance total: 1,100 to 1,200 each weekend Baptisms: 25 Funerals: 25 Sacraments of confirmation/Holy Communion: 50 Sacramental marriages: 3 New Catholics: 5 to 7 people coming into the Church each year PSR: 10 to 15 kids a year Grade School total: 472 (93 Pre-K) Mass Ministry numbers: Lectors: 27 Rosary Leaders: 7 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: 45 Greeters: 29 Sacristans: 14 Ushers: 15 Servers: 20 Military Drill Oct. 17-19, Nov. 15-16, no Dec drill

Gratitude and Parish Life

October 4, 2025
Happy 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time! Thank you to everyone for our donations to Guatemala water project. We raised over $6,500! Thank you to all the volunteers who made the St Carlo Eucharistic Display possible. From setting up, opening parish center and locking, plus cleaning up, I am deeply thankful to everyone for helping display the Eucharistic Miracles. As you saw, there have been many Eucharistic miracles through history, and each one has an amazing story with it. This weekend, Oct. 4-5, I will be preaching at all the Masses and giving what I call the State of the Parish Homily. I offer this homily just once a year annually. In the bulletin, you will find our financial report from the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Next week, I will include in the bulletin some key numbers and information outside of the fiscal report. I will be away Oct. 17-19 for military drill with Army Reserves. I also will be away Oct. 24-25 for the Good News Conference. I scheduled this conference before I received my new military schedule. My apologies for being away two straight weekends.
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