From the Desk of Fr. Mason Wiggins, Pastor

Dear Parishioners of St. Catherine of Siena,

The Bazaar was a resounding success — even with the Friday weather. Sunday was beautiful. I want to thank everyone who contributed their time, talent, and treasure to make it so. I want to particularly thank Vicki and Dave Counts for once again leading the team to a decisive win. The food stalls and baked goods were fantastic and deliciousand the addition of the beer kegs was uplifting. Another great success was the kid’s zone — it was a real treat. I want to thank the Handi-crafters, the Bingo folks (and the kid’s Bingo). Our book nook and attic treasures had so many deals and our plant stall was a growing concern. The silent auction was quietly successful! Even I walked away with a few high bid wins! A great big thank you goes out to our counters and all who helped set-up and clean-up, particularly the Juan XXIII ministry members. I also want to thank so very much the sponsors and everyone who generously took an envelope, leaf, or just donated to the Bazaar. You all made it a true parish family community event. I’malready looking forward to next year!

We are now kicking off the Matching Fund in earnest, as we anticipate paying down the debt. Remember whatever is contributed to the Matching Fund goes directly to the principal of the mortgage loan. The more we reduce the principal the quicker the mortgage is paid off. Then we can get on to new projects to make our parish even more wonderful.

Just a quick note on receiving Holy Communion. We have had a few questions and here are the answers: To receive Catholic Communion, you must be Catholic, in a state of grace (without unconfessed mortal sin), and have received First Communion. When the minister says, “The Body of Christ,” you respond “Amen,” bow your head inreverence and then receive the Host on your tongue or in your hands. Finally, you consume the host immediately, while still facing the altar, then return to your pew to pray.

Before receiving:

Be Catholic: You must be a baptized Catholic or have gone through the RCIA process to be received into the Church. Be in a state of grace: You must be free of any unconfessed mortal sins. Be prepared: You should be ready to affirm your faith and devotion to Christ.

How to receive the Host:

Bow: Bow your head as a sign of reverence. Receive: You can choose to receive either on the tongue or in the hand. On the tongue: Open your mouth, stick out your tongue, and remain still. In the hand: Place one hand under the other to form a “throne” and receive the host in your palm. Never grab for the host or the chalice. Respond: Say “Amen” to the minister’s declaration, “The Body of Christ”. Consume: Step aside and immediately consume the Host, ensuring no crumbs fall. One also receives the Precious Blood in the same manner. Respond: Say “Amen” to the minister’s declaration, “The Blood of Christ”. Take the chalice in both hands and consume a very small amount of the Precious Blood. Return the chalice to the minister with both hands and make sure the minister has control of the chalice before letting go.

After receiving:

Return to your pew: Walk back to your seat with reverence. Pray: Kneel and pray, thanking Jesus for the gift of the Eucharist.

God bless you all. Fr. Mason