CORPUS CHRISTI - the ‘Body and Blood of Jesus Christ’  

This Sunday the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of CORPUS CHRISTI - the ‘Body and Blood of Jesus Christ’ (or Eucharist/Holy Communion).

The word ‘Eucharist’ means thanksgiving. When Catholics go to Mass, they are giving thanks for Jesus’ great sacrifice when he gave up his body to be crucified for humanity. In the Mass they remember Jesus’ Last Supper, his final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion. At the meal Jesus shared unleavened bread and wine (the staple food of the time) and he instructed his disciples to continue to do this to remember him.  He took, broke, and shared the bread saying:
“Take this and eat. This is my body.
Take this and drink. This is my blood.
Do this in memory of me.”

The Mass is more than a re-enactment of the Last Supper. Catholics believe that the piece of bread (host) that is "taken, blessed, and broken " by the priest becomes the life of Jesus, which was taken, blessed, broken (on the cross) and given in sacrifice for us.

Although the bread and wine physically remain the same (they look, taste, and smell like bread and wine), Catholics believe that it is transformed beyond human comprehension into Jesus when it is blessed during the Mass. This is called Transubstantiation, the most important act of worship.

Catholics attend Mass to receive Jesus in Holy Communion just as He asked at His Last Supper. And by doing this are strengthened and nourished for life’s journey of faith.

It is fitting that our children preparing to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus will make their First Holy Communion at Masses in Taralga and Crookwell this weekend (the Feast of Corpus Christi). We wish Charlie, Hayden, Chase, Quade, Riley, Tommy, Anna, Imogen, Ruby and Scarlett a holy first Eucharist.

Chase Lucock, who was baptised into the Catholic Church last weekend, is one of these students who is very excited to be receiving Jesus. “I felt great when I got Baptised. I felt blessed. I can’t wait to get Holy Communion."

 

Striving for Excellence- Make A Difference In Our World

Year 6 Social Justice and Mini Vinnies students will be introducing the St Vincent De Paul WINTER APPEAL at tomorrow’s assembly.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR WORLD by supporting our Mini Vinnies WINTER APPEAL

Donation of the following items would be greatly appreciated:

• New thick socks
• New gloves/mittens
• Warm coats and scarves
• Sleeping bags
• Blankets/donnas 

We could all make a difference in our world with these goals!

Let us all answer Jesus’ call to carry on His mission of love…

 (please make sure any used items are in reasonable condition)