Bulletin of February 8, 2004
Dear Parishioners,
The Bishop’s Annual Appeal begins this weekend with second collection and request for a year long pledge. If you use the larger pledge envelopes (available in vestibule) please be sure to include your name and address. Our Parish Goal for this year is $63,948.61. I really encourage support for this Appeal which is not for the Bishop, but by the Bishop on behalf of key and essential ministries of the church of the Diocese of Oakland.
Communion under forms of both bread and wine is now restored in our liturgies since the “flu crisis” has peaked and passed. Here are three frequently asked questions: Why not at all masses all the time?: We offer the cup at all daily masses and at the 5:00 pm, 8:00 am and 10:45 am on weekends. We omit the 9:15 because of the normally standing room only crowds and the high percentage of children; at the 7:00 am and 12:15 pm we are generally stretched to the limit just to have enough eucharistic ministers to distribute the bread. Our Liturgy Coordinating Committee is regularly reviewing this policy and welcomes parishioners’ comments.
What is the health risk?” this is probably the most common question and reason for a considerable number not receiving the consecrated wine, especially as we live in probably the most germ conscious generation in human history. When communion from the cup was reintroduced in the 70’s, an AMA statement claimed that the percentage of alcohol and the use of a cloth to wipe after each use reduces any health risk to an acceptable level. Personally that assurance by itself was not quite enough to convince me. After all, we are not talking about a sterile environment nor a sterilized cup; but for a couple of additional reasons I am confident that the health risk is about the same as a visit to a local supermarket or half a dozen other daily events that both challenge and build our immune system. I feel this way firstly, because since communion under both forms was reintroduced in the 70’s in huge numbers across the globe, there has been no increase of colds, flu etc. reported. A recent ten week study by a microbiologist in New Jersey showed us no difference in illness rates among people who share the cup regularly, those who pass by it and those who haven’t set foot in church in decades! Secondly, I am aware of one specific lab test of chalice contents after a normal Eucharist without any evidence of infectious bacteria reported. At the same time normal precautions are advisable at all times; if you’re not feeling well, have symptoms of sickness or aren’t sure, then the normal courtesy to refrain from handshaking, handholding and cup sharing would be wise and just a matter of common sense.
Why should we offer and receive the consecrated wine at all? Since for several recent centuries lay Catholics did not receive from the cup, and since we believe either form alone (bread or wine) bring us into communion with the risen Christ, this question gets asked often and acted on by the many who bypass the offered chalice. However, communion under both forms has actually been offered to Catholic laity without interruption for 2,000 years, although after the ninth century only in the East. (that’s Asia Minor not Manhattan!) Our celebration of the Eucharist is rooted in the Passover Meal and Christ’s Last Supper; it would be impossible to imagine an apostle or any participant skipping either bread or wine. The entire setting of Christ’s coming is at a banquet that includes bread and wine. At Mass we are disciples who become part of Christ’s ongoing Liturgy of sacrifice and meal, by our own fullest possible participation. Then there is the simple and direct request of Jesus: “Take and eat . . .take and drink”.
Speaking of Eucharist we have a wonderful opportunity of adult learning and the Eucharist coming up a week from Monday. On Monday evening February 16th Fr. David Pettingill will address “Eucharist for Parents and People of God” – although the meeting is intended especially for the parents of this year’s first communion youngsters, those who have heard Fr. Pettingill know that it is a great opportunity for all adult parishioners.
On Thursday evening February 19th (7-9) Fr. John Dear, S.J. will speak on “Practicing Non Violence in a Violent World”. Fr. Dear is a nationally known advocate of peace and author of 20 books on peace and justice. Admission is free but there will be a free will offering accepted with all proceeds going to the Nevada Desert Experience, an organization that mobilizes people of all faith to oppose nuclear weapons and advocate non violent social change.
Your Pastor,
Brian Joyce