PONDERING

T

oday we celebrate the great gift of the Eucharist, the feast of Corpus Christi. Actually the official title of the Feast has been changed to Corpus et Sanguine Christi, the Body and Blood of Christ.

The name change is significant. There was a time when it was normative just to receive the consecrated host. For several reasons receiving from the cup was not an option for the laity. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. Unfortunately, some people do not avail themselves of the privilege of receiving from the cup. Slowly more and more people are receiving from the cup and I know that growth will continue. I believe this because I remember the early stages of the option to receive the host in the hand or on the tongue. Early on most kept to the tradition of receiving on the tongue. Now it is the exception when someone receives that way. All it took was time and good catechesis; the same will happen with the cup.

There are many things that capture my attention and affection in the Catholic Church (and a few that don’t) but nothing speaks to me like the Eucharist.

It is a constant joy for me to be the presider at liturgies at Christ the King. You call me to attention by the way you celebrate. Liturgy speaks to my soul. Whether it is the solemn liturgies of Holy Week or a very ordinary weekday Mass in the chapel with twenty or so believers, the power is always the same. I sense the connectedness through the centuries all the way back to Jesus and the disciples at the last supper. That is powerful symbolism.

The words never lose their power; the repetition of the rubrics never feels constraining. There is a simplicity about the Eucharist that makes it enduring. Jesus, knowing that he was about to die, left us a way not to just remember him but to encounter him over and over again. When I was young, the sacrament spoke to me in spite of the Latin. More recently on my travels I have celebrated Mass with communities that prayed in French, Spanish, German or one or two other languages with which I had no familiarity. I may not understand the languages but I understand the symbols. I may not be able to converse with my fellow worshipers but they know that I am with them and they are with me.

I remember Henri Nouwen said in one of his books that most of all he wanted to be remembered as a priest of the Eucharist. He did not get his wish. I hope that when people talk about me whether living or dead, they will be able to say, “He loved the Eucharist and was dedicated to it.” One thing I know for certain, without the nourishment of the Eucharist I could never live the life of a Christian.

MASS INTENTIONS

Saturday, June 13

5:00 p.m.                                 Ed Crowley

Lois M. and Lawrence J. Bartley, Sr.

Sunday, June 14

8:00 a.m.                                 Betty Ann Kenyon

9:15 a.m.                                 Bruce Catelle

11:00 a.m.                               Jonathan DaDault

Saturday, June 20

5:00 p.m.                                 William Dalton

                                                Gene McKee

Sunday, June 21

8:00 a.m.                                 George McAuliffe

                                                Anthony Mancuso, Sr.

                                                Danny Ryan

11:00 a.m.                               Helen Pincins

                                                Raymond Moran

                                                Robert LaRoche

BANNS OF MARRIAGE

Nicolette Daniels and Matthew Andolfo

Claire Steggall and Eavan Murphy

CATHOLIC CHARITY FUND APPEAL

As the Catholic Charity Fund Appeal winds down we are 87 families short of our 50% participation goal. So far we have collected $188,101 toward our goal of $208,000. We are still well short of reaching last year’s gifts totaling $230,530. We thank everyone for their generosity during these uncertain financial times.

Only two weeks remain. We’ve tried very hard to keep this campaign focused on the beneficiaries of our contributions, and not on the dollar figure. So as you take these final two weeks to consider a donation, please remember that your gift will help a needy family, or help to continue a needed program.

Thank You.

Rick and Donna Menard, Co-Chairs

STEWARDSHIP GIFT

E

arly last week I got the bill for the moving of the cross and the crucifix. Actually, it was a gift not a bill. Pariseault Construction Company donated their services for this project. I want to thank them for their generous Stewardship of the gifts entrusted to them.

Fr. Joe Creedon

THANK YOU MAILERS!

Many thanks to Loretta Allbee, Audrey Bernier, Dee Bernier, Kathy Elion, Hilly Munson, Rachel Northup, Laureen Slaiger, Dave Splaine and

Eleanore Wood for their assistance mailing the Mustard Seed.

RELIGIOUS FORMATION

The Ministry of Catechesis:

The Person of the Catechist

Catechesis refers to instruction and formation in the Catholic faith. Many of us, when asked to consider becoming actively involved in the ministry of catechesis as a catechist, or teacher, respond, “But I don’t know enough!” Oddly enough, these same individuals often become the best teachers as they rise to the challenge of learning, sharing, and deepening their faith in the process. 

How is the ministry of catechesis a response to my baptism? Would I be a good catechist? What DO I need to know?Am I being called to share in this ministry at this time? I am already sharing my time and talent as a catechist?  How does my own faith affect my teaching?

Plan Ahead – Save this date! Join us as we explore the possibilities, Wednesday, September 2 at 7 p.m. in the Parish Hall. We have a great number of new and returning catechists, but a few are still needed for grades Pre K, K, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8.

Please call us to discuss sharing your talent in our Religious Formation Program (789-0417).

PLEASE NOTE: The Religious Formation office is closed for the summer. If you need to contact the office, messages are checked weekly (phone & email), or catch us in church! The office will re-open on Monday, August 17.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Vacation Bible School is June 29 – July 3 from

9:30 a.m. – noon for children in grades K – 5. The theme is “We are God’s People.” We still need a music person! Call Arlene Reynolds at 789-5116 for more information and registration. Forms are also on the bulletin board.

CHRIST THE KING NIGHT

AT THE PAWSOX

Join us for the Christ the King Night at the Pawsox on Friday, August 7!  Tickets are available, while they last, after all the masses this weekend in the parish hall and are $15/person, which includes a pre-game BBQ and admission to the game.

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY

We need your smiling faces for our new directory! Photos make a wonderful gift and keepsake for your family. Sign up for your timeslot after all masses in the parish hall. Everyone who has their picture taken will receive a complimentary 8x10 photo as a thank you for participating. Our book will not be complete without you!

STEPHEN MINISTRY MESSAGE

At the 5 p.m. liturgy this weekend, we are commissioning four new Stephen Ministers. This ceremony is the culmination of their journey that began on Stewardship Weekend last fall. Since that time, they have spent more than 50 hours preparing to provide Christian care to others experiencing difficult times. In recognition of their mission to aide people in need, they will bring forward a basket of items for the Emergency Food Pantry here at Christ the King.

As we offer prayers for these new Stephen Ministers, we also recognize that their success depends on the willingness of our community of faith to call on them when there is a need to share life’s struggles with a confidential, caring, Christian friend.

Congratulations to Martin Ballou, Brian Feeney, Kim Kiely and Robert Parrillo.

CATHOLIC CENTER NEWS

Supplies are needed for Hogar Belen Orphanage.  Remember our Mission Trip with URI students to Hogar Belen Orphanage in Nicaragua? You generously helped support fundraisers for the URI missionaries to make the trip. Thanks again. The mission continues, as we hope to go back to Hogar Belen with another group this coming year. In the meantime, we still need your help! The Catholic Center is helping to sponsor a Boy Scout Eagle Project to collect supplies needed as the orphanage expands to accommodate the needs of more children. Supplies most needed are: twin bed linens, medium & large size diapers, baby wipes, shower curtains, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, baby powder, baby oil, Vaseline, latex gloves and children’s white T-shirts. A large box will be available in the parish hall the weekend of June 20/21 for your donations. Thanks again! Any questions, please call Sean Marran at 783-4949.

PEACE AND JUSTICE

Gerry Straub, award-winning documentary filmmaker, will be in RI this week with a presentation, “The Power of Film in Service to the Poor,” at The Prout School, Wakefield on Thursday, June 18 at 7 p.m., and at St. Mark’s Church, Jamestown on Friday, June 19 at 7 p.m.

Mr. Straub, the founder of the San Damiano Foundation and a Secular Franciscan, has had a long and distinguished career as a TV Network producer (“General Hospital” and “The Doctors” are among his credits). See www.sandamianofoundation.org for more information.

On June 30 more than 3,000 families, which includes more than 6,000 children, will lose their cash assistance benefits through the RI Works Program because of short time limits imposed by a 2008 state legislation. They will be at serious risk of hunger and homelessness. Parents will lose the opportunity to participate in work readiness and job search programs. The Peace and Justice Committee encourages you to contact your elected state officials to ask them to postpone the time limits for 12 months to give the economy a chance to improve. “A budget is a moral document that reflects the priorities of our state leaders. The future of our children should be our first priority.” (Rev Bernard Healey of the Diocese of Providence at a State House news conference last week). For elected representatives’ contact info see www.ri.gov. For up to date information about the RI State budget deliberations see www.thepovertyinstitute.org

NOTICE

The bulletin will NOT run June 28, July 12, 26 and August 9. Anyone who needs a notice in the bulletin, please check this schedule and submit your notice with enough time for publication.

MASS TIMES FOR TRAVELERS

If you plan to vacation this summer away from Christ the King, consult www.masstimes.org for the mass schedules and directions for parishes all over the world.

DIANNE REBELO MEMORIAL

SCHOLARSHIP CONCERT

All are invited to attend The Dianne Rebelo Memorial Scholarship Concert on Friday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Christ the King Church. Tickets are $10.00 and are available from Assistant Music Director Andrea Theroux or call 360-1035. Dianne Rebelo was the choral director at South Kingstown High School for 27 years. She died of cancer last July. The Dianne Rebelo Chorale and string orchestra will present the Schubert Mass in G. The chorale will consist of former students and colleagues of Dianne, as well as some of our own CTK choir members. All proceeds from the concert will go toward a $1,000 scholarship to a SKHS senior who plans to major in music in college.

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CHURCH SUMMER POPS CONCERT

On Sunday, June 28, beginning with a tour of the church at 4 p.m., a Summer Pops Concert will be held at 5:30 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church, 239 Oxford Street, Providence, to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the parish. For tickets or for more information, contact the rectory office at 781-7210 or www.stmichaelprovidence@cox.net.

CALENDAR FOR JUNE 13 – 21

Saturday, June 13

5:00 p.m.               Stephen Minister Commissioning

6:00 p.m.                                                Parish Picnic

Sunday, June 14

9:15 a.m.                                                        Baptism

Monday, June 15

6:30 p.m.                  Liturgy Committee Picnic/Hall

Tuesday, June 16

10:30 a.m.                                     SK Nursing Home

Friday, June 19

3:00 p.m.                                                      Wedding

Saturday, June 20

2:00 p.m.                                                      Wedding

4:00 p.m.                                                   Confession