My dear brother Priests and esteemed School Principals,
I share with you the joy of witnessing young members from your parish and school communities receive their Sacraments, particularly this month of May dedicated to our Blessed Mother! It is such a blessing to have so many School and Faith Formation children receiving the Holy Eucharist for the first time, and teens receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
As we approach the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), particularly during these years of the National Eucharistic Revival, I would like to invite All Children receiving First Holy Communion in your Schools and Parishes for a Solemn Corpus Christi Mass and outdoor Eucharistic Procession at the Cathedral of Christ the Light on Sunday, June 2 at 11:00 AM. All children are invited to wear their First Communion garments.
As with Eucharistic Adoration, a Eucharistic Procession is an extension of the worship of Jesus Christ, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. When processing with the Holy Eucharist in a reverent, prayerful, and joyful manner, as Catholics we join to honor Christ Jesus and serve as witnesses to the intimate presence of God in the world and each individual.
This Eucharistic Procession on June 2nd, especially with our First Communion children this year, shall serve as a reminder to the Catholic faithful of our spiritual journey toward eternal life with God.
Children are also invited to a simple cupcake reception at the Event Center after the outdoor procession. The children can also have photos taken with their class, or friends attending.
For more information and to RSVP and register your First Communion children, please email Fr. Erick Villa at [email protected].
Together, let us work on creating sacred spaces and fun opportunities for our children and parents to celebrate the Faith we desire to share with them as priests and principals. Thank you for your collaboration and be assured of my constant prayers for you and your communities. I am
Yours sincerely in Christ,
*Michael Barbed.g
The Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, S.J.
Bishop of Oakland