THE FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI

THE FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI

INTRODUCTION:

Today we celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi is the Latin word for “body of Christ”. When mass is celebrated, we use a chalice. The chalice is the ‘cup of the covenant’ in which Jesus offers us the ‘Blood of the covenant’. The sign of Christ’s faithfulness to us is the blood of the covenant. Christ says, as it were: I shall remain faithful to you even if you should kill me. My blood is the sign and seal of my faithfulness.

GOSPEL: MARK14: 12-16, 22-26

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water. Follow him. Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”‘ Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there.” The disciples then went off, entered the city, and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover. While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

WELCOME

Welcome to Br Cebolenkosi Mazibuko who will be staying with us while Fr Marek is on holiday. Br Cebolenkosi has just completed his studies as a seminarian and is currently waiting to be ordained as a deacon. He is originally from the eZakheni Parish. Welcome brother and we hope that you will enjoy your stay with us.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY…

…while Fr Marek is away, please contact the parish secretary, Nokwazi or the PPC chairperson, Nonhlanhla (083 697 2128).

What does the Solemnity of Corpus Christi celebrate?

Also known as the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, this feast honours Jesus Christ, Really, Truly and Substantially Present under the appearances of bread and wine. This Presence happens through the change which the Church calls transubstantiation (“change of substance”) when at the Consecration of the Mass, the priest says the words which Christ Himself pronounced over bread and wine, “This is My Body,” “This is the chalice of My Blood,” “Do this in remembrance of Me.”
In 2024, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi is on May 30, but it is transferred to Sunday, June 2 in our diocese.

Disability Parking

Please be mindful of the designated parking for persons with disabilities. Even if you are late for Mass, please leave the spaces FREE for persons with genuine disabilities

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JUNE

For migrants fleeing their homes:

We pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys full of danger

SICK & ELDERLY

Please pray for the sick & elderly of the parish, family & friends especially:

Nokuthula Kubheka, Penny Powell, Jean Smith, Dolly Bimbrish, Alvin Govender, Siva Naidoo, Mavis Makhubo, Norman Browne, Anabela De Pontes, Benvinda Da Costa, Marjorie Govender, Pier Turconi, Khohli Kunene and Barbara Amod.

Please also keep Fr Andrew Moyo, who is ill, in your prayers.