June 5-6, 2010
The Solemnity of the Most holy Body and Blood of Corpus Christi
June 6, 2010 – 11th Anniversary of Corpus Christi Catholic-Christian Community – June 6, 1999
Genesis 14:18-20 First Corinthians 11:23-26 Luke 9:11-17
If our parish were a human child, we would be in the fifth grade, not yet able to vote and nowhere close to being of legal age. But in ‘parish years’ (something similar to ‘dog years’) we are a proven entity and stand securely amidst the many older parish communities surrounding us. Bearing the sacred name of ‘Corpus Christi’ (Latin for The Body and Blood of Christ,) on this, our 11th Anniversary, we pause to consider exactly how we are sacred nourishment both to our own family and to the community in which we exist. Most certainly we celebrate our liturgical times of prayer with intentionality and joy. When it all comes together, the smiles of our Hospitality Ministers meld with the music which invites the community to pray and sing, which leads to the Scriptures being proclaimed, which sets the stage for the great gift of Eucharist to be offered by which our family is physically fed the best of food, which brings the festive meal we call Mass to an end as we are sent back out into our work-a-day world. Our celebration of Mass, as central to our life as the Altar is within our Grand Hall, is but one manner by which we nourish each other and our community. Our ‘Hands Across the County’ feed the homeless weekly, they bring food and personal hygiene items to Isaiah House for families in need and oversee the monthly food collection for South County Outreach. ‘Hands’ also shows our compassionate face to the school children of our Sister Parish, St. Polycarp, by supplying them with new back packs and school supplies…while also participating with the purchasing of shoes for the ‘Motel Kids’ and even helping to fund bus transportation for the homeless children dwelling in motels so they can achieve a basic education and stay off the streets. This same richness of service is present in each of our ministries and outreaches; each group, in providing some service, nourishes the faith-lives of those who participate. From Mops to Pops, from First Saturday Men’s Fellowship to Heartprints and Book Club and HAVEN and Jams to FISH and Adult Faith Formation Scripture Studies to our boy/girl Scouts to Music to our Liturgical ministries of Lector and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and hospitality to the Holy Refreshments being offered after Mass to the labors of love offered by our Maintenance Ministers to all the myriad ways in which our family takes ownership for being who we are. We have come a very long way from those first Masses at St. Oak Grove Elementary School…but we are still young, vibrant and growing. Most of our life lies before us, inclusive of generations that will look back on us and wonder at the courage of such a community that would dare to become The Body and Blood of Christ for Aliso Viejo….and beyond! Congratulations…and Happy 11th Anniversary!
In years past we endeavored to have a single Mass by which our Community could come together and see who we were becoming…but, with our increasing size that became unmanageable. So, rather than one BIG Mass with one BIG reception…we have our FOUR regular Masses, with four BIG receptions following each one…and you are invited to enjoy some food and beverage in celebration of the day. Please take a Bulletin with you as you journey home. Our summer months have lots going on, including our BIG ‘La Cena’ Dinners (registration forms were made available last weekend and are on the Concierge Shelves) and the Children/Teen Theater Camp being offered by Faith Formation for Children and Families. Father’s Day is in two weeks, special card by which to enroll your dads, living or deceased, in the special series of Masses are also on the Concierge Shelves. Also, next Saturday is our BIG parish Spring Cleaning…come on down and help…the Bulletin has more info. On this, our Anniversary…remember…just as it has been said 52+ times a year for the past 11 years, you are loved…MUCH! FKB
