July 2024 - The importance of remaining close to the Eucharist at all times

As some of you readers may know, in addition to my responsibilities at the Marriage Tribunal, when I am available on weekends, I supply ministry to my brother priests. And so, on any given weekend, I may be celebrating the Eucharist in various areas throughout the diocese. I love being able to experience different worship communities and the different nuances that each community has to offer. I see these as moments of God’s grace through the movement of the Holy Spirit.

Recently, I have been celebrating Mass in the coastal areas of our diocese. These areas have been experiencing an influx of tourists who come to experience our beautiful coastline in the summer.  As I greet people at the end of the liturgies, people are eager to share where they are coming from. I have met people from throughout the country, both young and old. What has struck me in their sharing is how they have made the effort to locate the nearest Catholic church and its Mass times. I can tell, being on vacation or not, that attending Mass is an important part of their faith life. This is all very encouraging to me, and I am sure to my brother priests, that wherever these individuals may be coming from, participating in the Liturgy of the Word and Eucharist is of prime importance. 

The COVID pandemic certainly has changed the number of our parishioners regularly attending Mass. Yes, some are still hesitant to attend. But for others, the pandemic cannot be used as an excuse for not attending. As I observe local individuals and those journeying from many distant places and still needing to be fed spiritually, it is heartwarming to someone who has dedicated his life to making the Eucharist available.

I remain hopeful that through it all, we all may gain a greater appreciation of what the gift of the Eucharist is to our spiritual lives. It is the gift of Christ Himself, body, soul, and divinity.  So why would we not want to take advantage of its availability whether close to home or away on vacation? As Matthew 25:35 states “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”  May our places of worship always be places of welcome to all from near and far.

Father Claude Gendreau is a notary in the tribunal for the Diocese of Portland.