The Church at Pentecost is an astounding community born from God. It has received a new message from Heaven brought to earth, the Resurrection of Christ. It uses a new language proclaimed... the language of LOVE. The message we are to bring is that God’s arms are always open and His patience is always abundant – waiting for us – to heal us, forgive us, to love us (Pope Francis, 2014). The Risen Jesus bestowed His very Spirit on us, His Church, for this very Mission – to bring Him into the World. Let us pray today and everyday -- Come Holy Spirit . . . The Spirit comes gently and makes Himself known by His fragrance. He is not felt as a burden, for He is light, very light. Rays of light and knowledge stream before Him as He approaches. The Spirit comes with tenderness of a true friend and protector to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, to console. The Spirit comes to enlighten the mind first of the one who receives Him, and then, through Him, the minds of others as well. - St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313-386) May the Graces of the Holy Spirit be upon you, Fr. John click on title for continued reflection

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Please consider this invitation from your Basilica Parish family to become a minister “At the Table of Our Lord.” Serving in this special way has a profound impact on our Mission to bring Christ to others – Consider becoming an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister. As a Eucharistic Minister, you can help the priest and deacon bring Our Lord to your fellow parishioners during the Mass. Or, you can also be trained to bring Our Lord to those who are homebound, in the hospital, in senior care facilities, in places of rehabilitation and during support visits. If interested, please contact the parish office or me or Fr. Peter for more information. If you have already done so, please join us for Training and Practice for becoming an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister at one of the times below: Thursday, June 8th 5:00 to 6:00 pm at St. John the Evangelist Church OR Thursday, June 8th 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels If you are still discerning or considering this Call from the Lord please do so using prayer such as the following one to help in your decision making: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the opportunity to explore Your call to me to serve you and your people in this faith community as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. I know that I can never truly be worthy of such an exalted honor. But, help me know that you make us worthy by Your presence in us. Help me to determine if You truly want me to nourish Your people with the witness of my life as I consider serving You and them with Your Sacred Body. Grant Your strength and holiness to me as I pray on Your Holy Will in this invitation. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Blessings of the Risen Lord, Fr. John

Bethlehem, House of Bread, the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, the Home of the Living Bread ... click on the title for complete reflection...