SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHIRST

As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, we hear the gospel story of the Last Supper as told by Mark. I counted the lines of that story as it is printed in the Gospel Book. There are 17 lines about preparation and 14 about the celebration itself. More than half are about getting ready.


The disciples ask Jesus, “Where do you want us to go and prepare for you?” And Jesus tells them to look for a guy with a water jar, who will lead them to an upper room furnished and ready. That’s where they are to make preparations. And the disciples found it just as he had told them, “and they prepared the Passover.”

As I meet with teachers to review last year’s KidsRelig, launch this year’s registration, order new books and materials, prepare curricula, form classes, search for new teachers and other volunteers, publish next year’s calendar and more, I realize that we only celebrate because we prepare, and we only prepare because we celebrate. In fact, that’s what KidsRelig is all about—preparation for the celebration and celebration of our preparation. Sunday, we celebrate; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, we prepare. Without Sunday, the other days become empty promises; without the other days, Sunday becomes shallow words.

KidsRelig is not just midweek gospel story-hour. It is the hard work of getting a guest room ready for Jesus himself “to eat the Passover with his disciples.” And the equally hard work of getting our kids ready to drink the cup of discipleship—the lifeblood of the covenant, which is established and sustained by sacrifice for others.

KidsRelig Registration 2012-2013

KidsRelig Registration for 2012-2013 will be live and on-line this Monday, June 11, 2012. Go to the Parish Website at www.sjsmrcc.com and click on the Religious Education (CCD) tab on the left. This opens the Religious Education Page with a welcoming letter and important links at the top of the page. There are two links:

• 2012-2013 Registration Form

• 2012-2013 Fees & Payment Options Page with credit card payment program.

For newcomers, it’s quick and easy. For veterans, it’s as easy as ever.
(Bus registration will come later, once we see how many have registered for KidsRelig.)

Register for KidsRelig Now

Please, Please, Please, Please!!!

Come, Join Us

New teachers, new substitute teachers, new assistants, new helpers in the office and the hallway. We need as many of you as possible. Not just to do the jobs that have to be done, but to create a wider and deeper community of parishioners sharing in the awesomeness and joyfulness of KidsRelig. Please give it some serious and prayerful thought. It’s you we need, and you and you and you. Say “yes,” and contact me at

kidsrelig@optimum.net

Love,

Deacon Charlie