THE CALL

A publication of the St. Paul Pastoral Council

MARCH 2010 Volume 1, Issue 1 Pastoral Council Members: Father Vicente Teneza, , Father Felipe Para- guya, Parochial Vicar, Charlie Morrison and Antonio Ramirez, Nellie Basquez, John Bernatchy, Shirley Brown, Josephine Foster, Maria Consuelo Gutierrez, Paul Pham, Marilou Manela, Billy Monteagudo, Dorothy Valine, Vince Valine and Dale Yamamoto

Respect for the dained , into the ac- Eucharist tual body and of . This change is • “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts The pastoral council of St. called . but the same Spirit; Paul along with Father Vic en- How Do We Know • there are different courage all parishioners to This Happens? forms of service but review these simple guide- the same Lord; lines for showing How do we know this • there are different respect to the Eucharist at change has taken place? workings but the same . It requires faith. It is a God who produces all mystery which, like love, of them in everyone. What is it? we will never fully under- stand. The , the di- • To each individual the manifestation of the First, let’s review what we vinity of , His death Spirit is given for some know about the Eucharist. and Resurrection are other benefit.” mysteries which, along The Eucharist is the body with the Eucharist, we will 1 Cor 12:4-7 and blood of our Lord, Je- never fully comprehend in

sus Christ. this life. Jesus is really present in the Eucharist The Eucharist is not sym- and, under the appear- bolic of the body and blood ance of food, nourishes us of Jesus, it IS the body for our journey through life. and blood of Jesus. The That is why any uncon- and [the gifts sumed consecrated hosts St. Paul Catholic Church of unconsecrated hosts are always reverently and wine which are placed in the 8720 Florin Road brought to the during after Mass. A red light or Sacramento, CA 95828 Mass] are changed, by the candle signifying the pres- 916-381-5200 www.stpaul-florin.org divine power of the Eucha- ence of the Lord is dis- ristic prayers of an or- played near the tabernacle to remind us that Jesus is present. pray with our whole hearts; our minds focused only on Jesus. He is There! • Keep necessary conversation quiet So, when we come into the church we and to a minimum – respect others are always in the physical presence of who may be in the midst of prayer our Lord. or silence.

It’s not just God’s house , He is physi- • Approach the line with cally there – always! And we are the same reverence and respect we bound by our faith to show our respect would show if we were lining up to by our words and actions. personally approach Jesus. No chatting in line, waving at others, Some Guidelines shuffling along as if you are going nowhere! Here are some guidelines for showing proper respect for the Eucharist at • Say, “Amen”, as you receive the Mass. precious Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the cradle of your hands. • Ensure that you and your family are Consume the Eucharist and return spiritually ready to be in the pres- to your pew for prayer and thankful- ence of the Lord. Review the scrip- ness. Don’t leave yet! – Mass isn’t ture readings of the day, discuss over. Remember, this isn’t a cafete- how they relate to your life today, ria line or a fast food outlet where dress appropriately, and arrive at we eat and run – this is our church on time for Mass. devotion.

• Enter the church with full knowl- It isn’t always easy to set all distrac- edge of why you’re there. Pray the tions, burdens, and problems of our with holy water lives aside and give our full concentra- from the font, reminding yourself of tion to the Mass, but that is precisely your . Try to greet other pa- why Jesus is there! rishioners before you enter the church or greet them quietly with a He is there to fortify us, to quiet our dis- smile. tractions, and to nourish our bodies, minds and spirits. Let’s meet Him with • Genuflect or reverently bow to the the respect He deserves! presence of God in the tabernacle as you prepare to enter your pew. If you have questions regarding the lit- Remember, this is not a social func- urgy or Mass that you’d like answered tion – this is our Sunday devotion; please contact any of the council mem- our gathering as a community with bers listed above or contact the office. joy and gratitude to worship, sing,