Please help St. Catherine’s support the work of
Catholic Charities. Please be so kind as to limit
contributions to the following and to check the
expiration dates.
Canned items: meats (corned beef, spam, chicken,
tuna, fruit and vegetables, peanut butter, jelly,
cereal, pasta, instant potatoes, macaroni & cheese
kits. Labeled bins are placed in the Narthex of the
Church. Gift cards from Giant or Safeway are
another option that you might find more convenient.
Please place gift cards in an envelope marked
“Christ House” and place in the collection basket at
Mass or drop off at the Parish Office. Please make
sure to note your parishioner envelope number with
the gift card
Communion and Blessings
A very common liturgical abuse of our times
happens during the reception of Holy Communion
when persons who cannot receive Communion
nevertheless line up with their arms crossed over
their chest, as a “message” to the priest that they
want a blessing instead of Communion. This is
liturgically incorrect on a number of levels. First and
foremost, the time for Communion is the time for
Communion. The Communion line is not, and should
not be, the blessing line. Secondly, the liturgical
actions of the priest during Mass are highly regulated,
and quite specific of what to do and when to do it.
The actions of a good liturgist may seem
spontaneous, but they are not and should not be.
Unfortunately, owing to the confused time in which
we live, some people are instructed to present
themselves, arms crossed, before the priest at
Communion time for a blessing. To make things
even more confused, some people present
themselves with crossed arms as a sign that they
wish to receive on the tongue! Children who have not
yet made their first Communion may come up with
their parents who are receiving, but should not
present themselves individually for a blessing.
Others, who cannot receive, for whatever reason,
should remain seated. The proper time for the
blessing follows the prayer after Communion, which
blessing all receive together.