June 17, 2026

By Father William Muench
NCC columnist

Recently, our Catholic Church celebrated “Corpus Christi” – now we call it, “The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ.” Each year, this feast day celebrates the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. On that Sunday, I decided to center my homily on the many rituals that are part of the liturgy of the Mass. Our Catholic Mass has many liturgical rites.

I began my homily that Sunday by stating that no one comes to participate at Mass as an individual. Each of us lives our spiritual life and participates at Mass as part of Christ’s Church. At Mass, we are united together as members of the Church – a part of a parish community. So, each time I attend Mass, I join together with my people, my family with the Lord God. I come as a member of the Church – united with Catholics throughout the world. I pray with them, I pray for them, I believe that they are praying for me. They’re praying with and for the whole Church, and that includes me.

The Second Vatical Council spoke of us Catholics as a pilgrim Church. We are a people joined together with our God journeying together, praying and working together – searching for God’s peace and happiness. As Church, we support each other person. So, at Mass, I pray for the Church throughout all the world and remember Catholics in every part of this planet – all the People of God.

At each Mass, the liturgy begins with a penitential rite. I recognize my sinfulness, and I turn to the people of the Church seeking support in my repentance. I ask the people of my Church to pray for me as I seek forgiveness from my God. I turn to God for the grace to be transform myself that I may live well as a disciple of Jesus.

The Mass continues as we, the people of God, go to the altar of the Lord for the Eucharist. We are all united in gratitude as our celebrant consecrates the bread and wine to the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Then we receive the Body and Blood of our Lord in Holy Communion. Through the power of this magnificent sacrament, the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, I become a new person. Jesus leads me to discover all that the Lord expects me to be. I believe that each person who comes to participate at Mass leaves Mass a new person – a different person – as we go out into the world. I have spent time with Jesus; I have received the Lord in Holy Communion. I must have changed. I must have been touched by the power of the Lord Jesus.

At Mass, just before the distribution of Communion, the liturgy asks is to recognize each other by exchanging the Sign of Peace. This is an important moment. We acknowledge ourselves as members of the Catholic Church. We show our respect for each other. As Church, we care about each other, and we truly show our love for each other.

Today, let us consider also the Closing ritual of the Mass. The deacon announces to us, “Ite, Missa est.” – that is, “Go, the Mass is ended.” Our emphasis is on “Go.” You are sent; it’s time to go back into this world. You have spent time with God, you have received the Body and Blood of Jesus. You have so much to do now – today. Our God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – is calling you to take the Lord into the world, to show others how to live as Jesus prepared each of us, members of the Church. Now, we are to lead others to God’s love, peace and happiness.