After much prayer, thought, and discussion with many people in the parish, I sought the approval of Archbishop Schnurr to relocate the tabernacle from the Blessed Sacrament chapel and place it in the sanctuary. He granted the request. Please know that this is not a rejection of the design committee for the church, nor is it a statement against previous pastors and their beliefs. At the time the present church was designed and built, the Roman Catholic Church had a clear directive that gave a preference for a separate chapel of reservation for the Blessed Sacrament. That directive changed in 2000, and the local Bishop was allowed to determine the best placement of the tabernacle for each parish within his diocese.
The main reason for my desire to move the tabernacle is to provide the people at St. John the Baptist with more opportunities to visit our Lord in the Eucharist. The Blessed Sacrament chapel is just too small to safely accommodate more than two people during this unfortunate time of pandemic. Having the tabernacle containing the Blessed Sacrament in the sanctuary will provide the needed space for more people to safely physical distance when they come to church to pray. The church is open for prayer during the parish weekday office hours.
In my nearly 38 years of being a Catholic and my 15 years of being a priest, I know how much praying in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle has influenced my life. I have also witnessed the many blessings and heard many stories of comfort from those who make visits to our Eucharistic Lord when Mass is not being celebrated. The Eucharist is the greatest gift God gives us. My gift to you is greater access to spending time with Jesus in prayer and adoration.
Fr. John
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35
St. John’s fall 40 Days for Life is right around the corner. Through a peaceful and prayerful vigil, our presence outside the abortion clinic in Kettering has the power to change lives! Won’t you please consider giving an hour of your time between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, on Sat., Oct. 24th? Please contact Judie McKitrick at 937-524-6516 or mmckitrick@woh.rr.com to sign-up or for more information.
On behalf of the Bereavement Committee and the Worship Commission of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, please accept this invitation as we honor all parishioners who have died since last All Soul’s Day. It will be held on November 4th at 7:00 p.m.
Each person will be remembered with a lit candle in the sanctuary. Please pick up your loved one’s candle after Mass. Please call Victoria at 667-3419, or email vhammermeister@stjohntippcity.org by October 26 to let us know you will be present. If you are unable to attend this Mass, a candle will still be lit in memory of your relative. After Mass, it will be placed in the sacristy and you may pick it up before or after any Mass, or you can call Victoria to make other arrangements.