June 14, 2026 • Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dear Parish Family:
Thank you to everyone who made last Sunday’s Corpus Christi Procession such a beautiful experience. So many people put so much into this special day. Thank you to all who attended (especially our legacy family members), the Scanish Family for building the altar on the field, Joreen and John Kelly for the music and sound system, the Knights of Columbus and “crossing guards”, our banner makers and carriers, those who set up the gym and served the meal, Helen Kantes who was our Grand Marshall, Mike Nowakowski and our amazing altar servers, and our parish staff who coordinated many aspects of the day. A special shout out to Jen Miller who managed the day. A million thanks to all!
It was indeed a very special day! Personally, the procession edified and inspired me. It began with the joy and excitement of everyone lining up, greeting each other, and getting ready to start. Then the acts of devotion and love for the Lord as the Blessed Sacrament were brought from the Summer Church to take position under the canopy. Conversations stopped, a quiet hush came over the crowd, people blessed themselves, bowed, knelt down on the hot parking lot in reverence and acknowledgement that Jesus was with us. The sacred silence, the prayers, the deliberate intention of those walking. Looking at the pictures from the day, you can see on the faces of the walkers what was in their hearts. As we turned into the Education Center driveway, I took a quick glance to see the over 200 people in procession following Jesus. It took my breath away.
Holding the monstrance, the host was eye level to me. I kept saying thank You, Jesus, thank You, Jesus, thank You, Jesus. Thank You for the gifts and blessings in my life, most especially my vocation to the priesthood. Thank You for the gift of Good Shepherd Parish and the people of this faith community. Thank You for 75 years of faith, love, and service. Thank You for good news and good works happening now. Thank You for all that will be. Even as I write this column a few days later, my eyes get watery. It was that impactful. I am so grateful.
The Eucharist is the Real Presence of Jesus: His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity; truly, really, substantially, and permanently present in the Eucharist. We encounter that (Him) at every Mass. We encounter that (Him) in our church and chapel (even our Summer Church) because the Eucharist is in the tabernacle. We encounter that (Him) when the Eucharist is exposed for adoration.
We are blessed with Eucharistic Exposition here at Good Shepherd Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. People can come to adore the Eucharist at any time then. But we need to ensure that Jesus is never left alone. Ideally, we have four committed adorers for each of the 12 hours to cover the schedule. We have a wonderful and faithful Adoration team, but need more members to fill out the schedule. Let’s keep the Eucharistic Procession going by making sure our adoration schedule is full for Jesus. See details on page 10 of this week’s bulletin.
Grace and peace!
Father Neil Sullivan