One of the most uncomfortable things for a priest is to ask someone who is presenting themselves for receiving Communion is, “are you Catholic?”  We don’t like doing this, and we know that no one likes being asked that as they come forward for Communion.  We also don’t like at all moving from the Communion line and following after someone who has not eaten the Eucharist, but still has the host in their hand, or have put the host in their pocket to make sure the Eucharist gets consumed.  Yet, we as priests will ask that question and we will follow to make sure the Eucharist gets consumed because the Eucharist is Jesus Christ Himself. Sadly, my brother priests and I have witnessed the Eucharist being left in pews, put in hymnals, and put in pockets.

As we had First Holy Communion last weekend, and since from Friday May 2 – Saturday May 10 the daily Mass readings go through the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John, which is the great teaching of Jesus about His presence in the Eucharist, I’d like to take the second bulletin article in a row to continue talking about the Eucharist.  Last week I talked the theology and Church teaching about who should receive Holy Communion.  This week I would like to talk about how we receive, which is highly related to the first paragraph of this article. 

Since the Eucharist is Jesus, not a symbol, or an image, but literally Jesus Christ, and since Jesus is God, when we receive the Eucharist we receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus.  It is God Himself whom we consume.  Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that those entrusted with the distribution of Holy Communion take the responsibility of handing on God who will be consumed very seriously.  

The reason a priest or deacon or even an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion might ask you if you are Catholic when you come forward to receive the Eucharist is because there are in fact things we are to do as Catholics who are going to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.  It is not only entirely reasonable that the question might be asked if the person doesn’t appear to be Catholic, but because of how serious it is to make sure those who can receive are the ones receiving (see my bulletin from last week) it should be expected to be asked when something doesn’t look right.  The Eucharist is Jesus, and Jesus is God, we should have the utmost reverence and respect for the Creator of the Universe.    

So, it begs the question.  What are we to do when we present ourselves for Holy Communion. We are to show reverence before receiving, if we don’t receive on the tongue there is a proper way to receive on the hand, and then we say Amen in response to “the Body of Christ”.  Finally, we should consume Jesus immediately.  Never walk away with Jesus.   

In order to keep this article briefer, please refer to Fr Jacob’s bulletin article from February 23, 2025, the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time. This article outlines the instructions from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on receiving Holy Communion: https://parishesonline.com/publication-page/cathedral-of-our-lady-of-the-rosary?selectedPublication=https://container.parishesonline.com/bulletins/02/0834/20250223B.pdf

May our faith in Jesus truly present in the Eucharist motivate us to receive Jesus reverently, and to make a commitment to living our lives fully for Him, who gives Himself fully to us in the Eucharist.  

God bless. – Fr Seth 

Join us for our Annual Mother’s Day Flower Fundraiser!  On Saturday and Sunday, May 10th and 11th, flowers will be for sale at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Mary Star of the Sea Church. They are only $3 each, but donations are also appreciated.  Proceeds go to Together For Life Northland.  Here your donations help provide care and services for families, babies and children and to help build a culture of life in the Northland. 

Do you have a desire to serve at Mass? Altar serving is for children and adults alike. We are seeking those who have a desire to help out for Sunday masses, Holy Days and/or funeral masses.  Even if you only can serve funerals, we would love to hear from you. If interested or if you have any questions, contact the office at St. Mary Star of the Sea at 218-722-3078. Training is available. 

Donut Sundays at St. Michael's are back!  Join us beginning Sunday, May 18, following the 11 a.m. Mass for fellowship and sweet treats.  Donut Sunday will be held on the 3rd Sunday of each month, offering a great opportunity to connect with fellow parishioners and enjoy a delicious donut (or two).  We look forward to seeing you there!  Donut Sunday is also the 3rd weekend of the month at the Cathedral and Star of the Sea!

This Sunday in honor of Mother's Day, the Knights of Columbus at St. Michael's will be offering their pancake breakfast free to everyone.  All are welcome to join us in celebrating and showing appreciation for mothers.  

Join us for Into the Breach, a compelling 12-episode video series from the Knights of Columbus that encourages and equips Catholic men to boldly live their faith. Meetings are held every Thursday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Michael's Church. Each week focuses on a key theme—such as brotherhood, leadership, fatherhood, and spiritual warfare—offering meaningful insights and group discussion. We've had a great turnout so far, and the response has been inspiring. Both men and women are welcome to attend—come grow in faith and fellowship with us! 

Laundry Love:  Thank you to all who are donating to our monthly service event at Spirit Valley Laundry.  We serve low/no income persons by paying for laundry, offering compassionate hospitality, and respecting the dignity of individuals.  Assistance needed for our next service date, Tuesday, May 20th, 8:30-11:30 for "quarter-plugging" the machines.  Contact Mary Ann at 218-409-1705.  Collection after 11 am Mass on May 18th.

CHUM:  As a CHUM member congregation, we focus on cereal donations:  hot/cold whole grain cereals, pastas and crackers.  All non-perishable food donations appreciated.  CHUM Spring Assembly Tuesday, May 20th, at 6 pm at the Coppertop Church, starting with hotdog meal.  Register at chumduluth.org.

Damiano:  Preparing and serving the Saturday meal on May 10, June 14 and July 12.  We need 3 volunteers for this from 1:30-6:00 pm.  Volunteers contact Gina at 218-428-1392.  Monthly Beatitudes meeting from 3-4 pm at the Damiano Cafeteria during the break between food prep and serving.

Come to Texas Roadhouse (902 Mall Drive, Duluth) on Sunday, May 18 between 11am and 9pm to help support the Arrowhead Parish Nurse Association (APNA).  Nancy Turchi, Parish nurse at St. Mary Star of the Sea, and Doris Schmidt,  Nurse for Priests for the Diocese are members.  Texas Roadhouse will donate 10% of all sales to the APNA.  There will also be a table set up with $5 chances to win a $50 gift card to Texas Roadhouse.  Hope to see you there.   

Support Catholic Education in Duluth! Join us for our Stellabration event with food, drinks, silent and live auctions, and state fair fun! Silent auction opens May 26th at 12:00pm and doors to the event open at 5:00 on May 30th. To learn more about how to attend or participate in the silent auction please visit www.stellamaris.academy/stellabration

SMA is looking for a girls volleyball coach for the fall season! The coach will be expected to organize practices 4 - 5 days per week and coach at games scheduled by the activities director. The number of games can be customized to the coaches availability.  Please contact Mr. Lemke, the athletic director, for more information at chris.lemke@stellamaris.academy or 218-623-6256

Please join the Duluth Serra Ministry in praying for our May Seminarians of the Month, Deacon Phil Mayer and Deacon Jacob Tschida. Deacon Phil is in his fourth year of Configuration at Sacred Heart Seminary in Milwaukee. His home parish is St. Joseph in Crosby. Deacon Jacob is also in his fourth year of Configuration at the North American Pontifical College in Rome. His home parish is Immaculate Heart in Crosslake. Both Deacon Phil and Deacon Jacob will be ordained into the priesthood in June.  

Come to encounter our Lord in the Eucharist in this beautiful night of adoration, confession, and music. Prayer teams will be available for special requests of prayers and for blessings. The next Holy Hour will be Friday, May 16 at St. Benedict’s: 5:30—6:30 pm free pasta salad dinner & 6:30—7:30 pm Holy Hour.