Considering everything that is observable and quantifiable by today's science-- where is there room for God?

With a little help from Einstein and Joseph Ratzinger (who would later become Pope Benedict XVI) Bishop Barron shares some insight on this classic question in this short video...

God our Creator,
We thank you for creating us in your image and for all of the beauty and complexities you have surrounded us with in this world.  
We thank you for the gifts of our intellect and curiosity.
We ask that you strengthen our trust in you as the designer of all we can perceive.Help us to surrender to the truth that for all that is knowable in this world there is so much more that is beyond our wildest imagination.In your Holy Name, God of all power and wisdom, we pray.
Amen.

Corpus Christi B 2021
St. Benedict Cathedral

 This morning, as Father Garrett Braun was ordained a priest here in the cathedral, I found myself thinking, “I wonder where he will go.” He knows he’s going to Vincennes soon, and then to be a military chaplain, but where? Twenty-seven years ago today/yesterday, I was ordained a priest at the abbey. “Where?” really wasn’t on my mind; I knew I was coming here to assist Fr. Gregory. Maybe I should have thought about “Where?”

 The apostles ask one question. Not “how?” or “when?” but “where?” Where do you want us to make the preparations for the Passover meal that will change all things, the meal where bread and wine will become the Body and Blood of salvation, the meal where saving life will spill forth generously from the Paschal Lamb out into the world, the meal where service is glorious and sacrifice is made? Maybe Jesus should have answered more specifically: 1328 Lincoln, or on the corner of Main and First. But instead, all they get is: “follow the man with the water.”

 Brothers and sisters, will we ask Jesus where he wants us to make preparations for His people to gather, to feast on His Body and Blood? Wouldn’t he answer just the same? Someone will meet you; dine in his house. Does Jesus really want me to share Him with anyone who meets me? The one who has offended me? The one who has betrayed me? The one who isn’t so faithful to me? The one who doesn’t measure up to my standards? Clearly, that’s the purpose of processions, Holy Communion, personal devotion: to meet and know Jesus Christ more completely in the Mass, in Adoration, in the forgiveness of sins, in His beloved brothers and sisters. Lord, where shall we make the preparations for you? Everywhere.

The celebration of the Eucharist at Mass is the source and summit of our life and mission as Catholics.

            

Since March 2020, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, all Roman Catholics throughout the entire Province of Indianapolis, which comprises all five dioceses of Indiana, have been dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. However, with the decrease of cases in our state, the widespread availability of vaccines and following the guidance of public health officials, we are now able to safely accommodate more parishioners for Masses. Therefore, effective June 11, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass is hereby lifted throughout the state of Indiana. 

 

Except for the unique situations as described below, those who are otherwise healthy are obliged to return to Sunday Mass by the weekend of June 12-13, 2021:

 

·        Those who are seriously ill, exhibit flu-like symptoms and/or may have a contagious disease (including quarantine due to exposure).

·        Those who are unable to attend Mass through no fault of their own (e.g. transportation issue).

·        Those who are homebound and/or incapacitated due to age, infirmity and/or medical restrictions.

·        Those who have compromised health conditions and/or at high risk of contracting the virus.

·        Those who are caretakers of person who are sick or of persons at high-risk of serious illness if they contract COVID-19 virus.

 

If you have any questions about any specific needs, concerns or protocols, you are advised to contact your parish directly. Your pastor, who has the authority to dispense in individual cases, may be helpful in addressing individual fears and concerns.

 

The obligation to attend Mass is a joyful one, reflecting the very character of who we are as Catholics.  We look forward to welcoming our parishioners each Sunday and Holy Day to worship God as a community of faith and to celebrate the presence of the Risen Christ among us in Word and Sacrament.