When you drive in the parking lot, immediately on your left is the Rectory, the church is located on the right and in front of you in the background is the Catholic School. To the left of the school and behind the rectory is the soccer field. I was told that there are a lot of youth activities at Blessed Sacrament, which keep the kids busy year-round. I did not venture over to the school or rectory but kept my focus on the church. As I headed to the church, the first thing I noticed was the large wooden double-doors that provide an elegant entry. The foyer is a long wide hallway framed in clear glass windows that allow plenty of natural light to flow in and continue to light up part of the church. Entering the church from the foyer, my eyes were wondering all over the place. First I noticed the beautiful large stained glass windows on each side of the church, the large altar and then the baptismal font.
Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw led the services for this Holy Thursday and his sermon actually answered any questions I had about what Holy Thursday is all about. It's as if someone told him that Gracemarie just doesn't understand this part, so please explain to this poor confused person. Holy Thursday is more than just the lead-in to Good Friday; it's the oldest of the celebrations of Holy Week. Holy Thursday is the day on which we commemorate the institution of three pillars of our faith: the Sacrament of Holy Communion, the Priesthood and the Mass. During the Last Supper, Christ blessed the bread and wine with the very words that we use today to consecrate the Body and Blood of Christ during the Mass. In telling His disciples to "Do this in remembrance of Me," He instituted the Mass and made them the First Priests.
Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.”Simon Peter said to him, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.” - John 13:5-9
I thank Blessed Sacrament for the opportunity to visit your church and may your cup overflow with blessings from God. I also pray for Monsignor Servatius so he does not feel discomfort or pain, but God's loving hands upon him.
Update: In 2016, Monsignor Robert Servatius was able to retired after over fifty years of a very active ministry in 2016. Sadly, he passed away on August 11, 2017.
May his soul rest in peace and may the perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.