Destination Notre Dame {Day 6: Opening Mass and Farewell Hugs}

Opening Mass in Purcell Pavilion at Notre Dame for students and families at the close of new student orientation.

Knowing that only hours remained before our final farewell, we thoroughly enjoyed each and every moment with Zachary on Sunday.  Walking across campus together to the Purcell Pavilion after a brief wait in the 3rd floor study hall while he showered, we heard snippets of the events from the previous evening.  Upon entering the pavilion, the students were ushered to the main floor seating for the opening Mass, while the families were directed to the upper seats.   I asked the guys to be on the lookout to find 5 seats together as we climbed up into the stands, and Tim corrected me, "4."

Box lunch on the lawn, following the opening Mass at Notre Dame for the Class of 2016

Rev. J. King’s homily brilliantly illuminated the Gospel reading (John 6: 51-58).  He reminded us that so many thing Jesus taught didn’t seem to make sense, particularly the command to eat His flesh and drink His blood to have eternal life.  So many walked away at these words, these instructions of Jesus.  Fr. King encouraged us, “Dare to look upon Jesus as the ultimate answer to all your needs…for He has all the answers.” 

Assisted at the book store, Zachary locates $700 worth of  text books for his first semester at ND.

A gourmet box lunch picnic followed the opening Mass, and an errand to purchase Zachary’s first semester books allowed another hour together on campus.  Navigating the maze of shelves to find each course’s required purchases took a little doing, but the courteous staff made the job enjoyable. 

Dad, Firstborn Son, Mom

Leaving time upon us, we made one last visit to Zachary’s dorm room, inhabited with several new friends enjoying his roommate’s game system.  To allow for a few moments alone as a family, we asked Zachary to walk us to our van, which he willingly obliged.  Gathering together for a final prayer, we exchanged hugs and bid our boy farewell with well wishes for his freshman year.

Joseph, Tim, Zachary, Bridget and Peter

Further reflections on saying farewell to Zachary here.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus {+Prayer for Fr. Qui Thac}

Father Qui Thac and Deacon Larry Gorman 

listen to the 11 o'clock choir's good-bye song for Father at his last Mass at Sacred Heart. 

Today, our universal Church celebrates the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  This very special feast falls within the octave (8-days) of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus (Corpus Christi), on which we solemnly commemorate the institution of the Holy Eucharist.  The priesthood of the new covenant, instituted by Christ when he breathed on the apostles, by God's grace, continues in the Church He founded to this very day.  Our priests, ordained by the laying on of hands by our bishops, trace their own ordination back to the apostles' ordination by Christ.  These holy men are chosen by God to bring us the flesh and blood of Jesus in communion.  On this Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, it is fitting to remember with great love the holy priests who have brought us into direct contact and sacred union with Christ in the sacraments, most especially the Holy Eucharist and reconciliation.
 
One particular devotion practiced around the world on this day is a prayer of reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Also on this day, a world wide day of prayer for priests has been promulgated.  As we pray this prayer for all priests today, we remember in a particular way our own Father Qui Thac, who will soon enter the Benedictine Monastery after faithfully serving as our pastor for six years at Sacred Heart.  How we love you, Father Qui Thac Nguyen.  You will always remain in our hearts and we pray that we will be joined together for all eternity within the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus...

Dear Father,

You came from among us
To be, for us, one who serves.

We thank you for ministering Christ to us
And helping us minister Christ to each other.
We are grateful for the many gifts you bring
To our community:
for drawing us together in worship,
for visiting us in our homes,

for comforting us in sickness,
for showing us compassion,
for blessing our marriage,
for baptizing our children,

for confirming us in our calling,
for supporting us in bereavement,

for helping us to grow in faith,
for encouraging us to take the initiative,
for helping the whole community realize
God's presence among us.

For our part, we pray that we may always be
Attentive to your needs 

and never take you
For granted. 

You, like us, need friendship and
Love, welcome and a sense of belonging,
kind words and acts of thoughtfulness.
We pray, also, for the priests who have
Wounded priesthood.
May we be willing to forgive
And may they be open to healing.
Let us support one another during times
Of crisis.
God our Father, we ask you to bless our
Priests and confirm them in their calling.
Give them the gifts they need
To respond with generosity and a joyful heart.
We offer this prayer for our priest,
Who is our brother and friend,

Amen