Receiving Jesus Christ in Holy Communion is the greatest treasure to the Church on earth.  Normally we receive the Body and Blood of Christ each time we celebrate the Eucharist.  There are times this may not be possible due to illness, no opportunity to come to Mass, or in these days when we are restricted due to health issues.
 
The next best thing is to make a spiritual communion, uniting yourself to Christ and begging him to unite himself to you.  The following prayer is an opportunity and invitation.  During this time when weekend and daily Masses are suspended, we are taping Mass for your benefit.  While you are watching and praying the Mass via the internet pray the prayer below when we would usually receive communion.  The recorded Mass is provided on our website: stfabian.org.
 
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
 
St. Thomas Aquinas once defined a Spiritual Communion as “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament [in Communion at Mass] and in lovingly embracing Him as if we had actually received Him.”
 
It is also an important part of the Church that the consecrated host, known as the Blessed Sacrament, or the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, referred to in St. Alphonsus’s prayer above, is placed in the tabernacle, being reserved for the sick, the dying and those who cannot attend Mass for a significant reason.  We are blessed that Jesus Christ remains with us as he declared, “And behold I am with you to the end of the age.”  (Mt. 28:20)  Take time to come to the Church and pray before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.  He is here waiting for your presence.  For those parents with children, this can be a great opportunity to introduce them to prayer before the Lord by your own actions.
 
May God be blessed,

Msgr. Hogan