SS. PETER & PAUL

News release

On Sunday, June 3, members of Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church (located on Main Street across from Constitution Square) participated in its first Corpus Christi procession. The priest and deacons of the parish were joined by members of the local Knights of Columbus Council and members of the parish carrying the Eucharist consecrated during Mass earlier that morning in procession to a temporary “altar of repose” set up in Constitution Square. They prayed for all people, all families and the whole community.

“Corpus Christi is celebrated each year to pay particular attention to the Catholic belief that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist,” said Fr. Alan Carter, Pastor of Ss. Peter & Paul since July 2016. The feast of Corpus Christi was established as a universal celebration in the Catholic Church in 1264. In many countries, processions such as this are long standing traditions with the whole community — whether Catholic or not — participate. “It was a modest beginning this year,” says Alan.  “But sometimes the important thing is to begin and build from there.”

What sets the Corpus Christi procession apart from other processions and devotions in Catholic practice is that it is considered by Catholics to be a procession “with Jesus” rather than “to Jesus.” Because the procession takes place in public, it is understood to be both a statement of faith in the Eucharist and also an opportunity to pray specifically for and on behalf of the whole community.

“It’s a unique opportunity to make sure we pray for our neighbors, our community and the challenges in front of us that we have to work together to improve. Our faith calls us to be agents of welcome, care, and concern for the whole community. In the procession, we join our prayer and devotion to these efforts throughout the year,” Alan said.

Ss. Peter & Paul recently completed a significant renovation and expansion of its Main Street Church originally constructed in 1866. A Community Open House was held  June 6. “We’re proud to be a Main Street neighbor in Danville, and we want to always be a good neighbor to all. Whoever you are, however you are, you are welcome at Ss. Peter & Paul,” said Alan.