Letter from Bishop Checchio: Welcoming the Faithful to Return to Mass

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As you may be aware, just a couple of weeks ago, my brother New Jersey bishops and I released a statement reinstating the general obligation to attend Mass, beginning on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, the weekend of June 5 and June 6. Gratefully, we will together come home to our parishes, gathering as a Eucharistic assembly around the table of the Lord to receive Him in the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. 
 
As has always been the case, this obligation does not apply to those who are ill; those who have reason to believe that they were recently exposed to the coronavirus or another serious or contagious illness; those who are confined to their home, a hospital, or nursing facility; or those with serious underlying health conditions. Those with extenuating circumstances should consult their pastor if questions arise about the obligation to attend Mass. 
   
While the return to public worship may counter the routines which we have settled into during the pandemic, this is also a new moment to embrace again the great gift we have been given. 

The night before He died, Jesus gave to the Church His very own Body and Blood – knowing that for all times we desperately need Him – and is personally present to us in sacramental signs. Holy Communion is our pledge, even now, that we are to share intimate life with Him, and with all those who receive Him, with prepared open hearts. 

It is also true that we are in communion with those who have gone before us – "marked with the sign of life," our loved ones on the other side of life are never more present to us than when we are sharing in communion with Jesus' Body and Blood. What is more, every sacramental communion with Him is a moment of our personal transformation. In the words of St. Augustine – "we become what we eat." Then we are commissioned to go out and allow Christ to continue to touch the world through us.  

All the saints tell us the secret to life – frequent reception of Our Lord in Holy Communion! May this Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ be for us a new beginning to proclaim His transforming love made present in our midst. 

Please know of my love and ongoing prayers for you and your families. I ask that you please pray for me too. I eagerly look forward to seeing you in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
 
With renewed best wishes, I remain

Yours in Christ,

Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA
Bishop of Metuchen