Sacred Heart Saint Patrick's Parish

06/07/2026

Corpus Christi Procession 2026

06/07/2026

The Corpus Christi Procession begins.

06/07/2026

06/07/2026

As we celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi this weekend, I have observed over the past several years, and in multiple parishes around the diocese and beyond, that what was once taken for granted regarding proper respect shown to the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist is now largely lost. Indeed, some of these things I was not raised with and was not aware of until I attended seminary, growing up in a ‘newer’ parish and in the 1970’s. Therefore, I’d like to do a little catechesis on the proper protocols concerning that most august Sacrament.

Most people still recognize that we genuflect when we come into church, usually before going into our pew. The reason we do this is by way of saluting or greeting our Lord present in the most Blessed Sacrament. This should be done in a reverent manner, not perfunctory. I encourage parents to take the time to cultivate this habit in their children. It ranks at right about the same place as teaching them the ‘Sign of the Cross’. It’s foundational.

As far as general, congregational practice, we should also remember that whenever the tabernacle is being opened up for adoration, as soon as it is opened we should be kneeling. This one is pretty easy because when the priest or deacon opens the tabernacle, the first thing they do is genuflect. So, it’s pretty easy to see when you should go down.

Whenever we cross in front of the tabernacle, especially when we are in the sanctuary, it is important to genuflect to our Lord’s presence in the tabernacle. Also, whenever we enter or leave the sanctuary we should genuflect to our Lord’s presence in the tabernacle. If you can no longer genuflect due to physical limitations, then bowing from the waist is permissible. Over the past 50 years a lot of people have gotten into the habit of just stopping and bowing their head; this is really not appropriate (read: reverent). So, please, genuflect to our Lord.

You may have noticed a lot of priests, deacons, and laity have gone back to the “double genuflection” when Blessed Sacrament is exposed. This is a beautiful and ancient practice. It is not, however, indicated in the rubrics (liturgical directives), and so one should not feel compelled to do so. However, it is a worthy custom for those who are physically able.

The whole point of all of this is to recognize ourselves the awesome mystery present in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist and to communicate / give witness to that mystery to others. So, let us give witness and communicate that understanding to our own hearts and to all those around us. It’s nothing more or less than an act of love to our Lord.

06/06/2026

Dearest Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

This weekend we celebrate the last of our immediate 'post-Easter' solemnities – Corpus Christi: The Body & Blood of Christ. We also, at the beginning of this month of June, begin a month of particular focus on the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

On June 11, 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Parishes around the country are encouraged to join the bishops in celebrating the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart. So, we will, of course, be participating in this consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We will participate in the prayers indicated at the regular Thursday evening Mass which begins at 6:00pm. We will also offer these prayers the following day, Friday, June 12, which is the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus – the patronal feast of one of our churches. Please note that the regular Friday morning Mass, 6:30am, will be held at Sacred Heart Church rather than St. Patrick's. There will be three chances to attend Mass at Sacred Heart Church on that day: 6:30am, 12 noon, and 6:00pm. There is a plenary indulgence offered for participating in Holy Mass on this day at Sacred Heart Church under the usual conditions.

Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a wonderful way in which we give lordship over our lives, our churches & other ecclesial institutions, and our homes to Jesus Christ. If you are interested in consecrating your family home to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, please let me know. I will be very happy to assist you in preparing your home and family for this very beautiful and powerful consecration, as well as presiding over that consecration in your home.

There is a lot going on in our parish and in the central core of Eau Claire over the summer months. Please keep our parishes – Sacred Heart - St. Patrick, Newman, and Immaculate Conception in your prayers as we continue doing our part in the Rebuild My Church initiative. I remain enthusiastic and confident in the good this will bring to our parishes and to the work of the Church in Eau Claire.

Pray Well!

Fr. Klos

06/05/2026

Saint John Henry Newman took the episcopal motto Cor ad cor loquitur (“Heart speaks unto heart”), understanding that the Lord saves us by speaking to our hearts from his Sacred Heart. It was in the Holy Eucharist, the greatest form of praise to God, that Saint John Henry Newman cultivated his deepest encounter with the living heart of Jesus. Let us pray with Saint John Henry Newman so that we might hear the Sacred Heart speak to us when we praise and adore Jesus in the Eucharist.

06/05/2026

St. Boniface, Benedictine monk, missionary in Germany, and martyr, pray for us!

06/05/2026

FILM: Movie will play in theaters June 9-11 and June 14.