St. John Cantius Parish

06/03/2026

Join us in praying the Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from June 3 -11 as we prepare for the Consecration of the United States of America to the Sacred Heart.

06/02/2026

Join us on Sunday, June 7 at 10:30 for Mass and a Corpus Christi Procession

05/16/2026

Our parish flea market is happening now! 6am to 4 pm in the St John Parking lot, 4435 Almond st.

05/06/2026

Neighborhood Parking meeting about the parking lots at St John Cantius parish:
There will be a meeting on Thursday, May 21 at 7 pm in the school auditorium. At that time Parking permits will be given out to park in the main lot, limit if 1 vehicle per household. There is no guarantee of parking availability with a permit. Going forward from that date there will be no parking without a permit with the exception of parish events and any vehicle without a permit may be towed. We have very limited space and parishioners coming for events have been unable to park in our parish lots.

05/06/2026

All Parish parking lots will be closed to all vehicle beginning Monday, May 11 until maintenance work is completed.

04/23/2026

WHAT IS A TITULAR BISHOP… AND WHY DOES THE CHURCH HAVE THEM?

You may have heard the term before.
A priest is ordained a bishop…
But he is not sent to lead a diocese.
Instead, he is given a strange title, often from a place you’ve never heard of.

And the question comes:
“If he is a bishop… where is his diocese?”
“What exactly does a titular bishop do?”
The answer may surprise you.
Because in the Church…
Being a bishop is not only about governing a place.

1. A BISHOP WITHOUT A DIOCESE… BUT NOT WITHOUT A ROLE
A titular bishop is a true bishop, fully ordained, but he does not govern a diocese. Instead, he is assigned to serve in other important roles within the Church. The Church distinguishes between diocesan bishops and titular bishops (cf. Code of Canon Law), showing that not every bishop is placed in charge of a local Church.

2. WHY ARE THEY GIVEN “TITLES” OF PLACES THAT NO LONGER EXIST?
In the early centuries, every bishop was linked to a real diocese. But over time, some dioceses disappeared due to wars, migration, or historical changes. Rather than lose these ancient sees, the Church preserves them as “titular sees.” So when a bishop is appointed without a diocese, he is given one of these historical titles, keeping the continuity of the Church alive.

3. WHO ARE TITULAR BISHOPS TODAY?
Many titular bishops serve as auxiliary bishops, helping diocesan bishops in large dioceses. Others serve in the Vatican, or as papal diplomats around the world. Their mission is real, even if their diocese is not geographical. They assist, guide, represent, and serve where the Church needs them most.

4. DO THEY HAVE THE SAME SPIRITUAL POWER AS OTHER BISHOPS?
Yes, they do. Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, a bishop receives the fullness of priesthood. This spiritual mark is permanent (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1582). A titular bishop can celebrate the sacraments, ordain priests, and carry out episcopal duties. What he does not have is governing authority over a diocese.

5. WHAT DOES THIS TEACH US ABOUT THE CHURCH?
The Church is not only structured around visible leadership, it is also built on service in many forms. The Second Vatican Council reminds us that bishops share in the mission of Christ in different ways. Some lead dioceses. Others support quietly. But all are part of the same apostolic mission.

IN SUMMARY… A DIFFERENT KIND OF ASSIGNMENT
A titular bishop is not “less” of a bishop.
He is simply a bishop…
Serving in a different way.

Not every shepherd stands at the front.
Some walk beside the flock…
Helping, guiding, and strengthening from within.

Take a moment today to pray for all bishops, especially those serving in quiet and unseen roles.

Write: “Lord, strengthen Your bishops.”
…and let your prayer join others around the world 🙏✨

“In the Church, greatness is not where you stand… but how you serve.”

Be Prayerful. Be Inspired
©Catholic Dailies

04/22/2026

Have you ever wondered what the Church expects from a Catholic before approaching the altar to receive Holy Communion? Receiving the Eucharist is one of the most sacred moments in the life of a believer because Catholics believe they are receiving the true Body and Bl00d of Jesus Christ. For this reason, the Church sets clear spiritual conditions to help the faithful receive Communion worthily and reverently.

1) BE A BAPTIZED CATHOLIC IN FULL COMMUNION WITH THE CHURCH.
The first condition is that the person must be a baptized Catholic who believes in the teachings of the Church. Baptism is the sacrament that makes someone a member of the Church and opens the door to receiving the other sacraments, including the Eucharist.

Holy Communion is meant for those who belong to the Catholic faith and sh@re in its beliefs.

2) BE FREE FROM MORTAL SIN.
A Catholic should not receive Holy Communion if they are conscious of committing a serious (mortal) sin without first going to Confession. The Church teaches that serious sin separates a person from God, and Confession restores that relationship before receiving the Eucharist.

The Bible warns about this preparation:
“So then, you should each examine yourself first, and then eat the bread and drink from the cup.” - 1 Corinthians 11:28 (GNB)

Confession restores the soul before receiving Communion.

3) OBSERVE THE EUCHARISTIC FAST.
Catholics are required to fast from food and drink (except water and medicine) for at least one hour before receiving Holy Communion. This fast is a sign of respect and spiritual preparation for receiving Christ.

Fasting prepares both body and soul for the sacred moment.

4) BELIEVE IN THE REAL PRESENCE OF CHRIST IN THE EUCHARIST.
A Catholic must believe that the Eucharist is not just symbolic bread and wine but truly the Body and Bl00d of Christ. This belief is central to Catholic faith and is necessary for receiving Communion with understanding and reverence.

Faith in Christ’s presence is essential.

5) APPROACH WITH REVERENCE AND PROPER DISPOSITION.
A Catholic should come to Communion with prayer, respect, and a sincere desire to be united with God. This includes dressing modestly, maintaining a respectful attitude, and participating in the Mass prayerfully.

Reverence reflects the holiness of the sacrament.

Therefore, before receiving Holy Communion, every Catholic should:

Be a baptized Catholic

Be free from mortal sin

Observe the one-hour fast

Believe in the Real Presence

Approach with reverence

The Good News Bible reminds believers of the sacredness of this moment:
“This is my body, which is for you. Do this in memory of me.” - 1 Corinthians 11:24 (GNB)

Holy Communion is not just a routine, it is an encounter with Christ. Preparing properly shows love, faith, and respect for the greatest gift the Church offers.

Now you know.

Catholic Dailies
Be Prayerful. Be Inspired.

04/22/2026

04/22/2026

Have you ever wondered why the area around the altar in a Catholic church is called the sanctuary? The word itself carries deep meaning. It comes from the word sanctus, which means holy. The altar area is called the sanctuary because it is the most sacred part of the church, the place set apart for worship, prayer, and the celebration of the Eucharist centered on Jesus Christ.

First, the sanctuary is called holy because it is set apart for God.
The sanctuary is not used for ordinary activities. It is reserved for sacred actions such as the celebration of Mass, the proclamation of the Word of God, and the administration of the sacraments. Calling it the sanctuary reminds the faithful that this space belongs especially to God.

It is a place set apart for holiness.

Second, the sanctuary contains the altar, the most sacred object in the church.
The altar is the center of Catholic worship because it is where the Eucharist is celebrated. Since the altar is holy, the area surrounding it is also treated as holy ground. The sanctuary, therefore, becomes the heart of the church building.

It is the center of worship.

Third, the word “sanctuary” reflects the idea of God’s dwelling place.
In the Bible, the sanctuary referred to the holy place where God’s presence was believed to dwell among His people. The Catholic Church continues this understanding, especially because the Eucharist is reserved in the tabernacle within or near the sanctuary.

It is a sign of God’s presence.

Fourth, the sanctuary reminds the faithful to show reverence and respect.
Because the sanctuary is sacred, certain gestures, like bowing, genuflecting, and maintaining silence, are observed when entering or passing near it. These actions help create an atmosphere of prayer and reverence.

It is a call to reverence.

The Good News Bible expresses the holiness of God’s dwelling place:
“Holiness is the beauty of your house, O Lord.” - Psalm 93:5 (GNB)

In the end, the altar area is called the sanctuary because it is the holiest part of the church, a place dedicated to God, centered on the altar, and filled with His presence.

The sanctuary is called holy because it is where God meets His people in the most sacred way.

Now you know.

© Catholic Dailies
Be Prayerful. Be Inspired.