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In Mary's Arms, We Find the Heart of Jesus.

In Mary's Arms, We Find the Heart of Jesus.
THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST JUNE 22, 2025
This past Thursday we celebrated Juneteenth a National Holiday, a day of
prayer and learning commemorating the end of slavery, our nation’s original
sin. At a time when there is a concerted effort to turn back the progress we
have made in this country, it is an opportunity for us to recommit ourselves to
the hard work of making our country a place where there is liberty and justice
for all people. We ask God to help us to not grow weary.
“As often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death
of the Lord until he comes.”
Those words of St. Paul in today’s second reading remind us that there is
an unbroken link and connection between what we do here today and what
Jesus did at the last supper. Down through the ages, we as a Church have
placed our faith in those words of Jesus and we do exactly what he asked us to
do. We gather each Sunday to bless and break bread and to drink from the one
cup, and we believe that whenever and wherever we do this, Jesus changes the
bread and wine into his body and blood. We believe that he is really and truly
present among us and we are abundantly blessed when we receive his Body and
Blood in Holy Communion. We profess this as the mystery of faith, “When we
eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you
come again.”
Today’s Feast celebrates the gift of the Holy Eucharist, but it also
celebrates the gift of the Church, because the Church is the body of Christ. He is
the Head and we are the members. By Baptism we are incorporated into the
Body of Christ and empowered to use the gifts and talents God gives us to build
up the Church, the Body of Christ. When we come forward to receive Holy
Communion, the priest or the Eucharistic minister says, “The Body of Christ”,
and we respond “Amen”. When we say amen, we are professing our faith that
this blessed bread is the Body of Christ, but we are also professing our faith that
WE are the Body of Christ and that we need the grace and blessings of the
Eucharist to live out our responsibilities as members of the Church, the Body of
Christ.
For 101 years, on this property, the parishioners of the Shrine of Our
Mother Of Mercy have gathered together to celebrate the Eucharist, to be fed
by God’s Word in Sacred Scripture and to be nourished by his Body and Blood in
Holy Communion. At the end of every Mass, we are told, “Let us go in peace to
announce the Gospel, the Good News of the Lord to love and serve the Lord and
one another, and we respond Thanks be to God. We are commissioned and
empowered to work together to build up God’s Kingdom on earth, to make our
world a better place where justice and peace is a reality for all people.
So, we pray: Lord, we thank you for the gift of the Eucharist, the gift of
your body and blood, your soul and divinity in the Holy Communion. We thank
you for the opportunity to receive you in Holy Communion every time we come
to Mass. Deepen within us a love and appreciation of your presence among us
until the end of time. Empower us with your grace to be your faithful witnesses
in our world. Let the Church, the body of Christ say Amen. Amen.
- Father Ed
Unknown
We welcome you to our weekly Masses
Tuesday - 5:30P
Wednesday - 7:00A
Thursday - 7:00A
Friday - 7:00A
Saturday Vigil Mass - 5:00P
Sunday Mass - 9:30A
We have a variety of ministries that you can get involved with, including children's ministry, youth ministry, and adult small groups. These ministries provide opportunities for fellowship, growth, and service. MORE INFORMATION TO COME
Bible Study is every Wednesday at 5:00PM in the Convent.
Matthew 5:7
The Shrine of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church is located at 600 W. Jefferson Davis Avenue in Rayne, Louisiana, has been a cornerstone of faith and community since its establishment in 1924. Founded as a mission of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Crowley, it became an independent parish under the guidance of the Josephite Fathers and Brothers, who have faithfully served the congregation since its inception.
The church's mission is deeply rooted in providing spiritual nourishment, education, and support to its members. In its early years, the parish addressed the educational needs of the community by opening a school in 1924, utilizing materials from the original St. Joseph's Hall. This initiative, supported by Mother Katharine Drexel (now Saint) aimed to uplift the African American community in the area.
Today, the Shrine of Our Mother of Mercy continues to be a beacon of hope and mercy, fostering a welcoming environment for all. Under the leadership of Pastor, Rev. Edward Chiffriller, SSJ, the church offers regular Masses, sacraments, and various ministries that cater to the spiritual and communal needs of its diverse congregation.
The parish remains committed to its founding principles of faith, education, and community service, striving to embody the mercy and love exemplified by the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Psalm 122:1
Rev. Edward J. Chiffriller, SSJ, is a distinguished priest of the Society of St. Joseph (Josephites), renowned for his dedication to racial harmony and community engagement. Born on April 16, 1947, in Woodside, New York, he completed his early education at St. Sebastian School in Queens.
Ordained in 1974, Father Chiffriller has devoted his priesthood to serving African American communities. He was elected Superior General of the Josephites in 2007, a role he held for four years, during which he focused on the society's mission to promote racial justice and equality.
In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Father Chiffriller served as pastor of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, where he was actively involved in the diocese's Commission on Racial Harmony Rooted in Jesus Christ. This commission fosters dialogue among diverse ethnic groups, aiming to build understanding and unity within the church community. Father Chiffriller emphasized the importance of personal interactions and shared stories in combating racism, stating, "You can't read about it... you have to be open, meet others, hear their stories, and learn from that."
In 2024, Father Chiffriller was welcomed into the Diocese of Lafayette at the Shrine of Our Mother of Mercy, concluding his tenure at St. Francis Xavier. His enduring commitment to racial harmony and community service continues to inspire many.
Luke 1:38
You are the refuge of sinners, the comfort of the afflicted,
and the hope of the weary.
With a mother's love, you embrace all who turn to you in faith.
Intercede for us, O Blessed Mother,
that we may receive the grace of your son, Jesus Christ.
Help us to trust His divine mercy,
to walk in His light,
and to live in the peace of His love.
Under your mantle of protection, we find rest.
In your Immaculate Heart, we find refuge.
Mother of Mercy, pray for us,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Loyalty Gifts and Tithes
Shrine of Our Mother of Mercy
707 Lyman Ave Rayne LA 70578
Copyright © 2025 Shrine of Our Mother of Mercy - All Rights Reserved.
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