Most Blessed Sacrament Parish started their anniversary celebration year by simultaneously looking back and looking forward.
Founded in 1741, the parish is marking its 275th year with several celebrations throughout the year. The opening mass on January 16 celebrated its most senior citizens, those 85-years and older. It also recognized its newest members, anyone born within the past several months.
Pastor Msgr. Edward Coyle introduced the honored guests to open the mass, calling them seasoned citizens. He read the ancestry of the mass’s celebrant, Fr. Andrew Gehringer, whose roots trace to the first family registered in the parish in 1741 and who is related to a large percentage of the parishioners. Msgr. Coyle cautioned the youngest members of the parish to be careful who they talk about because everyone is related.
In his homily, Fr. Gehringer noted his vocation started in the pews of MBS and how amazing this year was. “It’s like God is reaching through time to touch us in our time,” he said. “The art on the walls is beautiful and if you sit and look at it, it’s like the eyes are watching you,” he offered. “The original chapel is still here behind the main altar. The faith continues.” Fr. Gehringer pointed out the difference between the youngest members of the parish who can’t remember their baptism and the oldest members who have witnessed the baptism and other sacraments received by many members of their family in this church.
Fr. Gehringer also encouraged the congregation to “consider God’s view of the church and all the people who sat in these pews during the past 275 years.”
“And that’s why the parish endures, the faith of the parishioners is continued from one generation to the next,” Fr. Gehringer said.
Honored experienced, seasoned parishioners included – Helen Bauman, John and Barbara Bernard, Philip Ciofalo, Jim Fronheiser, Rita Hartman, Lorraine Heintz, Rita Meck, Joseph Melcher, Georgina Schmoyer, Matthew Santangelo, Dr. Hubert Seemann, Alma Sharrow, Gertrude Snyder, Margaret Stauffer and Tom and Mary Walters.
The beginning parishioners included – Hayden Bogert and her parents, Joseph and Kristen; Grace Brinkman and her parents, Sara and Jim; Leo Engler and his parents, Lauren and Brian; Luke Jacoby and his parents, Malory and Brian; Parker James and his parents, Mike and Kristie; Christopher John and his parents, Eileen and Austin; Quinten Lazoche and his parents, Matthew and Susanne; Beckham Lutz and his parents, Lindsey and Zachory; Miranda Richards and her parents, Bill and Melody; and Henry and Mayzie Ulicny and their parents, Bridget and Mark.
At the end of mass prayer cards with the name of a parishioner were handed out to parishioners to encourage them to pray for each other during the anniversary year.