An atmosphere of friendship, fellowship
FAITH IN THE CITY
Name of congregation: Church of the Blessed Sacrament Religious affiliation: Archdiocese of New York Spiritual leader: The Rev. Evaristus Ohuche Address and neighborhood: 1170 Beach Ave., Soundview, Bronx
Years in present location: 85 Size and character of congregation: “More than 800 families. We are multicultural and multilingual,” Ohuche said. Scheduled services: Masses: Saturday vigil at 5 p.m. in English; Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in English; 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. in Spanish; Holy hour and confessions Saturday at 3 p.m. Weekday Masses: 8 a.m. in Spanish, 9 a.m. in English What makes the congregation special: “There is an atmosphere of the friendship and fellowship. We worship together as a family of the faithful. Our Catholicity is clearly visible at the Eucharist because from the many cultures and languages, one flock emerges under Christ the Good Shepherd, and in this one sacrifice of praise, we all sing the praises of our loving God,” Ohuche said. Largest service and turnout: “Sunday Spanish Mass at 11 a.m.,” he said. Most-prized possession: “We Catholics are privileged and blessed with the true and real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. The Holy Communion that we receive at Mass is the body and blood, soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ the eternal Son of God. We also treasure the revealed word of God we read in the scriptures at every Eucharist,” he said. Biggest wish-list item: “Our ongoing evangelization campaign which aims to reawaken faith in our brothers and sisters,” he said. Proudest moment: “The confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a graduate of our parish school and a member of our parish community since her childhood, to the highest court in our land,” he said. Other services and programs offered: Call the rectory for more information. Upcoming events: “We are privileged to be one of the parishes in our vicariate that will host a week of adoration and praise beginning today. It is a week of Eucharistic Adoration that will conclude on Aug. 26 with a Eucharistic procession from the Blessed Sacrament parish to Our Lady of Solace parish, Morris Park Ave., at 1:30 p.m. Adoration and Beautification; Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the church. All are invited. Email: blsacramentchurch@yahoo.com
Contact: (718) 892-3214
Maxine Simpson