JANESVILLE — To celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the four Janesville Catholic parishes are working together to offer a regional Eucharistic Procession.
Held on Sunday, June 6, the Corpus Christi procession will begin at 3 p.m. with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the steps of Nativity of Mary Church, 313 E. Wall St.
Participants will then slowly walk the less-than-a-mile path to St. Patrick Church, 315 Cherry St., while singing and praying the Rosary.
The procession ends with Benediction at an outdoor altar in the St. Patrick Church parking lot.
Priests, volunteers, and parishioners from Nativity of Mary, St. John Vianney, St. Patrick, and St. William parishes will be participating in the procession.
“The 2020 Corpus Christi procession was a beautiful public witness of faith, hope, and unity,” said Fr. Paul Ugo Arinze, pastor of St. John Vianney Parish.
“People were truly struck by the procession. As we passed by outdoor cafes, people stood out of respect. Others prayed with us or even stopped what they were doing and joined the procession.”
Fr. Drew Olson, parochial administrator of St. Patrick Parish, said, “Last year’s procession in Janesville was attended by hundreds of people, even in the midst of COVID. We want to build on that momentum and invite people from all over the diocese. We’re also hoping to encourage fellowship by hosting a family tailgate after the procession.”
Following Benediction in the St. Patrick Church parking lot, procession attendees are invited to stay for food, music, and games.
The churches will provide grilled meats and those who would like to stay for the celebration are invited to bring their own lawn chairs, snacks, and beverages.
Procession participants are encouraged to park in the St. Patrick School parking lot (where the procession will end) and then be shuttled by bus to Nativity of Mary Church for the start of the event.
For more information and a map of the procession route, visit saintpatrickofjanesville.org/corpus-christi