Please join us for our First Corpus Christi Procession in over 40 years! The primary purposes of a Eucharistic Procession include:
✝️ Public Witness of Faith
Unlike worship strictly within the walls of a church building, a procession carries the faith into the streets. It is a visible sign to the world that Catholics believe Jesus is truly present—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—in the Blessed Sacrament.
✝️ Adoration and Thanksgiving
It provides an opportunity for the faithful to collectively and reverently worship, pray, sing, and express deep Gratitude for the gift of the Eucharist.
✝️ Sanctifying the World
By carrying the monstrance (the sacred vessel displaying the Eucharistic Host) through neighborhoods and public spaces, the Church symbolically asks Christ to bless, heal, and sanctify the local community and the wider world.
✝️ Symbol of the Pilgrim Church
Moving together in a procession symbolizes the spiritual journey of the Christian life. It reminds the faithful that they are a”pilgrim people” journeying together toward heaven, accompanied and nourished by Christ along the way.
What Participants Should Know
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Dress appropriately for the weather.
- Bring water if needed.
- Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome and encouraged, if needed.
- Follow directions from procession leaders and traffic control volunteers.
- Remain with the procession group throughout the route.
- Those who need assistance or a rest during the walk may utilize the escort vehicles.
- Consider bringing a rosary with you to pray with those around you as you walk.
- At least two vehicles will be at Saint Stephen Church to transport people back to Saint Thomas the Apostle Church, if that is desired. People can then wait at Saint Thomas for the Procession to arrive and to participate in the Benediction.
- People can drive directly to Saint Stephen Church and wait for the Procession to arrive, if desired. (Preferred route is to exit Saint Thomas main parking lot north onto Fulton St. to Woodward Ln. to Robinson Rd. to Plymouth Ave. to MLK Jr. St., and to the Saint Stephen Church parking lot. This avoids the Procession route.)
Safety Information
- Cross streets only when directed by GRPD, procession leaders, or traffic control volunteers.
- In the event of an emergency, notify a procession leader immediately.
- We will have vans available to pick up any participants who need a ride. Vans will have cold water. One van will have an EMT ready in case any medical help is needed.
- GRPD will be assisting with crossing at major intersections.
Sequence of Events and Procession Route
Approx. 12:00 pm – Procession begins from Saint Thomas the Apostle Church to Saint Stephen Church. The procession will go down Wilcox Park Dr. to Youell Ave to Robinson Rd. to Gladstone Dr.
Approx. 12:35 pm – Prayer inside Saint Stephen Church
Approx. 12:50 pm – Procession begins from Saint Stephen Church to return to Saint Thomas the Apostle Church. The procession will go north on Gladstone Dr. to Robinson Rd. to Youell Ave to Wilcox Park Dr.
Approx. 1:30 pm – Benediction and Popsicle Reception at Saint Thomas Lower Level
Prayer Intention
As we walk together, let us reverently pray for our Parish communities, our families, our city, and the renewal of faith through devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
“Jesus Christ, truly present in the Holy Eucharist, we adore You and place our trust in You.”
