Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina Parish returns to distribution of
The Precious Blood at Holy Communion

Dear Parishioners,
As we approach the sacred season of Advent, we are pleased to share an important update with our parish community. Out of respect for everyone's health and comfort, Santa Catalina Parish has waited until now to reintroduce the reception of the Eucharist under both species, offering the faithful to partake of both the Body and the Precious Blood once again during Communion. This decision was made thoughtfully, with everyone's well-being in mind, and we are grateful for your patience and understanding as we reintroduce this cherished practice.

Receiving the Eucharist under Both Species
Starting on the First Sunday of Advent, the chalice will be available during all Saturday Vigil and Sunday Masses. As we reintroduce this practice, we encourage each of you to prayerfully consider participating fully in the sacrament by receiving both the Body and Blood of Christ.

Health Considerations and Fullness of Grace
For those who may be immunocompromised, experiencing respiratory symptoms, or concerns about illness exposure, we recommend receiving only the host. Please remember that it is not necessary to receive both species to receive the full grace of the sacrament, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church (No. 1390) assures us: "Communion under the species of bread alone makes it possible to receive all the fruit of Eucharistic grace." While receiving both species more fully expresses Christ's gift of himself, the Church teaches that Christ is fully present in each form of the sacrament, allowing us to receive its full grace through either the host or the chalice.

Logistics and Reminders
As we begin offering the chalices at each Vigil and Sunday Mass, please be patient if we run out of the Precious Blood before you come to receive. We will adjust the amount of wine consecrated as we gauge interest in this renewed offering and work to accommodate all who wish to partake.
To ensure the dignified and safe distribution of the Precious Blood, our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will be trained in advance to properly purify the chalice after each communicant receives.

Important Reminders:

Intinction: Dipping the host into the chalice is only permitted for priests and bishops. Others should refrain from dipping their host, as this is considered "self-communication," which the Church does not permit.
As we prepare for Advent, may this reintroduction of the chalice deepen our reverence and joy in the Eucharist. Let us open our hearts to God’s grace during this season of renewal. We look forward to coming together with hearts full of gratitude and renewed faith.

In Christ our Redeemer,

Fr. Huy Vu, C.S.s.R, Pastor

An Introduction from Fr. Huy Vu

If we haven’t met yet, I’m a Redemptorist priest who loves walking with people through the joys and messiness of life. My hope is that this parish feels like a place where you can be real — with God, with others, and with yourself. Whether you’re here every Sunday or just starting to explore your faith, I want you to know there’s room for you here.
I try to preach and write in a way that’s honest, hopeful, and rooted in everyday life. Scripture, stories, struggles, and laughter all make their way into the message — because I believe that’s where God shows up. You’ll hear me talk a lot about mercy, community, and the Eucharist — not as lofty ideas, but as real encounters that can change how we live and love.
More than anything, I want this parish to be a place where you feel known, nourished, and invited to grow. If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’m not sure where I belong,” I’d say — maybe you’ve just found it.
At Santa Catalina, we’re striving to live as pilgrims of hope, rooted in the Eucharist, guided by the Holy Spirit, and committed to walking with one another — especially those most in need of mercy and belonging. We’d love to have you journey with us."

"Hola, soy el Padre Huy — ¡bienvenidos a Santa Catalina!
Si aún no nos conocemos, soy un sacerdote redentorista que camina con personas en los momentos de alegría y también en los momentos difíciles de la vida. Mi deseo es que esta parroquia sea un lugar donde puedas ser tú mismo — con Dios, con los demás y contigo mismo. Ya sea que vengas cada domingo o estés comenzando a buscar tu camino de fe, quiero que sepas que aquí hay un lugar para ti.
En mis homilías y escritos, trato de hablar con honestidad y esperanza, siempre conectado con la vida cotidiana. La Escritura, las historias, los desafíos y también la risa forman parte del mensaje — porque creo firmemente que ahí es donde Dios se hace presente. Me escucharás hablar con frecuencia sobre la misericordia, la comunidad y la Eucaristía — no como ideas abstractas, sino como encuentros reales que transforman nuestra manera de vivir y amar.
Más que nada, quiero que esta parroquia sea un lugar donde te sientas visto, alimentado y llamado a crecer. Si estás leyendo esto y piensas: “No estoy seguro de dónde pertenezco,” te diría — tal vez acabas de encontrarlo.
En Santa Catalina, queremos vivir como peregrinos de la esperanza, enraizados en la Eucaristía, guiados por el Espíritu Santo, y comprometidos a caminar juntos — especialmente con quienes más necesitan misericordia y un sentido de pertenencia. Nos encantaría que formes parte del camino con nosotros."