Corporate Communion

Probably the most attended spiritual activity for our chapter has been the annual Corporate Communion Mass and Luncheon. Each year along with all of the chapters in the National Christ Child Society, on a day close to the Feast of the Annunciation, a Corporate Communion Mass is offered. The Akron chapter began to participate in this as one of its earliest spiritual and social activities. Planning for this activity began during the first year of the chapter and the first one was held on Sunday, March 23, 1958. Joan Bauer was the chairman and had planned to have the Mass at the chapel at St. Thomas Hospital which is where Father Haas, our first spiritual advisor, was stationed. However, when Father Haas was transferred in early 1958, the location was changed to St. Bernard Church. Following Mass the members went to the Sheraton-Mayflower Hotel Coffee Shop for breakfast. Since that time this event has occurred every year on a day closest to March 25th, the Feast of the Annunciation. The earliest Masses were held at St. Bernard Church and were followed by breakfast at downtown locations such as Kaase's, the downtown Holiday Inn, and the Sheraton Mayflower Hotel Coffee Shop. In 1965 the date was moved from a Sunday to a Saturday.

By the late 1960's the Masses started to be held at different parishes in our area and the luncheons were at a location in close proximity to the church, often a country club or hotel restaurant. Masses have been held several times at St. Bernard (10), St. Sebastian (7), St. Vincent (5), St. Hilary (3), Holy Family (3) as well as many other parishes. In 1960 the officers were installed and given their pins at this Mass. Since 1973 the provisionals have been installed at this Mass. In 1977 for the 20th anniversary of our chapter, Bishop Michael Murphy celebrated the Mass. In 1982 for the 25th anniversary of our chapter, a special Mass was held at 4:30 P.M. at St. Bernard Church followed by a dinner dance at the University Club. For this 25th anniversary year the provisionals were installed at the May Salad Supper. There was only one time (in April 1987) that there was a postponement due to snow and it was rescheduled for the next weekend.

In 1969 a suggestion was made to have a speaker added to the luncheon agenda. Since that time speakers or another type of entertainment have been a part of the luncheon format. Twice, in 1990 and 2003, the National Christ Child Society President has been the speaker and our guest.