Since the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, you may have heard your church mention something about a national Eucharistic Revival. But what exactly is it and what does it entail?
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops proclaimed a 3-year Eucharistic Revival, starting with the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ in June 2022 and ending in 2025. They state that their mission is, “to renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.”
Father Dave explains that this decision partially stemmed from research stating that modern Catholics lack understanding about the importance and true meaning of the Sacrament. “The revival is for us,” he says. “Revival in our devotion to, dedication to, and appreciation of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.”
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There are three phases to the Revival, each lasting one year. This first phase is focused on those who work in the Church. Father Dave says it’s similar to a team-building exercise or retreat, to help the leaders of our Church prepare to educate all of us. “If you have a workout coach at your gym, even they need to also exercise,” he explains. “Just because they’re experts doesn’t mean that they themselves might not need somebody else coaching them and renewing them in their commitment to their craft.”
The second phase begins on the Feast of Corpus Christi in 2023, where the focus will then move to the parish level. This would include things like Eucharistic Adoration, parish missions, and providing resources or small groups to help better understand the Sacrament.
These phases all lead to a National Eucharistic Congress in July of 2024, where tens of thousands of Catholics will gather in Indianapolis, IN. “The Holy Spirit will enkindle a missionary fire in the heart of our nation,” the USCCB states, “as we reconsecrate ourselves to the source and summit of our faith.”
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But the Revival does not end with the National Eucharistic Congress! Those who attend the Congress as well as the entire American Church are then sent forth to share the gift of the Eucharist in a year of mission.
Father Dave explains further that, “It is our task as baptized Christians to bring the love of God, bring the teachings of the Church, and bring this devotion to the Eucharist to all the world.”
