Dear POP Parishioners!
This weekend we are celebrating a Fall Eucharistic Revival Kick-Off. A parish "Year of Eucharistic Revival” has already begun earlier this year and will conclude next year on June 2, 2024 (after which we will be called to go out and share what we have received). All the Churches in the United States are participating. I invite you especially this weekend to consider how you personally will engage this year.
The mission is, “To renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.”
The vision is, “To inspire a movement of Catholics across the United States who are healed, converted, formed, and unified by an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist—and who are then sent out on mission ‘for the life of the world.’”
Bishop Cozzens, one of the national leaders said, “We want to start a fire, not a program”. We need this as recent studies have reported only about 31% of Catholics believe in the Real Presence of Jesus and perhaps about as many regularly attend Mass.
There are four pillars of this movement:
- Reinvigorate Worship
We gather each Sunday (and even every day) to celebrate the Eucharist. Some ways we could invite a personal renewal include more faithful/increased Mass attendance, attending daily Mass, new attentiveness at Mass, participating in training for liturgical ministries, striving for silence in the church for prayer, learning more about the Mass, going to confession, and listening to or giving a Eucharistic witness. - A Personal Encounter
I especially think about how we receive communion and time spent in Eucharistic Adoration. Are we aware of Jesus’ Real Presence? Can we spend more time, more attention on our encounter? - Robust Faith Formation
There are such great teachings on the Eucharist and the Mass. There will be a homily series on the Eucharist, but also consider joining if possible a small group program, going to talks/missions/classes, and/or doing personal reading. - Missionary Sending
Consider how each of us could invite someone (back) to Mass and provide more hospitality at Mass.
Renewal only happens if we make a personal commitment. I personally want to pray more in Eucharistic Adoration, end every homily on a Eucharistic note, be more attentive in how I prepare for and pray the Mass, and do more reading on the subject.
I challenge all POP parishioners to do something for the Eucharist Revival, whether it is to attend a daily Mass, go to Eucharistic Adoration, engage in formation and learning, invite others, or otherwise.
I believe this is going to be a very grace-filled year. Please pray for the Renewal. God bless you.
Peace,
Fr. Greg