The National Eucharistic Revival is a multi-year initiative launched by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) aimed at renewing the Church through a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist – the goal is to transform lives through this encounter with the Eucharistic Christ. Through various activities such as parish events, educational programs, and retreats, the Eucharistic Revival seeks to deepen Catholics’ participation in the Mass and strengthen their faith in the Real Presence of Jesus. Through the Eucharist, the heart of the Catholic faith, God seeks to heal, renew, and unify the Church and the world.
A highlight of the Revival is the National Eucharistic Congress that was held in July 2024, where 60,000 Catholics gathered in Indianapolis. The Congress began with quiet adoration before the Blessed Sacrament during which tens of thousands of participants dropped to their knees in worship and prayer. To learn more, please click on the following link: National Eucharistic Congress Article. Equally inspiring were the events leading up to the Congress. A massive eight-week pilgrimage was organized, where large crowds of Catholics participated in Eucharistic Processions through city streets and rural highways across the nation. These processions covered over 6,500 miles, tracing the shape of a cross throughout the United States.
The National Eucharistic Revival website is inspiring. With its engaging visuals and informative content, it offers an easy navigation experience. At the top of the website Ribbon are 3 tabs: Revival, Congress and Pilgrimage which are 3 key aspects of the Revival movement. We encourage you to explore the site and be inspired by their initiative by clicking the logo at the top of this webpage.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that, “The Holy Eucharist is the ‘source and summit’ of the Christian life.” (CCC 1324)
Throughout history, Popes have consistently emphasized the profound importance of the Eucharist in the life of the Church, reminding the faithful that it is central to the Catholic faith. Both past Popes and Pope Francis promote its significance in their teachings, writings, and liturgical celebrations. Pope John Paul II once said to young people of Bologna, “The Eucharist is the secret of my day. It gives strength and meaning to all my activities of service to the Church and to the whole world … Let Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament speak to your hearts. It is He who is the true answer of life that you seek.”
Bishop McGrattan’s initiatives of Parish Renewal and the 40 Hours of Adoration for Vocations are linked to Eucharistic Revival. The Parish Renewal aims to revitalize parish life in the Diocese, encouraging communities to engage in meaningful worship and deepen their connection with Christ. This initiative invites parishes to strengthen their spiritual lives through a renewed commitment to prayer, the sacraments and a commitment to the Eucharist. Similarly, the 40 Hours of Adoration for Vocations offers dedicated time for prayer and reflection.
The parish priests at Holy Spirit Church have been strong advocates for the Eucharist. In response to government mandates during COVID-19 that led to the cancellation of Masses, Fr. David initiated daily Eucharistic Adoration, providing parishioners the opportunity to spend time with Our Lord outside of Mass. After Masses resumed, he continued to offer Adoration six days a week along with a monthly 12-hour Overnight Adoration on the first Saturday of each month.
Fr. Joe has contributed significantly to this devotion by leading Benediction nearly every day at 3:40 p.m., often coming to the church on his days off to support this spiritual practice.
This commitment to the Eucharist has created a welcoming space for prayer and reflection, which is cherished by many in our parish.
“In the Eucharist, we have the greatest treasure that we can possess.”
Saint Teresa of Ávila
