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Eucharistic Revival, What is It?

You may have seen this statistic – In 2019, a study by the Pew Research Center reported that only a third of Catholics believe the Eucharist is the real Body and Blood of Christ. Maybe we shouldn’t be surprised by this information given the full complexity of the Eucharist – that through the power and grace of God, the bread and wine is transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ.  This very real presence of Christ begins at the moment of consecration and endures until it is consumed.

To help Catholics not only better understand the Real Presence of Christ but to develop a deeper love for the Eucharist, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has established a National Eucharistic Revival. This is a multiyear effort involving catechesis (knowing about God) and evangelization (knowing and loving God). This effort began in July of 2022 at the National Level and will move throughout this year to the Diocesan level and then to the Parish level.

As part of this Revival, I recently attended a Symposium for the Diaconate sponsored by the Diocese of Joliet and the Archdiocese of Chicago.  We heard from Cardinal Blase Cupich, Bishop Ron Hicks, Bishop Bob Lombardo, and Bishop Daniel Conlon.  The overall message was that this is not just about understanding what takes place during the liturgy of the Eucharist, rather that our Church and the world needs healing.  One way to accomplish this is to renew the church from the inside-out through an ever-deepening appreciation of the Eucharist.

We are excited to bring more to you throughout the year – stay tuned!

Many Blessings,
Deacon Peter LeTourneau
Director of Parish Ministry & Evangelization