It has been a blessed time for our Church! As we have entered into the second year of the National Eucharistic Revival, we are renewing the Church and, as the Eucharistic Revival website says, “enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.”
This three-year initiative began in 2022 — the first year was focused on the diocesan level, as diocesan staff, bishops, and priests were invited by Pope Francis to “a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ.” The second year — which began this past June 11, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi — will focus on the parish level. Finally, the third year is considered the Year of Mission, through which Catholics will be called to go and share Christ’s love in the world.
“This first year of the Eucharistic Revival culminated with a diocesan Eucharistic Congress held in North Platte,” says Rita Hemmer, a member of St. Leo’s Evangelization Team. “Over 400 diocesan lay people and clergy attended. This included over 30 of St. Leo’s parishioners who are eager to spread the revival of the Eucharist.”
For this upcoming parish-level year of the Eucharistic Revival, St. Leo’s will strive to empower parishioners to grow closer to Christ through the Eucharist in several different ways. First, there will be a special Abide Adoration worship night on Sunday, Sept. 24.
Parishioner Mary Mickey has previously attended Abide Adoration, and it was a profoundly impactful experience.
“After retiring, I felt like I needed guidance of what the Lord wanted of me,” Mary says. “My mother-in-law, a non-Catholic, was going through cancer treatment and I invited her to join me. She was inspired by the music and just being in the presence of Jesus. The adoration hour was a place for both of us to be at peace and trust in Jesus, as we went through this cancer journey together. It has allowed me to be generous, and to look outside of myself to serve others.”
In addition to Abide Adoration, Fr. Don is working on resources for teachings on different parts of the Mass throughout the year.
“This will help people understand the biblical reasoning for why we do what we do during Mass,” Rita says. “With a better understanding, we hope people will be able to grow closer to Jesus.”
Further upcoming events include a parish mission on the third week of April; and a youth service project, concert, and Eucharistic Adoration in October. More details about these events will be shared soon.
“This revival year will lead into the National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Stadium in July 2024,” Rita says. “It has been over 80 years since the last National Eucharistic Revival in the United States, and there will be approximately 100,000 people attending. From there, we hope to empower people to go out to the world and evangelize.”
For more information about the National Eucharistic Revival, please visit www.eucharisticrevival.org, or contact Rita Hemmer at 308-833-3873 or rita@saintleos.org.