Our world is hurting. We all need healing, yet many of us are separated from the very source of our strength. Jesus Christ invites us to return to the source and summit of our faith in the celebration of the Eucharist. The National Eucharistic Revival is a movement to restore understanding and devotion to this great mystery here in the United States by helping us renew our worship of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
Watch the video to learn more about the exciting journey ahead and how you can be a part of it!
Every parish in the country will experience profound renewal while participating in grassroots efforts inspired by the four pillars of the Revival. Some of the initiatives in our parish will be:
St. John Paul was an authentic man of prayer who was guided and protected throughout his life so that his entire life would be an efficacious offering to God. His great love for the Blessed Mother and her Son, Jesus Christ, particularly in the Eucharist would bring forth blessings to the Church through the Second Vatican Council, the Theology of the Body teachings, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, World Youth Day. He was an unprecedented model of human suffering, courage, and mercy in our times. Using the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, we will seek to understand and imitate this holy man and his gifts to our Church.
“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. He stays here with us: He is God with us. Seek him without tiring, welcome him without reserve, love him without interruption: today, tomorrow, forever!”- Address to young people of Bologna, Sept. 27, 1997
Please join Jackie Bedore, our Catechesis, Formation & Children's Ministry, for this edition of Saint of the Month. Wednesday, May 1st, 6:45 PM at the Parish Hall.
She was born in January 2, 1873 and died in September 30, 1897. This saint, who died at the tender age of twenty-four, and who is also the youngest Doctor of our Church, is known worldwide as the “Little Flower.” She chose this simple image as the metaphor for herself because it describes her interior life – her “Little Way” – so accurately: a hidden life of beauty, simplicity, humility, and above all, love. Most of us will probably never live in circumstances similar to hers, but we can all be inspired by her simple life and her profound love for Jesus.
Concerning her understanding and appreciation of the Most Holy Eucharist, I will simply offer this quotation from her which I had printed on my holy card for my ordination to the priesthood…
“Our Lord does not come from heaven every day
to stay in a golden ciborium.
He comes to find another heaven,
the heaven of our soul in which he loves to dwell.”
To be like the “Little Flower,” all we have to do is follow her “Little Way” of beauty, simplicity, humility, and above all, love.
St. Joseph is one of the best known and loved saints in all of the Church. His holiness and virtues are extraordinary, and he was greatly revered by countless other saints. As St. Maximilian Kolbe declared, “With the exception of our loving Mother, St. Joseph stands above all the saints.”
Best known for: Joseph was the head of the Holy Family – the earthly (foster) father of Jesus and the Most Chaste Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He loves them both more than any other person. He is known for his humility, not uttering a single word in the Bible. He heard God in his dreams, and followed God’s will completely, often in very challenging circumstances.
How was he close to the Eucharist?
Joseph was the very first man to gaze on and adore Jesus, the Son of God. He cared for him, clothed him, fed him, held him, and taught him. He protected Jesus and Mary throughout his entire life. He led the first Eucharistic procession to Bethlehem when Jesus was in the womb of Mary, then to Egypt after Jesus was born.
How to be like this saint?
We desire to be like Joseph in his perfect love for Jesus and Mary. We can learn from him to be the guardians and protectors of our families and our Church, both under attack in today’s culture. He is a perfect father and spouse – a model of self-sacrifice, justice, chastity, courage, obedience, and faith. We also pray to St. Joseph for a happy death, in the company of Jesus and Mary, as he died.
Please join Jennifer Proctor, Adult Faith Formation Coordinator, for this edition of Saint of the Month. Wednesday, January 10, at 6:45 pm in the Parish Hall.
St. Cecilia lived in the second or third century, and she was one of the most revered early virgin martyrs of Rome. She is one of seven women commemorated in the Roman Canon of the Mass, and there is evidence of a church named in her honor dating to the late fourth century. Her Feast Day, November 22, was celebrated as early as 545 AD.
Best known for: St. Cecilia is best remembered today as the patron of musicians, composers, instrument makers, and poets. She was said to have heard heavenly music inside her heart when she was forced to marry a pagan nobleman, Valerius. During her wedding, Cecilia sat and sang to God in her heart. Thus, she was declared to be the patron of musicians. Cecilia also promised to remain a virgin, which Valerius respected, and he eventually converted to Catholicism.
How was she close to the Eucharist? While many details of her life are unknown, we know that St. Cecilia worked to convert many people to Christianity, even though it was unlawful. Hundreds were baptized through her witness and strong faith. She remained close to Christ and refused to worship false gods, which eventually led to her arrest and martyrdom.
How to be like this saint: St. Cecilia reminds us that music and art are beautiful ways to praise God, especially in times of difficulty. She also reminds us that we can be joyful at all times when we stay close to Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and that we evangelize to others through our contagious joy.
Please join Denise Brooks, Director of Music & Liturgy, and our Choir for a special edition of Saint of the Month edition, presenting a concert of songs with a Eucharistic theme. Sunday, November 5th, immediately following 10:00 am Mass in the church.
Carlo Acutis, a Catholic Italian teenager who died in 2006, was beatified Oct. 10, 2020 in Assisi. Acutis, a gamer and computer programmer who loved soccer and the Eucharist, gained interest around the world. He was born May 3, 1991, in London, where his parents were working. Just a few months later, his parents, Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano, moved to Milan.
Best known for: While Carlo is known for his creation of a website dedicated to spotlighting Eucharistic miracles from around the world, he is also known for being buried in jeans, a sweatshirt and sneakers. He showcases that sainthood can be simple.
How was he close to the Eucharist? There was never a chapel that Carlo was shy to enter, nor was there a time that he would not be in prayer and communion with God. He made sure that, even on family vacations, they would attend mass and make time for adoration. Speaking about the Eucharist, Carlo said, “When we face the sun we get a tan, but when we stand in front of Jesus in the Eucharist we become saints.”
How to be like this saint: Sure, limiting ourselves to one hour of PlayStation a week like Carlo or creating a purely Catholic website can make us saints, but two quotes from Bl. Acutis really stick out for a surefire way to sainthood: “Not me, but God,” and “The only thing we have to ask God for, in prayer, is the desire to be Holy.” If we remember those things, we too can become saints!
Please join Jose Salazar, our Director of Youth Catechesis & Young Adults, for this presentation and discussion about Bl. Carlo Acutis, his life and legacy as a Millenial Saint, on Wednesday, October 4th, at 6:45 pm in our new St. Dominic Savio Formation Center.
Chiara Offreduccio, born in July, 1194 was an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Francis of Assisi. Inspired by the teachings of St. Francis, she founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order, established in Assisi, for women in the Franciscan tradition. Together the Poor Ladies cared for the poor and sick and sustained themselves through making fine altar linens with embroidery and lace.
Best known for: While St. Clare, is perhaps, best known for her long-lasting friendship with St. Francis, this prominent and beautiful woman demonstrated great faith, strength and virtue! So much so that she was a visionary and revolutionary for women in the Church. St. Clare’s piety and leadership led to her canonization only two years after her death by Pope Alexander IV.
How was she close to the Eucharist? St. Clare’s strength and piety came from her most precious friendships—with St. Francis, with her sisters, but most of all—with Jesus Christ! Her deep trust in the providence of God and her faith in the Eucharist regularly provided for and protected the Poor Ladies.
How to be like this saint: To follow the example of St. Clare, place yourself in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament for prayer daily. Allow the blessings, wisdom and strength that comes from God alone to sustain you and guide you in your daily life.
Please join Jackie Bedore, our Director of Children's Catechesis for a presentation and discussion on our parish’s patron saint, her devotion to the Eucharist, and how the Eucharist aids us in trial on Wednesday, August 2nd, at 6:45 pm in the Parish Hall.
Born into an affluent, Italian family, Saint Francis renounced his wealth and devoted himself to a life of poverty and humble service to God. His teachings and devotion to our Lord have continued to touch the hearts of millions, making him one of the Church’s most beloved saints.
Best known for: St. Francis is notably associated with the founding of the Franciscan Order, as well as his love for God’s creation and service to the poor.
How was he close to the Eucharist? St. Francis possessed a deep reverence toward the Eucharist. A fellow Franciscan friar stated that Francis “burned with a love that came from his whole being for the sacrament of the Lord’s body.”
How to be like this saint: To emulate the life of St. Francis, practice a life of humility and service, especially to the marginalized. Further, like Francis, visit our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament often, and approach him with profound respect.
Please join Chase Sanders (our new Middle School Youth Minister) and Peter Nguyen (our Summer Seminarian) for a presentation and discussion on our parish’s patron saint, his devotion to the Eucharist, and a Eucharistic Miracle, on Wednesday, July 12, at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall.If you walk into the home of an older Catholic, you will likely find an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus hanging on the wall. What is the story behind his image and the devotion associated with it? While devotion to the heart of Jesus is as old as Christianity, modern art was inspired by a humble, French nun: St. Margaret Mary Alacoque.
Best known for: Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque is best known for promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
How was she close to the Eucharist? From early childhood, Margaret was described as showing intense love for the Blessed Sacrament, and as preferring silence and prayer to childhood play.
How to be like a saint: How can we be like this Saint? The challenge for the Year of the Eucharist is to go to Mass and receive Holy Communion every First Friday. Then, to spend time with Jesus afterward in prayer and make an act of reparation.
Join us: Wednesday, June 7, 2023, after Mass to learn more.
Heavenly Father, in this year
of Eucharistic revival
and parish renewal,
we thank You
for the Gift of Your Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ,
who promised to stay with us always,
until the end of the age.
Increase our faith
in the Real Presence
of Christ in the Eucharist,
and reawaken our wonder at
His Divine Presence among us.
Help us to grow in love
and reverence for
the Holy Eucharist
by renewing the heart
of each person in this faith community
so that we may become faithful disciples.
Nourished by the Eucharist,
send us forth as missionary disciples
to proclaim the Good News to all people,
so that every heart may be restored.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Padre Celestial, en este año
de avivamiento Eucarístico
y renovación parroquial,
te damos gracias por
el Don de Tu Hijo,
nuestro Señor Jesucristo,
quien prometió permanecer
con nosotros siempre,
hasta el fin de los tiempos.
Aumenta nuestra fe
en la Presencia Real de Cristo
en la Eucaristía y despierta
nuestro asombro ante
Su Divina Presencia entre nosotros.
Ayúdanos a crecer en el amor
y la reverencia por la
Sagrada Eucaristía renovando
el corazón de cada persona
en esta comunidad de fe
para que podamos convertirnos
en fieles discípulos.
Alimentados por la Eucaristía,
envíanos como discípulos misioneros
a proclamar la Buena Nueva
a todos los hombres,
para que todos los corazones
sean restaurados.
Te lo pedimos por Cristo nuestro Señor.
Amén