What You Need to Know About the National Eucharistic Revival

September 7, 2023

What is it?

Bishops from across the U.S. have called for a National Eucharistic Revival in our country. The Revival invites U.S. Catholics of all ages to become part of a national movement to renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. The revival is an opportunity to reflect on Christ’s gift of himself in the Eucharist and our response to that gift.

Why is it important?

The movement is intended to heal, convert, form, and unify Catholics across the United States through an encounter with Jesus Christ living in the Eucharist and send them out on mission to bring the love of Christ to others. The current state of the Church in the United States needs the healing and unity that comes from the love of the Eucharist. This movement aims to deepen Catholics’ understanding of the True Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and deepen their faith through encountering Christ in the Eucharist.

Years of the Revival

The first year, referred to as the “Year of Diocesan Revival” began on June 19, 2022, the Feast of Corpus Christi and continued through June 11, 2023.

Currently, we are in the “Year of Parish Revival,” which continues until July 17, 2024. In this second year, Eucharistic devotion is fostered at the parish level through worship, personal encounters, faith formation, and missionary outreach.

The third year is referred to as the “Year of Going Out on Mission.” From July 17 to 21, 2024, thousands of Catholics will gather in Indianapolis to reconsecrate their hearts to Jesus in the Eucharist. During this third year, the Holy Spirit will send us out on mission to share the gift of our Eucharistic Lord as we enter the Catholic Church’s jubilee year in 2025.

How do I get involved?

There are a variety of ways to get involved in the Eucharistic Revival.

Pray. Pray for the bishops, your diocese, your parish, and all Catholics in the United States that this movement can increase healing, conversion, formation, and unification through encountering Jesus in the Eucharist.

Speak about Your Faith. Share a testimony with a friend, loved one, or someone in need. Share how the Lord has touched your life through his presence in the Eucharist.

Become a Eucharistic missionary. Join others who have committed themselves to prayer, formation, and service. For example, this could entail bringing holy Communion to the homebound.

Where can I learn more?

More information on how to get involved can be found on the Diocese of St. Petersburg website at www.dosp.org/revival or the National Eucharistic Revival website at www.eucharisticrevival.org.

Diocesan Prayer for the National Eucharistic Revival

Bishop Gregory Parkes announced that a prayer has been written for the Diocese of St. Petersburg to help each person renew their belief in the mystery of the Eucharist, that Christ is truly present for us, body, blood, soul, and divinity.

Lord Jesus, you make the world radiant
with the splendor of your presence.
You embrace our humanity,
so that we may share in your divinity.

You reveal yourself to us
as the Living Bread
that comes down from heaven.

Share your heavenly light
with me, O Lord,
so that I may see you in the Eucharist.

Fill me with awe and wonder
for the gift of your
Body and Blood in Holy Communion.

Through the mystery of the Eucharist
unite our hearts to yours,
that we may be a sign of communion
for the whole world,
and may live with you forever.

Amen.

To view the prayer in other languages, visit gulfcoastcatholic.org/new-eucharistic-revival-prayer-written-local-catholic-community.

An Experience Like No Other: Eucharistic Encounter

The Diocese of St. Petersburg hosted Eucharistic Encounter on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the JW Marriott Hotel in Tampa. This event was the first of its kind in our area. This day-long experience was designed for people who are looking for something more in their relationship with Jesus or are searching for more meaning and purpose in their lives. The event included a powerhouse line-up of speakers and Mass celebrated by Bishop Gregory Parkes. To hear the talks from the event, visit www.EucharisticEncounter.org.

How has an encounter with Christ in the Eucharist impacted your life?

Dr. Armando Chavarria, Holy Cross Parish:

“Sometimes it is that very subtle, silent gesture of His love that sometimes escapes us, and we have to humble ourselves to be able to receive what He is offering.”