It is a new year and new opportunities to do things we have done before (but maybe not for a while) and try new things that can bless our lives beyond what we can imagine. Since we are in the second year of the Eucharistic Revival in our country, I have two possibilities for all of us to consider.
Firstly, the book we gave out as a Christmas present, "Beautiful Eucharist", (thanks to Becky Jordan in memory of her dear husband, Mickey) is a "must read" for all of us as it contains short stories and reflections of people who have grown in their love and appreciation for the miraculous gift of Jesus, body and blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist we consume and adore. I would encourage all of our Eucharistic Adorers to use part or all of your hour in the coming weeks reading and reflecting on a story or two in the booklet, then look at the Lord (hopefully for an extended time) and thank Him for being so present to us in the Eucharist. Of course, it would be good to find a quiet place at home or in nature to read a chapter or two and reflect and pray about it. As we get renewed in our Eucharistic faith, hopefully we will be willling to share this book with someone who is no longer practicing their Catholic Faith or has grown lukewarm in their appreciation of the Eucharist. Hopefully, they will be drawn back to Jesus in the Eucharist and benefit from any reflections and insights we have had after reading this book that we share with them.
Secondly, we will be blessed to offer and join in with Catholics throughout the Unitted States in a sturdy and refelction on the Eucharist that is video-based and allows time for small group sharing. This will take place just before and during the Lenten Season, at a time when we are challenged to "put more on our plate" (not food) for our growth in the Lord in preparation for Easter and the Easter Season! Please be ready to sign up over the next two weekends on the day and time that works for you (on Mondays or Wednesdays for seven total sessions). Right now we are planning food and fellowship during those gatherings. I hope and pray this will be a "family affair" in those families who have more than one person in their household! I truly believe that those who participate in the ways I've described above in the first few months of the calendar year, will be blessed and will be a blessing for others for the rest of 2024 (and beyond)! One of my hopes is that it will lead to more participants in weekday Masses, more Eucharistic Adorers, and even more participation in the life and mnistries that we have here at Sacred Heart Parish.
Firstly, the book we gave out as a Christmas present, "Beautiful Eucharist", (thanks to Becky Jordan in memory of her dear husband, Mickey) is a "must read" for all of us as it contains short stories and reflections of people who have grown in their love and appreciation for the miraculous gift of Jesus, body and blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist we consume and adore. I would encourage all of our Eucharistic Adorers to use part or all of your hour in the coming weeks reading and reflecting on a story or two in the booklet, then look at the Lord (hopefully for an extended time) and thank Him for being so present to us in the Eucharist. Of course, it would be good to find a quiet place at home or in nature to read a chapter or two and reflect and pray about it. As we get renewed in our Eucharistic faith, hopefully we will be willling to share this book with someone who is no longer practicing their Catholic Faith or has grown lukewarm in their appreciation of the Eucharist. Hopefully, they will be drawn back to Jesus in the Eucharist and benefit from any reflections and insights we have had after reading this book that we share with them.
Secondly, we will be blessed to offer and join in with Catholics throughout the Unitted States in a sturdy and refelction on the Eucharist that is video-based and allows time for small group sharing. This will take place just before and during the Lenten Season, at a time when we are challenged to "put more on our plate" (not food) for our growth in the Lord in preparation for Easter and the Easter Season! Please be ready to sign up over the next two weekends on the day and time that works for you (on Mondays or Wednesdays for seven total sessions). Right now we are planning food and fellowship during those gatherings. I hope and pray this will be a "family affair" in those families who have more than one person in their household! I truly believe that those who participate in the ways I've described above in the first few months of the calendar year, will be blessed and will be a blessing for others for the rest of 2024 (and beyond)! One of my hopes is that it will lead to more participants in weekday Masses, more Eucharistic Adorers, and even more participation in the life and mnistries that we have here at Sacred Heart Parish.