Catholic Crafting: Sunflowers and Apples Wreath
Eucharistic Revival Begins in the U.S.
06/23/2022
On June 19, 2022. the Eucharistic Revival officially began in dioceses across the United States. In my diocese of Austin, we kicked things off the morning before on Saturday, June 18, with Mass at 8:30am, presided over by the Bishop of Austin, Bishop Joe Vasquez. After Mass, the Bishop, accompanied by the laity and dozens of priests and deacons, led us out of the church on a one-mile procession through the downtown streets of Austin, holding the Blessed Sacrament high in a monstrance, ending with adoration and benediction at the historic “red doors” on the hilltop at St. Edward’s University. The morning concluded with Bishop Vasquez lifting the monstrance and blessing the entire city of Austin, which was laid out in front of us from our view on the hilltop. It was a powerful and visible way of beginning the Eucharistic Revival, and - literally - going forth and bringing Christ to our community.
What is the Eucharistic Revival?
The Eucharistic Revival is a three year invitation and call to renewal that will take place across America. More than simply a series of meetings or events, the Eucharistic Revival is a “grassroots call and a challenge for every Catholic across our country to rekindle the fire of love and devotion for the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus,” Bishop Vasquez explains.
The first year of the revival runs from June 19 to June 11, 2023, and will focus on revival at the diocesan level. The second year goes from June 12, 2023 to July 17, 2024, and will focus on fostering devotion to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist at the parish level. The final year, July 18, 2024 to Pentecost 2025, called the “Year of Going Out On Mission,” will include a National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis.
How Can I Participate in the Eucharistic Revival?
- One of the first, and easiest, ways to participate in the Eucharistic Revival is to sign up to receive the “Heart of the Revival” newsletter and to enlist as a prayer warrior. Visit National Eucharistic Revival: A Grassroots Response to God’s Invitation to learn more and sign up for both of these items.
- Secondly, visit your own dioscean website to find out what activities are planned in your area, and how you can help. Volunteers are always needed to carry out any activity, and you’ll also get to meet new people from different parts of your diocese. Find out how your own parish is planning to participate, and respond generously to the call to serve. No one should feel that they have to do everything, but everyone should know that they have to do something, even just ONE thing.
- Thirdly, consider making these three years a type of unofficial “pilgrimage” journey to the heart of Jesus for yourself and your family. Think about what you might pray for during these three years of prayer, sacrifice and journeying with Jesus and his church. What intention do you hope to have answered? What fruitfulness do you hope to see? What change do you seek?
We all know that our families, our cities, and our country are broken and in need of repair, of restoration. Our church is also wounded and in need of healing. Remember, Jesus himself told the apostles that some things “can only come out through prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:28) Jesus reminds us that true reconciliation back to himself takes time and effort, over the long haul. Let us each take full advantage of these three years to immerse ourselves in the Sacred Heart, on display in the Eucharist, and intercede for our church, our country and all those we carry in our hearts.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us! Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
About the Author
A life-long Catholic, Sarah has worked in Family Faith Formation for the past 15 years, helping parents, grandparents, godparents and children of all ages learn about and live their Catholic faith. She earned her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Dallas, then went on to complete a Master's in Language and Literature at St. Mary's University and years later, while living on a farm in rural Indiana with kids, dogs, chickens and ducks, she earned a Master's degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Stuebenville.
She especially loves using stories, particularly the stories of C.S.Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and the Inklings, as well as symbols and physical "stuff" to catechize. Having spent close to ten years as an employee at Hallmark Gold Crown stores, she often uses their collectible ornaments as doorways to connecting with Catholicism. She blogs, occasionally, at www.thestrawberryvine.com, in between working and taking care of her husband and 5 children. Living in central Texas, she loves bluebonnets, the Texas Hill Country, family and her two pit bull rescues, Rocco and Luna. Her latest project is working on a Doctorate degree in Romantic Theology.
