National Eucharistic Revival Concludes with Year of Mission
The three-year National Eucharistic Revival, a significant initiative within the Catholic Church in the united States, is entering its final phase, a year dedicated to spreading the message of faith and serving those in need. This nationwide effort aims to reignite the understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist as “the source and summit of the Christian life,” as described by the Second Vatican Council.
Father Joseph Shenosky, pastor of Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish in North wales and archdiocesan coordinator of the National Eucharistic Revival, emphasizes the importance of outward expression of faith. “Our faith in Christ,truly present in the Eucharist,is not somthing that we should just hold inside of us,” Father Shenosky explains. “That we can publicly manifest this faith is really a beautiful, beautiful gift.”
The final year,themed “mission,” builds upon the previous two years of diocesan and parish-focused initiatives. It encourages active participation in faith through various avenues. “The bishops really want to light a fire,” Father Shenosky states. “They want to set us on fire with faith. The call is to go out on mission and to share this love of God made known to us in Jesus in the Eucharist, to share this love with others, especially in service to those most in need.”
This year includes initiatives like increased Eucharistic adoration, prayer groups focused on scripture study, and the revival of 40 Hours devotions, a tradition dating back to the 19th century. “Having times of adoration, having prayer groups to reflect on the Scriptures and the importance of the Eucharist in our daily lives,” Father Shenosky explains. “We’ve been promoting the celebration of 40 Hours devotions… as a way to set time out of our busy lives, to set these three days in which in every parish, school, community (and) institution in the archdiocese (can) have this time of adoration of the Lord.”
The year began with a nationwide eucharistic pilgrimage, culminating in the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis last June. Father Shenosky recalls the profound experience: “I had never participated in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with 50,000 people in a stadium, and it was just remarkable. You could hear a pin drop.”
This intimate experience now fuels the final stage: “going out on mission.” The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Eucharistic Revival Committee have provided a comprehensive playbook for parishes, schools, and institutions, outlining practical steps for implementing this mission.
A key component of this playbook is “Walk With One,” a personal approach to evangelization. Father Shenosky describes it as “being very intentional of praying for someone that we know and love, a family member, a friend who has stopped going to Mass, stopped practicing their faith, to pray for them that the Lord touch their hearts and bring them back to the Lord and to the active practice of their Catholic faith. God can work miracles… pray and not to underestimate that our prayers can really move mountains.” He continues, “Pray that there be a circumstance, a window that God…”
Finding God in Everyday Life: A Priest’s Guide to Modern Evangelization
In a world increasingly disconnected, sharing one’s faith can feel daunting. But Father Shenosky, a prominent religious leader, offers a refreshing outlook, emphasizing the power of simple acts and genuine connection over grand pronouncements. his approach focuses on inviting others into a shared experience of faith, rather than imposing beliefs.
Father Shenosky’s message centers on the importance of everyday interactions. He encourages a proactive approach, suggesting that opportunities for sharing faith are often found in the most unexpected places. “Maybe it’s as simple as, ‘I’m going to Mass. Would you like to join me?’ to look for an opportunity that God will provide. Look for an opening to invite,” he advises.
Beyond simple invitations, Father Shenosky highlights the meaning of living one’s faith joyfully and visibly. He believes that actions speak louder than words. “Joyfully witnessing to our vocation in life, by joyfully living our faith — that’s more crucial than words,” he explains. “I think often we attract more with a teaspoon of honey than a gallon of vinegar.If people see that we joyfully live our faith, that we love people, that we serve people in need … that’s the most important testament that we can give, more than words. Actions: How do we live our life?”
This emphasis on personal connection underscores the profound intimacy of the Eucharist. Father Shenosky connects the fragility of the Eucharist with the Christian love we are called to share, suggesting that one-on-one interactions can embody the very essence of communion.
He further emphasizes the approachable nature of God, contrasting it with any notion of overwhelming power or force. “Christ ‘doesn’t come to us with overwhelming power or with force, but with the humility of God in the Eucharist,’ Father Shenosky said. ‘(In) that way people can have a sense that God is infinitely approachable. In Christ, present in the Eucharist, we see the humility of God, the vulnerability of God, who makes himself this way so that we don’t have to be afraid to come to him.’”
Father Shenosky’s message resonates deeply with the modern American experience, emphasizing the importance of authentic connection and service in a society often characterized by isolation and division. His approach offers a practical and inspiring path for those seeking to share their faith in a meaningful and impactful way.
