Next Saturday we are hosting a series of talks and events entitled “Rediscover the Eucharist.” Our planning for this event began before the recent survey indicating that only about one-third of Catholics believe in the Real Presence. However, since that survey was released this past summer, the need for such a day has taken on even greater urgency.
The diminished belief in the Real Presence is no doubt a principal factor in the decline in Mass attendance as well. Full and active participation in the Mass is less of a priority if one does not understand that in the Mass we encounter – in body, blood, soul, and divinity – the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, Jesus Christ himself. It is interesting that there have been several Eucharistic miracles reported around the world over the past few years.
It would seem that the Lord himself is reminding us of his presence to us in the Eucharist. This one-on-one encounter with Christ in communion is at the very heart of our communication with God.
The day features five priests speaking for about fifteen minutes each on a specific topic. You can read more about this later in the bulletin. The structure of the day allows each participant to go from station-to-station so that they are able to hear each presentation. Confessions will also be going on from 4:00 p.m. and the evening ends with the celebration of the 5:00 p.m. Mass. Please make every effort to join us next Saturday.
This Wednesday evening Father Martin O’Reilly will present “Why Be Catholic.” Father is both entertaining and informative in his presentation style. I am certain that we will all benefit from his insight and wisdom.
Several parishioners – those traveling, those who are attending to elderly parents or young children – suggested that we need to either simulcast or at least record and put on the website the various speakers and presentations that we have. I think this is brilliant as an idea, and we are making every effort to make that happen. We will grow into the technology and skill as we develop this. It certainly makes sense to me.
While on the subject of technology, there are a few apps for your phone that I would like to share:
We have the subscription to Formed, dubbed the “Catholic Netflix, which offers many inspiring videos. Sign-in information is available in the bulletin.
Laudate is great for prayers, and podcasts. I use this often to podcast the Rosary when I am driving.
Great Catholic Music is a nice app for listening to Catholic music when in the car or on your treadmill or bicycle.
These tools enable us to “pray always” and to keep the Lord ever in our sight.