Congress Update

Bishops' Letter, November 2, 2010

As you know, we had planned to conclude our Diocesan Year of the Eucharist with a Eucharistic Congress at Lewis University on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord (June 26, 2011). However, circumstances have changed to the degree that the Steering Committee has recommended that we revise our plans and develop another way of marking the conclusion of the Eucharistic Year. After prayerful consideration, we have accepted their recommendation and therefore we will not be holding a Eucharistic Congress in June.

The Steering Committee suggested that in place of the Congress, each parish be encouraged to have a Eucharistic Procession, Adoration and Benediction on June 26, following their last morning Mass. We think this is a wonderful recommendation, and we encourage you to implement this proposal in your parish. Parishes within walking distance of each other may wish to join together for this celebration, the procession leading from one parish to another. Many parishes had similar Eucharistic devotion on the Feast of Corpus Christi during the Great Jubilee of 2000. We hope that with these local observances, many more of your parishioners will be able to participate. Also, carrying the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of our neighborhoods will be a powerful witness to the centrality of the Eucharist in our Catholic faith and life, perhaps serving as an opportunity for renewal for non-practicing Catholics and evangelization for those who do not share our faith.

The various Action Committees of the Year of the Eucharist Steering Committee will provide the necessary materials and assistance to make this celebration as fruitful as possible for your parish. Thank you for all you have done in promoting our Diocesan Year of the Eucharist in your parish community, and we will be grateful for your efforts in supporting the closing Eucharistic Devotions on June 26.

Lord Jesus, Bread of Life and Covenant of Love - Nourish us with your Body and Blood.

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament - Pray for Us.

Sincerely in Christ,

Bishop J. Peter Sartain
Bishop Joseph M. Siegel