Eucharistic Revival—Jesus Transforms His Church

Statistics show that fewer Catholics are coming to Mass on Sunday.  Some say only 11% of baptized Catholics came to Mass on Sunday pre-COVID and even fewer now that we are coming out of the pandemic; a recent survey shows we are down to 9% nationally.  Some 66% of self-identified Catholics do not believe or are unclear about the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.  People have lost hope for many reasons.  Just watch the news on TV, on-line, or in the newspaper. 

Wow!  Do we ever need a Eucharistic Revival! Do we ever need Jesus Christ and His saving mercy! The Bishops of the United States know that and are presenting a Eucharistic Revival that will bring more and more Catholics back to Mass and a deeper, transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. So buckle up and get ready!
           
What is Eucharistic Revival? A movement of Catholics, across the United States healed, converted, formed, and unified by an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist—and sent out in mission “for the life of the world.”
           
When does Eucharistic Revival begin in the Diocese of Pittsburgh? The Eucharistic Revival begins in our diocese on the Solemnity of Corpus Christ, June 19, with a noon Mass celebrated by Bishop Zubik at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland. Following the Mass, a spectacular procession with the Blessed Sacrament will honor Jesus Our Eucharistic Lord and Savior present in our midst.
           
How does the Eucharistic Revival unfold? The first part of the Eucharistic Revival, known as the diocesan phase, will begin with our Mass on June 19, 2022 and will extend to the Solemnity of Corpus Christi on June 11, 2023. During this period, the people of our diocese will be mobilized in prayer focusing on the great gift of Jesus Christ truly present in the Holy Eucharist. A Eucharistic Congress Day will be held in our diocese on October 22 of this year, giving us the opportunity to reflect on the gift of Jesus’ Presence in the Blessed Sacrament.  Stay tuned for more information about this Eucharistic Congress Day.
           
The second part of the Eucharistic Revival, June 2023 to July 2024, is the parish phase. It will focus on highlighting in our parishes the Mass and devotion to the Holy Eucharist as the source and summit of the life of the Church and all of its activity.
           
The parish phase of the Eucharistic Revival will culminate in a National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis July 17-21, 2024. But, in fact, Eucharistic Revival never ends. The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist has been reviving the Church since the Last Supper, and will continue doing so until He returns at the end of time.
           
Let us come to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist and let Him revive and empower all of us who are On Mission for the Church Alive!

Most Reverend William J. Waltersheid
Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh