Beginning on Corpus Christi, June 19, 2022, the Diocese of Evansville kicked off a Eucharistic Renewal in which our Parishes, Catholic Schools and Diocesan Offices are participating! At the same time, all of the Catholic dioceses in the United States are holding a Eucharistic Renewal (referred to as a “revival” on the national level). Eventually, the Renewal will culminate in a National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis from July 17–21, 2024.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops pointed to the following reasons for why a Eucharistic Renewal is so important: “In 2019, a Pew Research Study revealed that less than one-third of self-identified Catholics expressed a belief in the Real Presence. Less than a year later, the COVID-19 crisis forced the Church in the U.S. to suspend public liturgies. During this crisis, many of the faithful expressed a renewed desire for the Eucharist, but there is also a concern that some may lose the sense of the need for the Eucharist and not come back to regular mass attendance. Beyond these significant developments lies a deeper concern, which is the loss of the robust Eucharistic mindset of the Church in her faithful. … The fact of Catholics not knowing or believing in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist signifies a profound loss of identity that needs to be regained.”
Consequently, the Eucharistic Renewal in our diocese focuses on four goals:
1. Believe: Foster belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
2. Worship: Foster attendance at Mass, as well as valuing Mass in its entirety.
3. Live: Encourage living in such a way so as to reflect the Eucharist in our daily lives.
4. Share: Encourage sharing the truth, beauty and goodness of Mass with others so that they in turn may be drawn to it.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops pointed to the following reasons for why a Eucharistic Renewal is so important: “In 2019, a Pew Research Study revealed that less than one-third of self-identified Catholics expressed a belief in the Real Presence. Less than a year later, the COVID-19 crisis forced the Church in the U.S. to suspend public liturgies. During this crisis, many of the faithful expressed a renewed desire for the Eucharist, but there is also a concern that some may lose the sense of the need for the Eucharist and not come back to regular mass attendance. Beyond these significant developments lies a deeper concern, which is the loss of the robust Eucharistic mindset of the Church in her faithful. … The fact of Catholics not knowing or believing in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist signifies a profound loss of identity that needs to be regained.”
Consequently, the Eucharistic Renewal in our diocese focuses on four goals:
1. Believe: Foster belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
2. Worship: Foster attendance at Mass, as well as valuing Mass in its entirety.
3. Live: Encourage living in such a way so as to reflect the Eucharist in our daily lives.
4. Share: Encourage sharing the truth, beauty and goodness of Mass with others so that they in turn may be drawn to it.
Initiatives from Around the Diocese
Parishes, schools, diocesan departments and other groups within the Diocese of Evansville were asked to share their ideas for how they plan to celebrate the Eucharistic Renewal. These have been compiled in the downloadable document below. May they be a source of inspiration and encouragement, and may they foster the sharing of initiatives and resources between everyone.
To the degree that all the various ministries in our diocese take ownership of this initiative and rely on the assistance of God’s grace in doing so, there is potential for deep and lasting fruits to be born. All the people of our diocese are encouraged to actively and intentionally participate in it. Why not take part in your parish's and school's efforts, as well as make a few resolutions of your own? Furthermore, please keep the Eucharistic Renewal in your prayers. The Renewal truly depends on them!
To the degree that all the various ministries in our diocese take ownership of this initiative and rely on the assistance of God’s grace in doing so, there is potential for deep and lasting fruits to be born. All the people of our diocese are encouraged to actively and intentionally participate in it. Why not take part in your parish's and school's efforts, as well as make a few resolutions of your own? Furthermore, please keep the Eucharistic Renewal in your prayers. The Renewal truly depends on them!
May more and more people come to know and fall in love with Jesus Christ, who is really and truly present—body, blood, soul and divinity—in the Most Blessed Sacrament!
| Eucharistic Renewal Initiatives |
Please email agunter@evdio.org at the Office of Catechesis with any additions/edits to the list of Eucharistic Renewal Initiatives.
An excellent way of inspiring and enlivening others is by sharing what you are doing to foster Eucharistic devotion in your parishes and schools! Throughout the entirety of the Eucharistic Renewal, please send your stories to The Message by emailing message@evdio.org. It is a great way to both promote and share your events with everyone around the diocese!
Traveling Eucharistic Miracle Exhibits
The Diocese of Evansville will have traveling Eucharistic Miracle Exhibits (based on the work of Blessed Carlo Acutis), from Corpus Christi, June 19, 2022, until Corpus Christi, June 11, 2023, that will periodically be present at every parish and Catholic school in the diocese, as well as at the Catholic Center and Catholic Charities.
To see when your location will be hosting one of the exhibits, please view the following:
To see when your location will be hosting one of the exhibits, please view the following:
| Information for Parish and School Secretaries |
| Eucharistic Miracle Exhibit Schedule |
If you would like to see a sample of the Eucharistic Miracle Exhibits, please click on the following:
"Encountering the Eucharist"
"Encountering the Eucharist" is a monthly handout that was put together by one of our diocese's Parish Catechetical Leaders as a contribution to our Eucharistic Renewal. It may be used as a bulletin insert, school handout, etc. As the first issue expresses:
"Encountering the Eucharist" is intended to connect you with the rich Eucharistic Traditions and Teachings of the Catholic Church through articles on the beliefs, the worship, the lives of Saints devoted to the Eucharist, and ways we can share our Catholic identity with the world, especially as it relates to Jesus’ Real Presence in the Source and Summit of our faith: The Most Holy Eucharist.
"Encountering the Eucharist" is intended to connect you with the rich Eucharistic Traditions and Teachings of the Catholic Church through articles on the beliefs, the worship, the lives of Saints devoted to the Eucharist, and ways we can share our Catholic identity with the world, especially as it relates to Jesus’ Real Presence in the Source and Summit of our faith: The Most Holy Eucharist.
| "Encountering the Eucharist" June 2022 |
| "Encountering the Eucharist" July 2022 |
| "Encountering the Eucharist" August 2022 |
Diocese of Evansville Eucharistic Renewal Logo
| Eucharistic Renewal Logo (JPG - Color) |
| Eucharistic Renewal Logo (JPG - Color - Spanish) |
| Eucharistic Renewal Logo (JPG - Black and White) |
| Eucharistic Renewal Logo (JPG - Black and White - Spanish) |
Additional Resources
National Eucharistic Revival Website
The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church (USCCB Statement)
| The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church |