Eucharistic Revival

Dear Parishioners,

The National Council of Catholic Bishops has asked all parishes to emphasize the importance of the Eucharist in a Catholic’s spiritual life over the next two years. No one has to tell us that attendance at Mass has fallen since the beginning of the COVID pandemic. The Sunday obligation was abrogated for many months. Unfortunately, when the obligation was restored many people did not get the message neither at a spiritual nor practical level. There is an obvious need for catechesis and renewal.

There will be a number of spiritual activities at our parish to try to remind people that the Eucharist is at the center of Catholic piety. We are having a Eucharistic minute on a monthly basis where members will share why the Mass is important to them at announcement time. We are extending our hours of Adoration on Wednesdays in the St. Francis Chapel. Adoration begins at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. with Benediction. Our parish will emphasize Eucharistic catechesis during Lent, as well with several initiatives. We have a guest preacher coming in March to offer two talks on the Eucharist as part of our Lenten devotions. One of the talks is an explanation of the Mass. We will have more details about this in next month’s Heartbeat and in upcoming bulletins and Facebook posts.

The hope is that we will encourage those who attend Mass to invite others who do not. Greg and Kathy Schneider have graciously agreed to be our contact with the Peoria Diocese so that we may be aware of what is going on in our region and they will also help lead the efforts of what is happening at Sacred Heart.

I would encourage everyone to pray for the success of our efforts and to begin inviting people who have stopped coming to church to attend Mass.

Blessings,

Fr. Mark,
Pastor