From the Pastor’s Desk:
The Eucharistic Conference has been in the news, on social media, on Facebook and in our Diocesan Newspaper. The
Eucharistic Conference has a history that began in 1881 in Lille France. It was titled, Eucharist saves the World. It
became a movement of Eucharistic Conferences worldwide to unite Catholics around the Eucharistic Table.
Between, 1895-1911 there were 5 National Conferences here in the United States of gatherings of clergy. The
conferences consisted of prayer, presentations of papers on Eucharistic themes and discussions.
Between, 1930 and 1941 the first National invitations to the laity was issued here in the United States to both Catholic
men and women. There were faith seminars and programs for the clergy and for lay men and women.
In 1941 World War II disrupted plans for the Eucharistic Conferences throughout the world. They did not resume until
1952. Here in 1976 was a historical gathering in Philadelphia, but not a Conference as such.
This July after 83 years since the 9th Conference the Catholic Church here will present the 10th National Eucharistic
Conference. Catholics from across the United States will gather to experience profound, personal renewal through the
power of Christ’s love. Like a new Pentecost, this transformation will flow out from Indianapolis bringing spiritual renewal
to our parishes as the Church returns to her first love—the source and summit of our faith, the Eucharist.
Our Catholic faith is built around the Sacramental life of the Church. As we become the adopted children of God through
the waters of Baptism, we are fed spiritually from the Eucharistic Table of the Lord. Nothing can take the place of the
Body and Blood of Jesus as He freely gives himself to us.
The Sunday liturgy celebrates God’s great love for each of us. If we choose to miss, we are cheating not only ourselves,
but the parish community at large. Can you give back to the Lord 1-2 hours of the 168 hours He has given to you this
week?
ANYONE WANTING TO SERVE ON PARISH COUNCIL, PLEASE CONTACT
FR. LEWIS. lhejna@sta-cathedral.org or 417-831-3565 ext 102