Archbishop Lori invites you to Encounter Christ in the upcoming Year of the Eucharist.
Over the past year, the coronavirus pandemic has created for many a painful separation from the Body and Blood of Christ – the one who truly can heal us mind, body, and spirit.
We are reminded that Christ wants nothing more than to be united with us and invite us into the mystery that his passion, death, and resurrection have revealed: that God gave His only Son for our salvation, so that we might have eternal life with Him. Come, renew your encounter with the Risen Lord!
If you have been away from Mass for a while, welcome back – Jesus has been waiting patiently for you and his Church is more complete when you are here. If you have been worshipping with us since the churches reopened, we have been blessed by your presence.
Whether you have been receiving Christ sacramentally in the Eucharist or offering a spiritual communion from home, Christ has been with you and the witness to this encounter that is expressed by your lives has made a difference in this world.
Over the course of the next year, we encourage you to Encounter Christ in all the ways he is present in the Mass: the sacrament of the Eucharist, the assembly of God’s people, the sacred Word proclaimed, and the priest-celebrant.
Keep an eye out for the many ways during this Year of the Eucharist that you can deepen your relationship with Christ, be encouraged to grow in faith with each other, bear witness to the Risen Lord, and be strengthened to serve him wherever you find yourself.
Christ in the Eucharist
In Scripture
In the Road to Emmaus, two of the disciples leave Jerusalem after the death of Jesus. On the way they encounter a stranger who breaks open the Word to them explaining who the Messiah is and all He would suffer. When they stop for the night, they ask the stranger to stay. When the guest breaks the bread, the two immediately realize it is Jesus! “Were not our hearts burning within us,” they say to each other
Video Formation For Reflection
- Families can check out this fun video from Catholic Central, as they share about the Real Presence too!
- Sophia Institute also helps us understand Real Presence in the Eucharist. Check out their video.
- Watch an engaging video of Bishop Barron speaking on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist
Eucharist: Discovering the Mass in the Bible
In this video, author and teacher Dr. Brant Pitre shares the biblical roots of the Eucharist — in the Old Testament, the Gospels, and Apostolic teaching. You’ll learn how Christ’s Body and Blood are a wonderful part of God’s plan for our salvation.
Food for Thought
In these pandemic times, we have all been affected by being away from those we love. Some have been able to use technology to connect to friends and family. Some kids have even gone to school virtually, and some adults have been working from home. Do you think there is a difference between being with someone you care about virtually and being with them in person? Have you noticed any differences in online learning as compared to in person learning?
In order for God, who is invisible, to connect with us, we have the Sacraments. They are visible signs of invisible Grace. If being with coworkers, classmates, friends and family in person is different than a virtual experience, how much different is it to be in person with Jesus than to view Him online? What do YOU think?
Christ in the Congregation
A Eucharist Minute
Archbishop Lori shares a video message regarding “Finding Christ in the Congregation”