NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL
THE YEAR OF PARISH REVIVAL
June 11, 2023 – July 17, 2024
“Behold, I make all things new.”
Rev 21:5
YEAR OF PARISH REVIVAL
On Sunday, June 11, 2023, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), the Eucharistic Revival’s parish year will begin. This second year of revival and renewed devotion to the Eucharist will turn attention to the work of the Church in its local communities. This will be a year of prayer and action — prayer for a renewal of devotion to our Lord Jesus in the Eucharist with concrete steps taken to help parishioners encounter Christ.
Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ advisory group for the Eucharistic Revival, states that the goal of the revival is to “start a fire, not a program.”
As we, in the Diocese of Richmond, enter into this year, it is not with the hope of starting new programs or adding more to the calendar of the parish. Rather, it is to fan into flame the gifts of faith in and love for Jesus in the lives of the parishioners we serve. Many of the faithful feel restless, far from God and potentially adrift. Our parishes should provide them a place to find the love of Jesus Christ and the support of the Catholic faith community.
Revival is always about the work of the Holy Spirit in an individual’s life, so this year is not necessarily about what we do but more so about how the Holy Spirit is allowed to move in our lives to bring about renewal. This renewal and the personal encounters that help foster it often happen most effectively on the local level.
Strengthened by interactions among friends, family members and neighbors, the faithful can be drawn into a deeper relationship with Jesus. This parish-focused year will work to equip the faithful to evangelize through formation and encounter with Christ.
DIOCESAN RECOMMENDATIONS
Parishes are encouraged to participate in the year of renewal in a variety of ways, but they are also called to discern what participation for them looks like. We ask our parishes and pastors to please visit the Extranet for those details.
PILGRIMAGE
During the coming year, there will be two pilgrimage opportunities for parishes to join with a broader community and participate in the revival.
On Saturday, October 21, there will be a diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. Save the date and look for more information about registration in the near future.
Additionally, the National Eucharistic Congress takes place in July 2024. If parishes desire to attend the congress they are encouraged to coordinate that individually. Information can be found at the National Congress website.
