National Eucharistic Congress promises ‘profound impact’ for families, and no cost for those 12 and younger
This “Come Reign in Us” Eucharistic Prayer for the Family was written by the Sisters of Life (www.sistersoflife.org). The prayer is available in a tri-fold card format. The archdiocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life has a limited supply of these cards available at no charge. To request copies, contact Gabriela Ross at 317-592-4007 or gross@archindy.org. Bundles of cards are also available for purchase at tinyurl.com/SOLFamilyPrayerCard. The cost is $12 for a bundle of 25, and discounts are available for bundles of 50, 100 or 500.
By Natalie Hoefer
Catholics will come to Indianapolis in the tens of thousands this July for the National Eucharistic Congress (NEC) on July 17-21—some as individuals, some as couples, some as groups.
And some will come as families.
“The Church is a family of families,” says Gabriela Ross, director of the archdiocese’s Office of Marriage and Family Life. “It just makes sense for them to be here for the congress!”
Ross serves on the NEC planning team for the congress’ family track.
“We’ve tried to think of everything to make attending the National Eucharistic Congress as easy as possible for families,” she says, including offering free admission for children ages 12 and younger traveling with their family. (Related: Volunteers are needed to help with National Eucharistic Congress family track)
Ross spoke with The Criterion about the experience families can look forward to at the congress—and how families can prepare and be involved, whether or not they attend.
‘An essential part of this movement’
Families coming together to spend time focusing on the Eucharist is important, says Ross.
“The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith,” she says. “And marriage as a sacrament is an icon of God’s love.
“The vocation of marriage is to baptize and evangelize the family. If marriages are going to succeed in that vocation and mission, then they need the Eucharist as the source of their love, because the Eucharist transforms and purifies the family.”
The NEC website notes that “fostering a love of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist within our homes will have a profound impact on how we love others outside of our homes. … Eucharistic revival happens at the grassroots level, and the domestic Church is an essential part of this movement. ”
This message will be shared during the morning “Cultivate” family impact sessions during the congress. Speakers include Voluntas Dei Father Leo Patalinghug, founder of the Plating Grace international food and faith movement and host of EWTN’s “Savoring Our Faith” show; John Paul II Healing Center founder Bob Schuchts; and Damon and Melanie Owens, founders of the online Joyful Ever After marriage ministry.
Ennie and Cana Hickman, founders of the Del Rey Collective ministry, will serve as emcees, and popular Catholic musician Steve Angrisano will provide music at each session.
“It’s wonderful for Catholic families to encourage and support each other in their witness,” says Ross.
“The family track has taken the time to anticipate a lot of those family needs—nursing, a sensory-friendly room, a family quiet room, volunteers at all entrances and exits, like a checkpoint in case little ones try to wander off.”
While the morning sessions are ticketed and have a capacity limit, all attendees are welcome to enjoy afternoon breakout talks and experiences.
“There are other family workshops beyond the talks,” Ross adds, including a “Catholic home experience that has eucharistic adoration and activities for the whole family every day,” and an area offering Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Families can also enjoy some sightseeing in the afternoons. The Indiana Convention Center and neighboring Lucas Oil Stadium—the two NEC venues—are within walking distance of several museums, the canal walk, Monument Circle and more.
‘It’s in our own backyard!’
Whether planning on attending the congress or not, there are ways for families to be involved and focused on the Eucharist ahead of time, according to Ross.
Her office’s website links to National Eucharistic Revival resources in English and Spanish for families and children of different ages. Options include videos and activities on eucharistic saints, the Mass, small group discussions and more.
“Join in a Corpus Christi procession, and invite other families to join you,” Ross suggests. The feast is celebrated on June 1-2 this year.
Families might also participate in one of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage events, as eucharistic processions from the northern, eastern, southern and western areas of the United States make stops for adoration in certain archdiocesan parishes before converging in Indianapolis for the congress.
“Most importantly, pray,” says Ross. “Pray the Sisters of Life’s eucharistic family prayer [see image on this page]. Pray as a family in adoration. Talk with your parish about offering a family adoration experience—I’m happy to share best practices.”
As families pray, Ross invites them to include the National Eucharistic Congress among their intentions.
“Pray for the success of the congress, for those in attendance, for those planning the event,” she requests. “And pray for renewal, that the archdiocese and our country will experience renewed love for the Eucharist.”
Ross encourages families in central and southern Indiana to come to the National Eucharistic Congress.
“This is such a unique moment in the life of the Church, and we get to encounter it in our own state—it’s in our own backyard!” she says. “It really is an incredible opportunity for families that will have a ripple effect.
“But it takes families to come to create those ripple effects when they go back to their communities and take their lived experience and witness to the faith.”
Ross acknowledges that planning any family trip can have its challenges.
“But in this case, everything is planned out for you—all you have to do is come!”
(For links to register for the National Eucharistic Congress, to view the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage map with parish stops, and Eucharist-based family resources in English and Spanish, go to marriageandfamily.archindy.org. For family adoration best practices, contact Gabriela Ross at 317-592-4007 or gross@archindy.org.) †
