Living the Eucharist, a new resource from Paulist Evangelization Ministries, helps the entire parish grow in their Catholic faith through a deeper experience of Sunday Mass. I am delighted to share with you more about each of the activities that invite all parishioners to participate in this Lenten spiritual renewal experience.
Living the Eucharist runs during Lent for three years. Multi-media programs allow parishioners to take part in the types of activities that are most meaningful to them, including: adult and teen faith-sharing groups; family activities; devotional and catechetical Lenten readings; and a prayer campaign. Living the Eucharist truly has something for everyone.
Adults meet once a week during Lent to learn about and discuss the meaning of the Mass. The parish provides trained facilitators and participant booklets for all groups. Participants 1) learn more about the rituals and symbols of the Mass, 2) participate more fully in the sacrament by praying with the Scriptures for the upcoming Sunday in a way that makes them come alive, and 3) enjoy the company of other parishioners as they connect more deeply with the parish faith community and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
High school students meet once a week during Lent to watch a short video and discuss how they can grow closer to God through the Eucharist. The parish provides trained facilitators for each group and a participant booklet written specifically for teenagers. These discipleship groups offer teens an opportunity for friendship, honest discussion about their lives, and an opportunity to pray together.
Families with children gather in their homes once a week during Lent using the Living the Eucharist Family Activity Booklet. Together, family members learn about the Eucharist, talk about the gospel reading for the upcoming Sunday Mass, pray, and discover ways to live the Eucharist as a family. Participation is fun. These family activities stimulate children’s growth in faith, draw the family closer together, and deepen family spirituality.
The booklet From Exodus to Easter: My Daily Journey Through Lent offers inspiring meditations on the Mass and on the Scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday. This spiritual nourishment feeds hungry souls. Reflection questions help both adults and teens gain insight about their own journey of faith. From Exodus to Easterhelps readers to grow in their love of Christ and participate more fully in Sunday Mass.
Knowing more about the Eucharist increases parishioners’ love for God. The weekly bulletin inserts during Lent feature one topic for each Sunday. Each insert includes an informative teaching, plus Reflect, Act, and Pray sections that foster personal growth in the spiritual life.
The prayer card for this coming Lent features a beautiful and inspiring prayer by Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman. Parishioners commit to say this prayer every day during Lent and Holy Week, praying that all who participate in Living the Eucharist will be touched by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.