Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
August 9, 2000
Eucharistic Congress to highlight the Great Jubilee
By Jere Allen
Mark your calendars now for the Eucharistic Congress! This event, Sept. 17 at Magness Arena at the University of Denver, will be the highlight of the local celebration of the Great Jubilee. The theme for the Congress is "I am with you always to the close of the age." (Mt. 28:20)
What is a Eucharistic Congress? These gatherings are rooted in a deep devotion to the Eucharist that challenged the ignorance and religious indifference regarding the central mystery of the Church: Christ's presence in the Eucharist.
These congresses developed as a cooperative effort between laity and clergy. With the second Vatican Council, Eucharistic congresses took on a new image, reflected in the expression "Statio Orbis," the gathering of a local church with the Pope or his Legate (the Archbishop), around Christ, present in his Eucharistic Mystery. Eucharistic congresses have continued to have an important role in making better known and giving practical expression to the centrality of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Church in our day.
There are recommended components which make up a Eucharistic Congress. They are pilgrimage, adoration, reconciliation, catechesis, Mass and mission. Our Congress on Sept. 17 will include all of the components with a special tract for children. There are two speakers for the adults: Bishop Sean O'Malley, O.F.M. Cap., will speak on "The Eucharist: Source of Life for the Church" (why the Eucharist is central to the Church), and Cardinal Darió Castrillón Hoyos will speak on "The Eucharist: Seed of the New Evangelization" (why the Eucharist is the source of the call to evangelize).
In addition to the two talks, there will be a special place set aside for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, priests available to hear confessions, and a Mass with Archbishop Charles Chaput presiding.
The children's tract will include singing, small group activities of prayer, Scripture, art, drama, snacks, dance and preparation for Mass. The children will join the adults for the Mass and be included in the Procession.
If you would like more information, or if you would like to volunteer for a part of the day, we could use your help. We need catechists for the children, parking volunteers, direction volunteers (inside the Arena), and various other people to assist. There is a need for people who are bilingual in English and Spanish as well. If you are interested in any of these areas or if you have any ideas, please call 303-770-0531.
Jere Allen is director of religious education at St. Thomas More Parish in Englewood.
