News

Eucharist resources available

By Diann Wimmer
Director of Worship

Bp. David Zubik and the diocesan Liturgical Commission have compiled a list of 16 suggestions of study and prayer for parishes and institutions in the diocese to observe the Year of the Eucharist.

Pope John Paul declared the Year of the Eucharist to be observed from Oct.10, 2004, to Oct. 29, 2005. In declaring the observance, the pope said, "The Eucharist and mission are two inseparable realities, since Eucharist is the way Catholics experience Christ's saving sacrifice. This mystery asks each of us to give thanks with Christ to the Father, not so much with words as with our very lives united with his. There is, therefore, no authentic celebration or adoration of the Eucharist that does not lead to mission."

The Commission has sent a copy of selected resources and ideas from other groups to all parishes and institutions as part of the December bulk mailing. The mailing included an invitation to review the suggestions and select meaningful programs that may help deepen the experience of Eucharist for all Catholics.

The 16 suggestions are:

• Participate in the Regional Celebrations of Mass and Adoration closing with a Holy Hour. Bp. Zubik will be at each of the vicariate celebrations. Parishes have the complete schedule. A story on the celebrations and the schedule is on The Compass website at: www.thecompassnews.org/compass/2004-11-05/news3.shtml.

• Invite the people to Mass: Liturgy and Life, a four-part series on the importance and meaning of the liturgy. The series, which could be used as a Lenten program focuses on the questions: Why go to Mass? Why and how to participate in the celebration of Mass? The complete program is available in the parish mailing from the diocesan Worship Department.

• Offer a PowerPoint presentation introducing Pope John Paul's encyclical, Ecclesia de Eucharistia. This 40-45 minute reflection is offered with a script and a CD for a power point. It is available from Sr. Louise Hembrecht at the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, Holy Family Convent, (920)682-7728.

• Join in Eucharistic Adoration at St. Norbert Abbey and attend the abbey's series of presentations on topics related to the Eucharist given by notable speakers. The mailing sent to parishes includes a schedule of dates. A story on the series and the schedule is available on The Compass website at: www.thecompassnews.org/compass/2004-10-08/news3.shtml.

• Celebrate Morning Prayer and/or Evening Prayer in the Parish/Institution especially during Advent and Lent, on First Fridays and other meaningful times. Provide a simple Morning and Evening Prayer for families/households.

• Use the prepared diocesan Music Program that presents the rich theology/history/spirituality revealed in the text of the hymns of the Eucharist. The mailing includes a booklet of suggestions.

• Plan a parish/regional retreat or direct people to a retreat center in the Green Bay Diocese. A list of retreat centers was in the mailing.

• Schedule a Parish Mission to explain the theology and prayer of the Eucharist and provide time for directed and private prayer.

• Provide a training and development program for all the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. The resources, The Leaders' Guide and the Participants' Notes, are available from the Worship Office.

• Invite people to Eucharistic Adoration, especially on the Feast of the Body and Blood of the Lord, All Souls' Day, the Sundays of Eastertime, First Fridays of the months, the Feast of the Patron of the Parish/Institution and/or Jan. 22, a Day of Prayer to Honor Life.

• Preach on the Eucharist: awareness by priests and deacons as well as lay leaders who lead prayer for services outside of Mass.

• Walk the Labyrinth while meditating on the Eucharist as source and summit of the life and mission of the church. The Labyrinth is available at Monte Alverno Retreat Center, Appleton, or St. Norbert Abbey, DePere.

• Present a Guided Tour of the Parish Church explaining and praying with the focus items for liturgy: font, ambo, altar, chair, and cross. Study the special architecture and artifacts of the church and highlight them with information and prayer. Resources are available from the Worship Office.

• Offer Taize Prayer or participate in a scheduled Taize Prayer for reflection and prayer with a Eucharistic focus. Contact St. Norbert Abbey, DePere, 920-337-4300; or Nativity Parish, (920)499-5156 for information.

• Plan a parish celebration of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ on May 29. The Norbertine Community also has invited all Catholics for its celebration of this feast.

• Order the Milwaukee Program: Eucharist: Source and Summit of Life and Mission of the Church, a six-week small group faith sharing program Milwaukee Abp. Timothy Dolan commissioned for parishes to use as part of the Year of the Eucharist. Maureen Gallagher and Jean Marie Heisberger, nationally known leaders in religious educators and adult faith formation, prepared the materials. For more information, contact Randy Nohl at (414)769-3440 or visit: www.YearofEucharist.com.

Year of the Eucharist resources and information are available by phoning Diann Wimmer at 1-877-500-3580, ext. 8310, or 272-8310; or for music, Anissa Melotte, at 1-877-500-3580, ext. 8301, or 272-8301.