By Megan Knies, Diocesan Director of Marriage, Family and Life
Diocese of Evansville Prepares for Jubilee Year Gatherings Focused on Families
On Dec. 6, the Diocese of Evansville is excited to invite you to Encounter Hope / Encuentro de Esperanza, two diocesan-wide gatherings dedicated to building Christ-centered families and set as a capstone of our diocesan observance of the Jubilee Year of Hope. With one gathering in English and one in Spanish, the events will focus on building strong, Christ-centered families whose members reflect the Gospel message and strive to live as missionary disciples in the world.
The need to strengthen our families has never been more urgent. Venerable Sister Lúcia of Fatima once wrote, “The final battle between Christ and the reign of Satan will be about marriage and the family.” These words, echoed often by Pope St. John Paul II and Pope Francis, remind us that strengthening families is central to renewing the Church and resisting the cultural forces that threaten human dignity and unity.
Our Catholic faith, the teachings of the Gospel, and the sacraments offer us hope that can heal, strengthen and sustain us as strong Christ-centered families amidst the challenges of our modern culture in a solid community of faith. So as to restore what was broken and redeem what was lost, the Jubilee Year of Hope offers extraordinary graces to everyone open to receiving them. Come and receive!
The December events will bring together parents, grandparents, priests, religious, young adults, single and dating individuals, and all who share in the mission of forming and supporting the Domestic Church.
Encounter Hope, the English-language gathering, will begin with Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph M. Siegel at 8 a.m. CDT at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville, followed by a procession honoring the Holy Family to Reitz Memorial High School Auditorium. Distinguished speakers include best-selling author, radio host and popular speaker, Mark Hart. Joining Mark are best-selling authors and well-known speakers Bobby and Jackie Angel. Focusing on marriage and family life, Bobby and Jackie are regular video contributors on Ascension Presents. Our own Father Alex Zenthoefer will inspire each of us to tightly embrace God’s plan for our family, and Father Tyler Tenbarge will serve as the emcee of the event.
Encuentro de Esperanza, the Spanish-language gathering, will begin at 8 a.m. CDT with fellowship in St. Benedict School, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph M. Siegel at St. Benedict Cathedral in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Tony Melendez, a world-renowned singer, author and inspirational speaker, will be the featured presenter at this gathering. Born without arms, Tony has been a beacon of hope to millions around the world.
Both gatherings will equally provide inspiration and practical tools to live the faith in daily life. By understanding God’s plan for marriage and your family, you will be motivated to more fully embrace this great and fulfilling calling as you continue your journey through life.
To conclude this grace-filled day, both gatherings will joyfully join together in Eucharistic adoration and the recitation of the Holy Rosary, led by Tony Melendez, giving thanks for the gifts of our families and for the many graces received during this Jubilee Year of Hope.
All are invited to a Bilingual Holy Hour at 6 p.m. CDT Dec. 5, led by Tony Melendez.
Registration is already open, and early sign-up is encouraged as space is limited.
Families are at the heart of the Church’s mission. When families are strong in faith and hope, the entire Church is renewed.
For more information and to register, visit the Diocese of Evansville’s website at evdio.org.