By Steve Dabrowski
Special to The Message
“I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
The Eucharist is life. In the Eucharist, we encounter the real Jesus present among us today – not symbolically, but really and substantially. What does this mean? How does the Eucharist transform us, and how are we called to live in this real union with Jesus? The Eucharist is the way that Jesus remains with us (see John 6:56); but for what purpose has God given us this great gift?
The family of Holy Rosary Parish will gather March 18th for Faith Day, a day set aside to seek a better understanding of the Eucharist as liturgy and life – in how we worship and how we are called to live. All who wish to spend time with Jesus in prayer, discussion and worship are invited to attend.
The theme of this year’s Faith Day is “The Eucharist: Liturgy & Life – Become What You Receive.” The day will include presentations from three priests who will explore the Mass, how we can celebrate and become who we receive, and how we can focus on our union with Jesus in the Eucharist.
Benedictine Father Godfrey Mullen, will speak at 1:15 p.m. CDT on “The Eucharistic Mystery: Living What What We Celebrate, Celebrating What We Receive.” Through his experience as a Benedictine monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, Father Godfrey will explore the mystery of the Eucharist from his spiritual tradition, focusing on the disciple’s call to live fully in the Eucharist, and to then take the joy of thanksgiving into the world.
Holy Rosary Pastor Father Bernie Etienne, will present “A Walk Through the Mass” at 2:35 p. m. CDT. Catholics attend Mass every week, some of more often; but how deep is the understanding of what transpires there? The Catechism of the Catholic Church notes, “It is called: Eucharist, because it is an action of thanksgiving to God” (1328), and the Mass is the place where this action is most intimately experienced. Father. Bernie will draw participants into a clearer appreciation of the unique form of thanksgiving that occurs via the prayers and actions celebrated in Mass.
At 3:45 p.m. CDT, Holy Rosary Associate Pastor Father Martin Estrada will speak on “Eucharistic Adoration: Dwelling in the Presence of the Holy.” How do we, as believers, not only experience Jesus in Adoration, but live in that moment – allowing it to permeate us – and realize Jesus presence in daily life? Father Martin will offer insights and spiritual guidance on living our union with the One we Adore.
The day will conclude with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, offering God thanks for His real and unique presence, worshiping Him, receiving the Eucharist, and becoming what is received so that He might be carried into the world. Mass will begin at 4:30 p.m. CDT.
Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. CDT. Childcare will be available for toddlers through age 10. Although there is no cost for Faith Day, a free-will offering will be accepted. Participants are asked to bring canned fruit, peas, green beans or corn for the Nativity Food Pantry. For more information or to register, visit www.hrparish.org/faithday. Registrations for both Faith Day and childcare at the event are appreciated by March 13th.