The 10th annual National Eucharistic Congress, held in mid-July in Indianapolis, might have been out of reach for many Catholics in the Diocese of Wilmington, but the diocese is hoping local people take advantage to experience something similar closer to home this fall.
Register now for Oct. 5 local Eucharistic Congress
The 2024 Eucharistic Congress is scheduled to take place Oct. 5 at the Ocean City (Md.) Convention Center. The theme is “The Eucharist: Source and Summit,” and the event “aims to deepen the faith and fellowship among the Catholic community across Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland,” according to the diocesan website.
The congress is part of the national three-year eucharistic revival. Father Joseph McQuaide, the diocesan chancellor, told Catholic Forum that the final year, the missionary year, begins on the final day of the national congress in Indianapolis and involves reaching out to the local church.
“My hope for our local congress is that all those who attend will come to a deeper love and appreciation for the Eucharist, that they find all of their sorrows, their trials, their joys, their strengths lead them toward Christ who’s present for us,” Father McQuaide said.
From that, he continued, the hope is that they will be able to go out and be Christ’s presence in a world “that is in even more need of his healing than Galilee was 2,000 years ago.”
Dan Pin, the director of the Office for Catholic Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry, said Bishop Koenig wanted everyone to have the opportunity that was offered in Indianapolis, albeit on a smaller scale. That includes Eucharistic adoration and reconciliation, a featured speaker, breakout sessions, faith-based vendors and liturgy.
“And it’s something we can share with each other,” Pin said. It will have a more local feel, “but still a powerful and moving experience.”
The congress opens with registration at 8 a.m., with the welcome, prayer and keynote at 10 a.m. Bishop Richard G. Henning of Providence, R.I., will deliver the keynote address. According to the diocese, Bishop Henning will “share his insights on the pivotal role of the Eucharist in Catholic life and worship.”
Breakout sessions and lunch will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., with another breakout session at 2:30 p.m. There are four breakout tracks: family, parish/catechetical, Spanish-speaking and youth/young adult. The day concludes with Mass at 4 p.m.
There also will be a ministry fair showcasing the various diocesan ministries. Attendees will have the chance to learn more about and engage with these efforts.
All priests of the diocese are encouraged to attend, Father McQuaide said, and no Saturday night Masses will be celebrated that day other than the one at the convention center.
The cost for the event is $35 per person, with the total capped at $140 per household. More information is available at www.cdow.org/eucharisticcongress. The congress is open to anyone, Catholic or not.
“Coming before the Lord, you never come away poorer. Interacting with Christ is always a good thing,” Father McQuaide said.
