Word on the ground, in the trenches, is that the bishops’ “Eucharistic Revival” is stalled in neutral – largely, I believe, because nothing practical has surfaced to address the deplorable lack of Eucharistic faith. Repeating the doctrine is good and important. Processions and adoration hours are laudatory, as are pious hymn contests. However, none of those will change attitudes, ultimately, because the root causes of the unbelief and the “hot-button” issues are being scrupulously avoided. CWR readers will recall my reflections on the problem in “Gutting the Mystery out of the Mystery.”
We are now in the parish phase of the bishops’ program (begun on June 23 of this year and continuing through July of 2024). With that in mind, I am launching something much more “grass-roots” – a contest focused on the next generation of priests, who are not wedded to failed liturgical practices.
To wit: Any seminarian (at any level of study) is invited to produce a 3-5 page homily (double-spaced) geared to a Sunday Mass congregation. The text should begin with a short, comprehensible re-statement of the Catholic doctrine of the Holy Eucharist, followed by suggested “best practices” for the faithful to adopt personally, that is, what they can do to reinforce and highlight for themselves and, by example, for others, the full truth of the Church’s immemorial teaching on the Real Presence. The text should be accompanied by a video delivery of the homily.
This endeavor is being co-sponsored by the Catholic Education Foundation and The Catholic Response magazine. First-prize award will be $1000; second, $500; third, $100. Winners will also receive a full scholarship to CEF’s annual summer workshop on the role of the priest in today’s Catholic school. All participants will receive a complimentary three-year subscription to The Catholic Response.
Submissions must be received no later than May 1, 2024. Questions should be directed to: fstravinskas@hotmail.com.
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I don’t know, there’s something about this that makes me think that we’re still barking up the wrong tree. It’s not primarily about preaching, because they’re not coming to Church. So it’s not about us sitting back in the parish, waiting for them to come to Church so we can lecture them. They’re not coming. Those who are there understand that in receiving the Eucharist, they are receiving the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ, which is why they are there in the first place. And they are rather up there in age, so they won’t be there for long. The rest are staying away–for all sorts of reasons. If I read Pope Francis correctly, it is we who have to get out there, out of the sanctuary and into the cold world and establish a good rapport with people, kind of like Christ sending the disciples out to all nations. Sending out, getting out, active, rather than the “feminine” mode of staying on the inside and writing homilies. It’s a more masculine mode of missionary activity, but without men, no conception will result.
Thomas, I believe you are correct. But how many of us will actually take the message into the streets? Perhaps more emphasis should be placed on encouraging the parents and grandparents in attendance to inform our children of Eucharist presence of Jesus and His endless mercy.
The problem is, as every survey demonstrates, that those who are THERE don’t believe the fullness of truth regarding the Eucharist!
Jeanette Joyce: Pope St. Gregory said something striking this morning in the Office of Readings: “Indeed, see how full the world is of priests, but yet in God’s harvest a true laborer is rarely to be found; although we have accepted the priestly office we do not fulfill its demands.”
Even the gospel reading today was about sending them out, visiting households. So many priests don’t bother visiting the schools anymore, for example, so the kids don’t know their parish priest and what he stands for. The Eucharist and its full significance is much more than a few propositions in the Catechism. The people have to see that Father so and so is different, his demeanour is different, he’s a person who belongs to another world but is in this world, he has joy, he’s extraordinarily charitable, is drawn to people, he’s patient, he’s not irritable, he is compassionate, very understanding, understands well the difficulties that the laity suffer every day, and he doesn’t “belly ache” when he is preaching, and when I speak to him, I feel I’m speaking to and being addressed by Christ. Then, when he says something like: “When you receive communion, you are receiving the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, literally, but under the appearance of bread and wine”, then and only then, with those pre-conditions in place, will the faithful assent in faith. But if Father is a moody and pontificating opportunist who just pounds us over the head with the dogmatic two by four every week, then why would I believe anything he says?
As for Father Peter’s reply, I do find it hard to believe that his congregation is ignorant of the fundamental doctrine of the Eucharist. I’m not sure about other parishes, but I’m sure his congregation gets it.
However, “doctrines” pure and simple don’t change anyone. A real encounter with a holy person is the beginning. If we put the cart before the horse, we’re just going to get the same old. But a priest who just preaches doctrine and then expects the seniors to go home and bring the “doctrinal news” to the children is living in la la land.
You are correct — because the three parishes that I “pastored,” we had no lay distributors of HC, the people knelt to receive, and on the tongue. In other words, the signs and symbols reinforced the doctrine, namely, that this was not “religious’ Frito party; they were indeed receiving the Son of God, Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.
I have an awful memory of a “religious Frito party “style Communion when visiting an on campus church in the 1970s.
At Communion, the Blessed Sacrament was passed around the pews in a basket like you’d pass chips or Fritos at a party.People helped themselves and passed the basket down to the next person in the pew.
The church was and still is served by Dominicans. The good news is that things have really changed for the better. I swore I’d never return there again but my son encouraged me to and sure enough there were many devout families with young children and a reverent Communion. Praise God.
I think we’re seeing a last gasp of the 1970’s “innovators” but the March of Time will eventually have its effect.
What you say about signs and symbols is so true. While I admire your attempt to do something about the lack of belief in the Real Presence, I do not believe that any number of Eucharistic Congresses, essay contests, etc. will do much good without a return to the signs and symbols that demonstrate the Real Presence.
What we will still have is grab and go.
Well, good for you. The parish is fortunate. I’m not sure that the requirement to kneel and receive on the tongue and have only ordained clergy are necessary conditions for getting the congregation to revere the Eucharist. I know my good friend, who is a priest, has fostered tremendous Eucharistic devotion in his parish, and he allows the option (tongue or hand), kneel or stand, and has extraordinary ministers (he doesn’t have an ordained associate). I can receive either way, it does not matter to me, but that clerical dogmatism would probably turn me off and cause me to find another parish. There is a happy medium.
Fr. You are so right. There are too many who still attend Mass, but do not understand that they are not properly disposed to receive the Eucharist. When they don’t receive in the state of grace, they can’t possibly spread the True Faith. The Faith isn’t Magic – teach it from the pulpit…again. Glory to Jesus Christ – Forever!
The Church has rendered unto Caesar authority over innocent human life that belongs only to God. This is idolatry. Her quiet complacency regarding the daily “legal” mass murder of babies thunderously shouts to the whole world “We have no king but Caesar!”
It is no surprise that many in a generation that was raised in an idolatrous Church no longer take its teachings seriously.
A few weeks ago, our parish hosted a diocesan Day of Eucharistic Revival. The talks were good but had little to nothing to do with the Eucharist. I expected talks about the Eucharist with regard to Catholic doctrine, scripture, early Church Fathers, how to draw closer to Jesus in the Eucharist, etc. Yes, there was a holy hour and a Eucharist procession, but overall, I was disappointed.
Wow, what a puzzle! What could have caused Catholics over the past 60 years to stop believing in the Eucharist? What could it possibly be?
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P7aoEz7iWy4/W0Jtu5CfciI/AAAAAAAAKS0/Tr5cHL2q7ac8o4FFK4D7kCr0COH51d0_wCLcBGAs/s400/ABUSE.jpg
Well, at some point, SOMEBODY in authority does indeed have to “lecture” the faithful. Many have a badly formed knowledge of the faith. Far too many parishioners were taught in CCD by lay people. Well-intentioned though they may be, more than a few had no real knowledge of the subject matter and were just spitting back the text book to the kids. Not inspiring at all. I have had a number of EM’s tell me that more than a few of the kids in catholic school dont have a clue how to even position their hands properly to receive the Eucharist. That is a significant problem. WHO instructed these kids for First Communion?? What is wrong with their teachers? Doubtless these are the same teachers who make no effort to instruct them to genuflect before the tabernacle. ( I have personally witnessed this.) From comments I have read in the past, priests appear to be afraid to “lecture” for fear of blow-back. Maybe so, but then count on the folks in the pews learning NOTHING.
You say: “From comments I have read in the past, priests appear to be afraid to “lecture” for fear of blow-back.”
Then don’t lecture. Talk to them like a father.
Either “lecture” style or sweet talk will engender the same amount of blow-back. The problem is that priests for the most part are doing neither. And that is a huge problem. In my generally conservative parish I hear NOTHING from the pulpit about The Eucharist, or proper conditions for it’s reception. I dont hear any priest encouraging going to confession.; Nothing on abortion or the pre-marital sex which often is the cause.Or, why “sleeping around” is not a good thing for either men or women. In point of fact, I hear NOTHING about the rules and beliefs of the church, the reasons behind them, nor it’s practical application in the everyday lives of Catholics. I do often hear, “Remember, there is coffee and cake available after todays Mass.” But I NEVER hear, ” Remember, confession is available following today’s Mass. And if you dont feel a need to go, we have an application for sainthood we would like to give you!” The tyranny of “nice” has to go, and it’s past the time when those in authority need to speak the TRUTH bluntly to parishioners. Blunt doesnt have to sound like fire and brimstone.But I dont think that trying to tip-toe around reality is very helpful. I would leave it to any priest to sound fatherly inside the confessional. But you will never get them there in the first place unless they speak up. And talking a little turkey is better than not talking at all. Let the chips fall where they may. If some folks can’t handle the truth, so be it. Focus on the ones you can save.
“If it’s free, it ain’t worth much”.
In the old days, some conditions had to be met before receiving Holy Communion – fasting, confession, ” in the state of grace”. — why? because the Eucharist was something sacred – Also, tabernacles semi-hidden away in little corners of the church; maybe even priests adoring God before the tabernacle, instead of turning their backs on God’s presence, silence in the church in the presence of God, etc.
The Church has virtually stopped believing in miracles related to Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah and the global flood. Once you start doubting one part of God’s Revelation, it opens the door to more doubts including doubts related to the Eucharist.
One small part of the loss of belief in the Eucharist, ay least within the limits of my personal observation, is the fact that reverence toward the tabernacle and the consecrated Host have disappeared in many parishes, including among the clergy. Instead of the traditional genuflection, a slight bow or nod of the head is all you’re likely to see from even many priests during the celebration of Mass. And often, even that is too much to expect: I recall not long ago in my own parish when a former deacon, since moved, was standing directly in front of the Host reserved in a monstrance during a Holy hour, carrying on a street-level conversation with someone, after which they both walked on without even a glance in the direction of the Blessed Sacrament. Perhaps both of them actually did believe in the Real Presence, but they obviously weren’t exactly awe-struck by it either.
There is a real need to emphasize over and over that at every Mass a miracle occurs, the bread and wine is transformed into the Body and Blood of Jesus. The Gift God has given in the Eucharist is precious and unmeasurable. If this understanding could be imbedded in the faithful, Mass attendance would be stupendous.
There will be a NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC PILGRIMAGE PROCESSION from four directions ending in Indianapolis on the Feast of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Jul 16, 2024. I plan to walk the Golden Gate with Jesus.
See Nationaleucharisticpilgrimage.org
“I’m not sure that the requirement to kneel and receive on the tongue and have only ordained clergy are necessary conditions for getting the congregation to revere the Eucharist.”
*****
Beneficial can differ from necessary .What’s beneficial to reverence in one parish or culture may look different in another. But our posture reflects on our belief.
As does our clothing. I know for a fact my DH is a true believer, but never would his worksite have allowed him to show up to the office wearing what he wears for Mass, which is something like business casual (which is still better than most).
The office required suit, tie, and dress shoes. Everyday. All day.
As does our clothing:
My husband’s parish is encouraging parents to bring their children to the vigil Mass for All Saint’s Day in their halloween costumes. (Cairo, NY and surrounding parishes [10 churches networked]).
I believe restoring silence in church would significantly assist with forming devotion to Our Lord’s True Presence. When teaching fourth grade CCD many years ago, a girl eagerly raised her hand when I asked, “Who likes going to Mass?” She responded that “It’s quiet.” Demonstrating prayerful respect for Jesus in the tabernacle can be an effective witness.
[Word on the ground, in the trenches, is that the bishops’ “Eucharistic Revival” is stalled in neutral – largely, I believe, because nothing practical has surfaced to address the deplorable lack of Eucharistic faith. Repeating the doctrine is good and important. Processions and adoration hours are laudatory, as are pious hymn contests.]
Here is a suggestion:
The Developing View: From Worship to Solidarity
In the beginning of the first document promulgated by the Second Vatican Council on Dec. 4, 1963, The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, we read:
[For the liturgy, “through which the work of our redemption is accomplished,” (1) most of all in the divine sacrifice of the eucharist, is the outstanding means whereby the faithful may express in their lives, and manifest to others, the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the true Church.]
At the end of the last document promulgated by the Council on Dec. 7, 1965, The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, we read:
[Christians cannot yearn for anything more ardently than to serve the men of the modern world with mounting generosity and success. Therefore, by holding faithfully to the Gospel and benefiting from its resources, by joining with every man who loves and practices justice, Christians have shouldered a gigantic task for fulfillment in this world, a task concerning which they must give a reckoning to Him who will judge every man on the last of days.]
The Council seems to suggest that we take seriously the scripture passages:
[Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way. First be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.]
Matthew 5:23
[Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.]
John 4:21
[Let me have no more of your strumming on harps. But let justice flow like water, and integrity like an unfailing stream.]
Amos 5:23-24
Is it about time that we emphasize social justice over liturgy?
We must start with the people in the pews who do not believe. We cannot go out to the “streets” if the Catholics who come to Mass do not all believe. Same goes for the right to life. There are many, many pro-abortion “Catholics” in the pews. We must hit hime first!
It’s difficult to believe in the real prescence when there is absolutely no respect showen to our Lord. In the old days when you knelt and recieved on the tongue a child knew that something important was happening by watching the reverence that was given and thus growing up to do the same
I suspect that my personal story of Catholic faith is similar to the story of most others – I came to believe in the Real Presence of the Eucharist and the power of the Rosary. Faith that is small as a mustard seed can and does move mountains. On the other hand, faith is fragile and is damaged too often by those from within. My trials of faith come from a pope that directly conflicts with Tradition to such a degree that I am left confused. Where does faith go when the chair of Peter is seemingly left abandoned.
When we seek to promote faith, then focus on Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected. He is our safe port in the storm.