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To: Pastors
From: Andy Lichtenwalner, director, Evangelization & Discipleship
On behalf of Archbishop Hartmayer and the archdiocesan Eucharistic Revival Task Force, I am grateful to share updates, as well as a request regarding parish point persons, as we prepare for the second year of the Eucharistic Revival, the Year of Parish Revival, beginning in June.
Website: The archdiocesan webpages for the Eucharistic Revival have been updated to include various resources to promote the Revival, with more to come. See more info at archatl.com/revival.
Lent: Please consider including a general intercession for the Revival at Masses. Samples are available on the website. Lent is also a time to consider incorporating other Eucharistic devotions, such as a Forty Hours Devotion or a Night of Mercy (see resources online). Various online resources are available for small groups and ongoing formation, and the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC) is offering a five-week Lenten webinar series on the Eucharist starting Thursday, Feb. 23.
Eucharistic Revival Missionaries: Approximately half of our parishes have pastor-designated Eucharistic Revival Missionaries (ERMs), a core group of whom have been meeting monthly with staff of the Office of Evangelization and Discipleship for support and formation. As we enter the last few months before the beginning of the Parish Year, we will complete our monthly support of the ERMs with information regarding Eucharistic processions and best practices. We encourage pastors to check in with your ERMs to see how they can assist the parish during the Parish Year. For questions about the ERMs, please contact Monica at moppermann@archatl.com.
**Parish Point Persons: The National Eucharistic Revival USCCB team has set forth a vision for the Year of Parish Revival that would include a parish point person. The purpose of this individual, nominated by the pastor, is to serve as a contact with the national team, receiving guidance and formation (e.g., through monthly webinars, materials and a parish playbook) in order to help implement the vision for the Parish Year which includes coordinating small faith-sharing groups. Ideally, the USCCB has asked that such a point person be a parish staff person responsible for evangelization, faith formation and/or RCIA, given the leadership and coordination skills needed. However, if a volunteer is necessary, the request is that such a person have the trust and support of the pastor to coordinate and mobilize the parish community. In some cases, current ERMs may be well-positioned to serve in such a role. In other cases, it may be better to find a staff person more connected to the calendar and daily work of the parish.
- Archbishop Hartmayer has asked that we move forward in designating one point person from every parish. In order to facilitate this work, the Office of Evangelization and Discipleship will first reach out to parish catechetical leaders, starting with our DREs and evangelization and faith formation directors, to ask them to confirm with you whether they or another person should serve as the parish point person.
- Saying yes to being a point person does not mean the parish necessarily needs to implement the small group materials coming from the national level. That decision will be up to each pastor. However, it is highly encouraged that every parish consider those resources. The archdiocese will also be supporting the Parish Year through the Rescue Atlanta event (see below) and an equipping day to help leaders run The Rescue Project at your parish, in addition to other resources.
Local Eucharistic Processions (Corpus Christi, June 10-11): Archbishop Hartmayer is asking each pastor to consider beginning the Year of Parish Revival with a Eucharistic procession during Corpus Christi weekend, if possible. Some parishes or deaneries may wish to collaborate. Resources for organizing processions can be found under the community resources page for the Revival.
Rescue Atlanta (September 9, at Cobb Galleria Centre): The archdiocese is partnering with Fr. John Riccardo and his Acts XXIX team to host a unique, all-day evangelizing event focused on the kerygma, the essential Gospel message. Rescue Atlanta will be a transformative experience in support of the Revival. Clergy, lay leaders and their volunteers (catechists, core team members, etc.) will be invited first, given the limited space. Registration is opening soon. For questions, contact Monica at moppermann@archatl.com.
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage/Procession: A National Eucharistic Pilgrimage or procession is occurring in the spring and summer of 2024. Starting in four places around the country, the pilgrimage will converge upon the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis on July 17-21, 2024. We are blessed to have the pilgrimage coming through the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Tentative dates are June 19-23, 2024. More information will be shared when available.
National Eucharistic Congress (July 17-21, 2024): Registration for the National Eucharistic Congress opened Wednesday, February 15. While the archdiocese is planning to have a delegation attend, everyone is invited to consider attending this historic event that will launch us into the Year of Missionary Sending. For more information, click here. For questions, please contact Elaine at ephillips@archatl.com.
Thank you for your attention and consideration, and most especially for your prayers for the Revival, that the Lord’s will may be done.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at alichtenwalner@archatl.com or 404-920-7624.
