CHARLOTTE  — Rediscover hope. Renew your spirit. Walk with Christ. Join thousands of faithful at the Charlotte Convention Center Sept. 5 and 6 to get energized by Bishop Michael Martin and other dynamic Catholic voices, experience one of the largest Eucharistic processions in the nation, and celebrate and deepen your faith. This is more than an event – it’s a journey of renewal and a call to share the message of Hope with a world longing for it. Find the full schedule of events, speaker profiles, Eucharistic procession instructions, FAQs and more at goeucharist.com. 

Worship

Eucharistic Procession

Saturday, Sept. 6 9 a.m. 

The Eucharistic Procession, in which Bishop Michael Martin carries a monstrance containing the Eucharist through Uptown Charlotte, is a highlight of the two-day Eucharistic Congress and one of the largest events of its kind in the U.S. It will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, outside St. Peter Church at 507 S. Tryon St., and end inside the Charlotte Convention Center. Line up anywhere along the red procession route by 8:30 a.m. to join in behind your parish’s banner as it passes by.

Holy Hour

10:45 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6

The Holy Hour will begin at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6. The homily on the Gospel of Luke (9:11b-17) – the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes – will be given by Bishop Martin.

Mass

5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6

Join Bishop Martin and priests of the Diocese of Charlotte for Mass at the end of the Eucharistic Congress, starting at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, inside the Charlotte Convention Center. (This vigil Mass fulfills your Sunday obligation.) Bishop Martin will give the homily.

 Worship music led by The Vigil Project

 The Vigil Project will lead music during the Holy Hour and Mass on Saturday, Sept. 6. The group’s mission is to expand the conversation around Catholic music to extend beyond the liturgy into the day-to-day life of faith. Their latest release is “True Presence,” a full-length album focusing on the Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Plan your visit

• Parking decks are located at The Green (adjacent to St. Peter Church) and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Surface parking lots are also available. Better yet: take the light rail line or ride share.
• The Charlotte Convention Center prohibits outside food from being brought in, including coolers. Concessions are available inside, and many restaurants are located nearby.
• Want to make it a weekend getaway? Several hotels are located near the Charlotte Convention Center. More info is on GoEucharist.com.
• Browse 100-plus commercial and informational vendors from 5 p.m. to closing on Friday, Sept. 5, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6.

At GoEucharist.com:
Find the full schedule of events, speaker profiles, Eucharistic procession instructions, FAQs and more.

10 ‘Pro tips’ to make the most of your Eucharistic Congress experience

Ride & save
Skip parking hassles – take the CATS Blue Line light rail straight to the Convention Center (3rd Street Station). On Saturdays, trains run every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Round-trip fare for adults is just $4.40 (discounts for kids, seniors, and riders with disabilities). More info »

Get in line (smartly!)
Confessions and the Adoration Chapel are now upstairs in a larger, quieter space. Confessions (English & Spanish) open at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Extra priests will be available, but lines may still be long. Tip: English speakers – try going during the Spanish program (12:30-2:30 p.m.); Spanish speakers – during the English program (3-5 p.m.).

Lunch in the sun
Enjoy expanded concessions all day in Richardson Ballroom Food Court and Hall C. Or take your meal outside – soak up sunshine on the terrace, relax by the fountains on College Street, or picnic at The Green across the street (kids will love the quirky sculptures!).

Note for moms
Two private nursing rooms are available: one near Richardson Ballroom B and one across from Room W211. Each has seating, a stool, refrigerator and lockable doors. Strollers, baby bags and bottles are welcome inside the Convention Center.

Express yourself
Snap a selfie with “Pope Leo” at the photo booth (Concourse A), mark your parish home on our “Where are you from?” map, and share a message on the interactive Jubilee Year Wall of Hope upstairs.

Friday = date night
Kick off the Eucharistic Congress with music, film, food and fun! Friday night features a praise & worship concert with Matt Maher, a special screening of a movie about Carlo Acutis (“the Millennial Saint”), plus concessions and a cash bar. Doors open at 5 p.m., program begins 6:45 p.m. More info »

Bring a bottle, save a buck
Outside drinks aren’t allowed, but you don’t have to keep buying water. Purchase one bottled water ($4 each), then refill it all day at the free refill stations located near every restroom. Stay hydrated without overspending.

Shop the Hall
Hall C is packed with more than 100 Catholic exhibitors offering books, art, gifts and unique merchandise. Take time to explore, and check out the full list of vendors ahead of time: goeucharist.com/exhibitors

Find your quiet spot
The Eucharistic Congress is one of the largest Catholic gatherings in the Southeast, but you can still find peaceful places to recharge. The Adoration Chapel (Upper Level) is often calmer around lunchtime. Outdoors, the College Street fountains and The Green park across the street offer space to relax.

Don’t miss these moments
• Eucharistic Procession: Saturday at 9 a.m., beginning outside St. Peter Catholic Church on South Tryon Street. Find a place along the route and join in as Bishop Martin passes by carrying the Blessed Sacrament. More info »
• Closing Mass: Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in Hall A-B. This Mass fulfills your Sunday obligation, with Bishop Martin preaching the homily.

Entertainment

Doors open 5 p.m. Friday

Food and beverages will be available for sale, including beer and wine. 100+ exhibitors also open.

Young Adult Meet & Greet: Friday, Sept. 5 5-6:30 p.m.

Welcome with Bishop Martin: Friday, Sept. 5 6:45 p.m. 

The 2025 Eucharistic Congress kicks off with a welcome message from Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv.

Opening Concert with Matt Maher

7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5

Get ready for an unforgettable night of praise and worship – culminating with Eucharistic Adoration – led by singer/songwriter Matt Maher, one of the most influential voices in Christian music today.

Matt Maher is a nine-time Grammy nominee and three-time GMA Dove Award winner, with six No. 1 singles and over 600,000 albums sold. He has written hits including “Lord, I Need You,” “Because He Lives (Amen),” and “Your Grace Is Enough.” He has written for Crowder, Hillsong, Chris Tomlin and Casting Crowns, and released 10 studio albums, including the Grammy-nominated “Echoes.”

NOTE: The opening concert is free, but seating is limited and first-come, first-served. Come early to secure your spot!

‘Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality’

9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5

Don’t miss a free screening of the new documentary “Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality,” a moving look at the young “Millennial Saint.”

Talks

English Program

3-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6

3 p.m. – Chris Stefanick

Through his nonprofit, Real Life Catholic, Chris Stefanick has reached millions with his dynamic seminars, bestselling books, and impactful video series – all designed to help people discover and embrace the lives they were made for in Jesus Christ and His Church. Hear his talk: “‘Two-Thirds of God’s Name is Go! How to Bring the Good News of the Eucharist to the World.”

4 p.m. – Fr. John Riccardo

Most people have never been overwhelmed by the power of the Gospel, let alone surrendered their lives to Jesus. Yet there is no hope apart from Him, because no one else has done or can do what He has done. Don’t miss a powerful message of hope from Father John Riccardo, executive director of ACTS XXIX and nationally known radio host, author and speaker.

Vietnamese Program

12:30-2:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 6

Father Tri Truong, pastor of the Diocese of Charlotte’s largest Vietnamese congregation, will give a talk and hear confessions in Vietnamese.

Middle/High School Program

12:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6

A special Saturday afternoon program just for middle and high school students (rising sixth-graders to 12th-graders) will feature guest speaker Chris Stefanick.

NOTE: All participants are required to check in Saturday between 8-11:30 a.m. on Concourse C inside the convention center. Pre-register online at GoEucharist.com to save time in line.

Family Program & more

2 more screenings of “Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality” on Saturday, Sept. 6: 
1 p.m. English

3 p.m. Spanish

AND DON’T MISS!

The Blessed Carlo Acutis Eucharistic Miracles exhibit will be showcased on Concourse C inside the convention center.

Exhibitors

Catholic Merchandise
12 Gardens Sacramentals
Angelluz Religious Jewelry
Apóstoles de la Palabra
Ave Maria Catholic Store
Bethlehem Olive Wood
Blessbuyenterprise
Catholic Gifts
Christian Olive Art
Creator Blessed – Art Prints & Decals
Fiat Religious Store
Fount of Grace
Gifra Religious Gifts
Gifts of faith
GLORIOUS PRODUCTS LLC
GOT MARY? / GOT MERCY?
Hermanas Clarisas
Hilo Dorado & Historia de Fe Religious Art
Holy Heroes
Holy Land Art
Instrumentos del Señor
Ladybug Legend Rosaries
Midwest Theological Forum Catholic Publisher
Notre Dame Creations
Novena Cards
Our Saint Family
PRAY 4 HOLY SPIRIT
Prayer Pillowcases
Proud Catholic Company
Pure Faith and Love
Refuge Rosaries
Religion Jewelry
Ríos de Agua Viva
Romantic Catholic Tees
Rosa Gutierrez Spanish Books
Sagrada Paintings & More
Six Lilies Catholic Gifts
Sober-Now
Sophia Institute Press
St. Bernadette Gift Shop
TAN Books
The Little Flower
Totally Catholic Tees
UNIDAS POR AMOR
URPI Latinamerican Art
Catholic Organizations
and Interest Groups
40 Days for Life Charlotte
Adopt-a-Seminarian
Birthright of Charlotte
Carolina Family Coalition
Carolina Traditional Liturgy Society
Charlotte Cursillo
EWTN
Luisa Piccarreta – Servant of God
MiraVia
North Carolina Right to Life, Inc.
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
The Martyrs Walk & Catholic Men’s Conference of the Carolinas
Thomas Aquinas College
Youth Apostles

Diocese of Charlotte Ministries
African American Affairs Ministry
Campus Ministry
Catholic Charities
Catholic News Herald
Catholic Schools Office
Family Life Office
Office of Vocations

Vocations
Augustine Institute
Capuchin Franciscans
Claretian Missionaries
Franciscan Friars Conventual
Glenmary Home Missioners
St. Joseph College Seminary

Services
Christian Tours / Burke International
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Totally Catholic Fundraising
Truthly App
Woodard Luxury Travel

Go deeper in your faith

Several Catholic groups will have info tables at the 2025 Eucharistic Congress – stop by to learn more!

• Catholic Daughters of the Americas
• Secular Franciscans
• Serra International
• Lay Dominicans
• Knights of Columbus
• Millions of Monicas
• and more

Ride & save
Skip parking hassles – take the CATS Blue Line light rail straight to the Convention Center (3rd Street Station). On Saturdays, trains run every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Round-trip fare for adults is just $4.40 (discounts for kids, seniors, and riders with disabilities). More info »

Get in line (smartly!)
Confessions and the Adoration Chapel are now upstairs in a larger, quieter space. Confessions (English & Spanish) open at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Extra priests will be available, but lines may still be long. Tip: English speakers – try going during the Spanish program (12:30-2:30 p.m.); Spanish speakers – during the English program (3-5 p.m.).

Lunch in the sun
Enjoy expanded concessions all day in Richardson Ballroom Food Court and Hall C. Or take your meal outside – soak up sunshine on the terrace, relax by the fountains on College Street, or picnic at The Green across the street (kids will love the quirky sculptures!).

Note for moms
Two private nursing rooms are available: one near Richardson Ballroom B and one across from Room W211. Each has seating, a stool, refrigerator and lockable doors. Strollers, baby bags and bottles are welcome inside the Convention Center.

Express yourself
Snap a selfie with “Pope Leo” at the photo booth (Concourse A), mark your parish home on our “Where are you from?” map, and share a message on the interactive Jubilee Year Wall of Hope upstairs.

Friday = date night
Kick off the Eucharistic Congress with music, film, food and fun! Friday night features a praise & worship concert with Matt Maher, a special screening of a movie about Carlo Acutis (“the Millennial Saint”), plus concessions and a cash bar. Doors open at 5 p.m., program begins 6:45 p.m. More info »

Bring a bottle, save a buck
Outside drinks aren’t allowed, but you don’t have to keep buying water. Purchase one bottled water ($4 each), then refill it all day at the free refill stations located near every restroom. Stay hydrated without overspending.

Shop the Hall
Hall C is packed with more than 100 Catholic exhibitors offering books, art, gifts and unique merchandise. Take time to explore, and check out the full list of vendors ahead of time: goeucharist.com/exhibitors

Find your quiet spot
The Eucharistic Congress is one of the largest Catholic gatherings in the Southeast, but you can still find peaceful places to recharge. The Adoration Chapel (Upper Level) is often calmer around lunchtime. Outdoors, the College Street fountains and The Green park across the street offer space to relax.

Don’t miss these moments
• Eucharistic Procession: Saturday at 9 a.m., beginning outside St. Peter Catholic Church on South Tryon Street. Find a place along the route and join in as Bishop Martin passes by carrying the Blessed Sacrament. More info »
• Closing Mass: Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in Hall A-B. This Mass fulfills your Sunday obligation, with Bishop Martin preaching the homily.

At GoEucharist.com:
Find the full schedule of events, speaker profiles, Eucharistic procession instructions, FAQs and more.

— Catholic News Herald

As assistant emcee, Father Noah Carter (at the far right) watches the sidelines of the 2023 Eucharistic procession in Charlotte.CHARLOTTE — Rising hours before the sun would peek above the mountains, a young Noah Carter left his Mills River home for the big city of Charlotte.

Carter hopped on a bus with his older brother Zach and their parents, friend Ben Torres, and others from his home parish of St. Barnabas in Arden. It was Sept. 24, 2005, and the group was headed to the Diocese of Charlotte’s first Eucharistic Congress.

As experienced altar servers, the Carter boys and Torres had been recruited to help carry a special canopy in the Congress’s outdoor Eucharistic procession.

“We had to get up really, really early to get to Charlotte in time for the procession because it’s about a two-hour drive and we had to be there earlier than everybody else,” Carter recalls. “I was in high school, and so I didn’t have a lot of experience with the big city. I just remember feeling lost there.”

That first Eucharistic procession drew 3,500 people. Carter was just 17 and couldn’t imagine he would keep waking up early for this signature event of the Congress over the next 19 years – and that one day he would help lead the procession as a priest.

At that first Eucharistic Congress, Carter and other altar servers reverently made their way alongside Bishop Peter Jugis, who carried the Eucharist in a monstrance that had been blessed by St. John Paul II. Thousands of Catholics winding their way from St. Peter Church to the Charlotte Convention Center was an unusual spectacle at the time – Catholics were a minority in the South and this was probably the first Eucharistic procession through the streets of uptown Charlotte. Charlotteans watched with curiosity from their apartment balconies, and construction workers respectfully tipped their hardhats.

Then 17-year-old Noah Carter (left, in red cassock) holds one of the front canopy poles as Bishop Peter Jugis carries the Blessed Sacrament in the Diocese of Charlotte’s first Eucharistic procession through Uptown Charlotte in 2005.Less than a year after the first Congress, Carter entered the seminary to become a priest. He returned to North Carolina to help with the second Congress and, like all the diocese’s seminarians, kept coming back throughout his studies. Ten years ago, he was ordained a priest for the diocese, and now he helps organize and lead the Eucharistic procession as an assistant master of ceremonies.

“The Congress has always been a source of connection in my own heart to the diocese,” Father Carter says. “I spent some time in seminary discerning religious life … (but) the possibility of going to spend some time discerning always left my heart restless and thinking, ‘Well, this is going to take me away from the diocese.’”

Monsignor Roger Arnsparger, founding chairman of the Eucharistic Congress committee and then-pastor at St. Barnabas, had enlisted his altar servers to help with the procession. Back then, not many people were familiar with what a Eucharistic Congress was, but Monsignor Arnsparger was confident the boys would do well as canopy bearers helping to lead the Charlotte procession.

“I became pastor of St. Barnabas in 1999 when Father Carter was in sixth grade,” Monsignor Arnsparger says. “He and his family were very active. He and his brother served Mass, and they were there to help with the different liturgies. He helped organize our Corpus Christi procession as a young guy and was very active in Eucharistic Adoration.”
Carter helped with the parish’s faith formation program and Catholic culture camp, and he organized retreats for younger children, Monsignor Arnsparger also noted. “He was just very close to the Church.”

Recalls Carter, “In high school, there were two or three of us at every single big parish liturgy, and Father Arnsparger taught us how to emcee, to know the liturgy, how it flows, and to be thinking about what’s coming next, what’s coming two or three steps next, and what you have to set up to be timed well.”

Father Arnsparger gave the high schoolers a copy of the Church’s instructions on how to conduct liturgies, called the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. Carter absorbed the material.

“I very much loved order and reverence in the liturgy and, little by little, learning more,” he recalls.

Carter’s love for the Mass would inspire him to become a priest.

Monsignor Roger Arnsparger, his former pastor, vests Noah Carter during his ordination as a priest 10 years ago. Monsignor Arnsparger, founding chairman of the committee that organizes the Eucharist Congress, trained Carter and other altar servers from his parish in 2005 to help with the first Congress's Eucharistic procession.With his experience at the Congress and at his parish in leading children to Jesus, it was a natural fit in 2017 when Father Carter was tapped as one of eight assistant emcees for the Eucharistic procession, specifically to shepherd the hundreds of First Communicants and their families who walk near the front of the line – a highlight of the Congress that has created beautiful memories for thousands of children and their families over the years.

Even with years of experience, Father Carter says it can still be challenging for him and the other emcees to keep everything on track, especially since the annual procession now attracts nearly 10,000 people walking behind the Eucharist: priests, deacons, men and women religious, parishioners, children, Knights of Columbus, service and fraternal groups, altar servers and seminarians – a colorful cross section of the People of God in western North Carolina. But the emcees also notice beautiful moments that others might not catch.

“There are always these moments of sweet grace that shine through, especially during times when issues pop up and we’re thinking, ‘Why didn’t so-and-so go where we planned?’ But then you see this wonderful innocent smile of a First Communicant throwing flowers with the biggest smile on her face, and you think, ‘Oh yeah, that’s why we’re here.’”

“Or you see someone who’s kneeling on the side of the street and in tears, or they’re praying a rosary in a different language. I have no idea what language they’re praying in, but we’re all praying the same prayers to Our Lord.”

Father Carter also feels blessed to experience the diocese’s diversity when he helps ministers and servers carry the monstrance with the Eucharist through various rooms at the Charlotte Convention Center, where specific Congress programs are held for children and young people, special needs families, and others.

One year, he recalls dropping by the special needs program track to get ready for bringing the Blessed Sacrament there for Adoration. The area was bustling with activity.

“I thought of my experience ministering to children with special needs in parishes,” Father Carter says. “Some of them have sensory issues, so I asked if we could bring bells, incense and torches in.”

After some discussion, they decided to omit the bells and incense but include everything else needed for Eucharistic Adoration.

Soon after, Father Carter returned for what he would later describe as one of his all-time favorite memories of the Congress:

“We walked in with the Blessed Sacrament and every single person was on their knees. You could hear a pin drop for the seven minutes that we had the Blessed Sacrament in there,” he recalls. “That’s probably one of the most blessed experiences that I personally have had – being able to see the diversity of the diocese, and how that’s all facilitated by people who have a heart for those different groups.”

— Annie Ferguson

You Belong Here

The 20th annual Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress will be held Aug. 30-31 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

At GoEucharist.com: Find the full schedule of events, speaker profiles, Eucharistic procession instructions, and more.

CHARLOTTE — More than 2,500 people turned out Friday night as uplifting praise-and-worship music, prayer and a stirring message from Bishop Michael Martin combined to kick off the 2024 Eucharistic Congress.

Organizers estimated it was the largest opening night attendance ever in the event’s 20-year history.

The Congress continues on Saturday with one of the largest Eucharistic processions in the country, which typically draws 10,000 people walking through uptown Charlotte as a witness to Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist.

The two-day Congress is the first for newly ordained Bishop Martin, installed in May as Bishop of Charlotte, and featured robust Friday programming with a concert, keynote speech by the bishop, special movie screening, and Spanish-language play – geared toward youth and young adults.

“It’s beautiful. It’s so holy the minute you walk in,” said Our Lady of Grace parishioner Chryste Hofer, who traveled from Greensboro with friends to participate in her third Eucharistic Congress.

“You just melt when you see so many religious sisters and brothers in one place – you just feel like you’ve walked into home.”

‘IT’S SO SPECIAL TO BE HERE’

Nashville-based Catholic singer Sarah Kroger had audience members from teenagers to senior citizens – even the bishop himself – clapping and dancing in the aisles. Kroger, who has been nominated for a Dove Award, was fresh off a rousing performance at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in July.

Young families gathered in one section, dancing and twirling with toddlers in their arms during Kroger’s performance, which included upbeat and more introspective worship songs, including music from her latest album “A New Reality.”
Alaina Evangelisto of Charlotte and her husband Gianna were among them, with their year-old twin daughters.

“We started coming here together in college and now it’s so special to be here with our babies,” Evangelisto said. “I love that there’s a concert this year…it’s great to have a different type of worship experience this year.”

After Kroger’s concert, the Benedictine monks from Belmont Abbey led the crowd in chanting Evening Prayer, also known as Vespers.

The evening also featured an appearance by “Adoration Ultra” runner Jimmy Coleman and others who were greeted by the cheering crowd inside the convention center after running 13 miles from St. Matthew Church to St. Ann Church to St. Patrick Cathedral.

‘GOD DESIRES US TO BE HERE’

Bishop Martin’s keynote address drew a standing ovation.

He reflected on ways that today’s world makes people feel disconnected, and he offered solutions for how to reconnect through faith in Christ. He assured the crowd “You belong here,” saying people from across the Diocese of Charlotte and the world can all find a place as followers of Christ.

“We claim a space among the People of God and not one of us can be left out,” he said. “…We must first acknowledge that we belong here, that this is our rightful place. God desires us to be here. God desires you and me to recognize our sacred calling as His children, and to give witness not just in the streets tomorrow morning, but throughout each and every day of our lives…”

Bishop Martin encouraged people to remember Christ’s promises and seek connection with Him in all parts of their lives, from the workplace to their relationships with family, friends and everyone they meet. He called out actions that cause people to disconnect from God and from others, including being judgmental of others.

The Congress offers a chance not only for Catholics to connect with Christ through the Eucharist, but also learn ways to offer that vital connection to others who are searching for meaning.

“We have the power to transform that, to make a difference here in western North Carolina,” he said. “…You belong here. I belong here. May we bring that message to our world that needs it so much. It will be the Eucharist that will remind us daily of who belongs, and the answer to that is always – everyone.”

St. John Neumann parishioner Ramon Aleman was moved by the bishop’s words.

“His message is phenomenal because he is challenging people not only to believe but to try to live more like saints,” Aleman said.

The message also spoke to Hofer, the Our Lady of Grace parishioner who traveled from Greensboro with friends to participate in her third Eucharistic Congress: “We’re all disconnected. We all judge in some way. How does this not speak to you?”

Her friend Nellie Jimenez, a parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle in Greensboro, agreed.

“The bishop inspired us to bring others back to the Church, to let them know that no matter how things are going out there – they belong. And with help of Christ we can conquer anything. We just have to ask for forgiveness and for His help.”

 — Christina Lee Knauss. Photos by Patrick Schneider, Troy Hull, Kimberly Bender, Liz Chandler and Binh-An Nguyen.

More online

• More than 10,000 turn out for Eucharistic Congress
• Catholics fill the streets of Charlotte for Eucharistic Procession
• Bishop Martin: ‘May this Congress not stop here, but rather go out into the world’

Eucharistic Congress pilgrims reflect on Friday activities

Cathy Young (center)Cathy Young from St. Therese Parish in Mooresville returned to this year’s Eucharistic Congress for the first time in 15 years.

“My friends invited me to come, and I’m so happy to be here,” Young said. “I think it's really cool that there is an aspect for young adults on Friday night. That was really cool and really interesting to me.”

Cindy O’Brien, a member of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Greensboro, has attended every Eucharistic Congress since 2005 andCindy and John O'Brien said she hopes to meet the new bishop.
“It’s different every year because the Holy Spirit moves in different ways,” O’Brien said. “We love the procession and the chance to proclaim your faith publicly to Charlotte. You’ll see some of the workers stop and they'll look at us and they'll stop working, stare and ask what's going on, and then you get to witness to them. They're just stunned.”

High school senior Maggie Foppe has been coming to the Eucharistic Congress for more than 10 years. She recalls being reluctant at first to go to the youth tracks, but soon changed her mind.
“Every time I would come back smiling. It was a good experience being with a bunch of other Catholic kids my age and talk about the faith,” she said, noting her excitement for the other youth and young adult programming. “I knew things would be different walking in this year, but it was cool to see the different layout. I feel like we can fit more people in now.”

Matteo MaldonadoMatteo Maldonado from St. Mary Parish and Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro, is attending his third Eucharistic Congress this year and was eager to share his experience.
“This is pretty fun. I love it. I love coming here,” he said. “I love getting signatures of priests to pray for them, and they are going to pray for me, too. Probably one day in the future I'll get to come here as a priest.”

Martha Fenn from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Monroe was attending her third Eucharistic Congress. She also attended theNorma Zitnik and Martha Fenn National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in July and noted that it was a special experience, especially seeing Bishop Michael Martin there.

“Coming from the national event, I really felt like we have to support our local Eucharistic Congress. I love that we have programming in multiple languages. That’s very nice. I moved from another diocese, and they have tried to imitate the Diocese of Charlotte because it’s all organized and well thought of. It goes with the theme: ‘You belong here.’ The bishop’s message goes with the times because people are feeling lonely and anxious, and there are a lot of mental health issues, but people belong, they have a purpose, and that’s a good message.”

Norma Zitnik from St. Mark Parish in Huntersville has attended at least five Eucharistic Congresses.

“I think all the Congresses are beautiful,” Zitnik said. “Of course, this year is a little different because of the new bishop, but tonight is special for me. I usually attended on Saturdays, but it's not only for young adults, it's for everybody. So that’s why I came here.”

— Annie Ferguson

CHARLOTTE — The 2024 Eucharistic Congress procession, held Saturday morning, Aug. 31, took nearly two hours to complete as a near-record number of Catholics danced, prayed, sang and carried banners representing parishes and ministries.

More than 100 banners representing parishes and ministries stood tall against the Charlotte skyline.

Faithful kneeled as Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament was carried through the streets of Uptown Charlotte. Young children in strollers clapped along with the sounds of the enthusiastic crowd.

Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., carried the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of Charlotte for his first Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte.

The Eucharistic Procession culminated inside the Charlotte Convention Center, where Father Juan Miquel Sanchez delivered the Holy Hour homily to a standing-room only crowd estimated at nearly 10,000 people. Read the full story.

"I've never seen it like this, and I’ve been coming since the beginning," said Allana Ramkissoon, assistant superintendent of the diocese's Catholic schools.

"I think it's having a new bishop – everyone wants to meet him or see him. He’s very visible. He’s getting around to all the churches, so they’re excited about that. They all want to take pictures with him. On Earth, the bishop is the pinnacle of the faith. He represents Christ to them…They want that connection."

— Catholic News Herald. Photos by Patrick Schneider, Troy Hull and Binh-An Nguyen.

More online

• More than 10,000 turn out for Eucharistic Congress
• Thousands join in prayer and praise at Eucharistic Congress opening
• Bishop Martin: ‘May this Congress not stop here, but rather go out into the world’

CHARLOTTE — Thousands of people streamed through Uptown Charlotte Saturday for the signature procession of the annual Eucharistic Congress – singing, praying, strumming guitars and following Bishop Michael Martin carrying the Blessed Sacrament.

The two-day event opened Friday night with a rousing praise-and-worship concert and keynote address from Bishop Martin, then resumed Saturday with a solemn yet joyful procession. An estimated crowd exceeding 10,000 people from across the western half of North Carolina walked in the two-hour procession from historic St. Peter Church to the Charlotte Convention Center, where the congress is taking place.

The procession featured children in their First Communion outfits, hundreds of clergy and consecrated religious, apostolic groups, ministries and all of the diocese’s 92 parishes – carrying 105 banners and walking together in public witness behind Jesus present in the Holy Eucharist.

Afterward, thousands filled the Convention Center for a Holy Hour led by Bishop Martin. This is the 20th annual Eucharistic Congress and the bishop’s first since being ordained for the Charlotte diocese in May.

“A hundred years from now, not one of us will be here. But guess who will? If we remain in God, we remain in Him who remains with us at all times.” — Father Juan Miguel Sanchez

 Addressing a standing-room only congregation estimated at 10,000 people, Father Juan Miguel Sanchez – priest-secretary for Bishop Martin – delivered the Holy Hour homily in English and Spanish.

In his homily, he recalled a moment from his childhood when he saw his mother cry after receiving the Eucharist and that he came to understand why as he got older. He told the story to help illustrate the distinction between true faith and appearances.

“We don't pray to be seen, but it is good to be seen praying,” Father Sanchez said. “We don't make a procession with the Blessed Sacrament to be seen in the streets of Charlotte, but it is good to be seen in the streets of Charlotte walking with our God. My mom was not crying in front of Our Lord to be seen by her children, but it was certainly good for me to see my mom being so close to God.”

Father Sanchez’s overall message was shaped by the Gospel reading about the vine and branches (Jn 15:1-8) as he encouraged the congregation to remain close to Jesus.

“In the Gospel, Jesus is saying I am the true vine, and we are the branches, and He eagerly invites us to remain in Him,” he said, echoing the theme of the Congress, ‘Remain in Me.’ “But in being branches we can be two different ways: those who are joined, at least by name, but there are no fruits, and those who are joined and yield fruit and are capable of yielding even more.”

He continued, “The invitation of Christ is to remain in Him. He is not saying remain a Christian in name and that would be enough or even remain somewhat close to me, but in Me. Jesus speaks of a remaining that implies, not just a closeness, but an intimate union to Him, with Him and in Him.”

Father Sanchez said this invitation is what the sacraments are all about and the teachings of the Church have as a goal.

“The more we adhere to Jesus’s Divine Will, the more we will be able to give fruit and the more we will be one with Him,” he said.

Then he connected his message to the sacrament that brought so many of the faithful to Charlotte for the weekend.

“The Eucharist, unlike any of us, will have a mysterious, remaining, permanent presence in the world, at least until the end of times. Think about it. A hundred years ago none of us were here.

“But guess who was here? A hundred years from now, not one of us will be here. But guess who will? If we remain in God, we remain in Him who remains with us at all times.”

— Annie Ferguson. Photos by Patrick Schneider, Troy Hull, Binh-An Nguyen and Giuliana Polinari Riley.

More online

• Catholics fill the streets of Charlotte for Eucharistic Procession
• Thousands join in prayer and praise at Eucharistic Congress opening
• Bishop Martin: ‘May this Congress not stop here, but rather go out into the world’

CHARLOTTE — In the homily for his first Eucharistic Congress as Bishop of Charlotte, Bishop Michael Martin encouraged nearly 10,000 people to go out into the world and share the presence of Jesus with everyone they encounter – especially people they may not know.

The new bishop marveled at the size and passion of the crowd that gathered over two days for the Diocese of Charlotte’s 20th annual Eucharistic Congress.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I didn’t expect this!” he said.

The cavernous hall of the Charlotte Convention Center echoed with sacred music and choral voices singing hymns to greet more than 100 colorful banners representing parishes and ministries from around the diocese, followed by flags of more than 20 nations and a procession of more than 100 priests and deacons.

The two-day celebration was a joyful mix of music, worship and fellowship, all centered around the Eucharist as the source and pinnacle of Catholic faith. The Mass tied it all together as a standing-room only crowd heard Bishop Martin’s homily focused on the Eucharist as a source of unity that can draw the Church’s – and the world’s – diverse community together.

During the homily, the bishop reflected on the Gospel reading from Luke which featured the episode on the road to Emmaus, where two disciples do not recognize the risen Christ. They invite Him to share a meal with them, and only then do their eyes open to the fact that Jesus is with them. This moment, the bishop said, shows the power of welcoming the stranger.

“We live in a world that is so frightened…let’s understand how the brokenness of the world has distanced us from the stranger and has made us leery of the stranger,” he said. “Fear born out of sin and born out of brokenness has distanced us and detached us, so it’s harder and harder to remain with each other and to remain in Him.”

People can take a lesson from how the disciples acted on their way to Emmaus, he said. Receiving the Eucharist as part of a larger and diverse community, alongside people they do not know, can help Catholics learn how to bring God’s love to all they encounter in the world.

“May that teach us something about what the Eucharist means, about what the Eucharist can do and can be,” he said.

The diversity of the Catholic community in the Charlotte diocese was on display earlier Saturday as thousands took to the streets of Uptown Charlotte for a mile-long Eucharistic procession.

People carried the banners of their parishes and ministries. Many marchers were praying the rosary, singing hymns in English and Spanish, and playing instruments as they walked. Bishop Martin and other clergy carried the Blessed Sacrament, and as they passed bystanders on the sidewalks, they made the sign of the cross and kneeled.

The procession ended at the convention center and was followed by a Holy Hour led by the bishop, with a homily delivered by Father Juan Miguel Sanchez. This prayerful morning led straight into a full day of educational talks, Eucharistic Adoration, and activities for families, children and those with special needs. Attendees also could shop for religious objects at more than 80 vendors and view a special sacred art light display featuring images of St. Francis of Assisi, in honor of Bishop Martin, who is a Conventual Franciscan.

The event drew thousands of people from all parts of the diocese, shown by a map set up in the main exhibit hall where attendees could place a pin on their parish location. Hundreds of pins were spread out to all corners of western North Carolina – from Charlotte to Linville, Greensboro to Mount Airy.

Attendees were also hungry to receive the sacraments.

Lines for confession stretched more than 100 yards, with penitents lining up in two areas of the main exhibit halls, waiting for their moment with one of dozens of priests to listen and absolve them.

Fred and Norma Waring drove three hours from Waynesville and said they got more than their money’s worth at the free event – scoring unexpected meetings with the diocese’s Bishop Emeritus Peter Jugis outside their hotel and then Bishop Martin – in the confessional.

“Uh-oh!” Norma Waring said to herself when she and her husband were led to the bishop for confession.

“It made me a little nervous,” Fred Waring, 77, admitted. “I don’t like doing this, but he made it easy. I was comfortable talking to him.”

The standing-room only crowd at the closing Mass was so large that toward the end of Holy Communion, clergy at the 36 Communion distribution stations designated by white umbrellas were breaking consecrated hosts into smaller and smaller pieces so that everyone could receive the sacrament.

At the end of Mass, Bishop Martin invited the crowd back for the next Congress and revealed the logo and theme for 2025’s event: “Pilgrims of Hope.” He also blessed religious items for the crowd, thanked Bishop Jugis for his inspiration to start the Congress in 2004 and Monsignor Roger Arnsparger for overseeing the event throughout its 20-year history.

He also smiled as he looked at the people filling the exhibit hall, noting, “We are busting at the seams,” and joked that next year the diocese may need to hold Eucharistic Congress at the Carolina Panthers stadium.

Bishop Martin also encouraged the crowd to take their experiences from the Congress out into the world.

“May this Congress not stop here,” he said, “but rather go out into the world that needs so much the Real Presence of Jesus, that needs to know where to be connected, that needs to know what true life is, and may we bring that to our encounter with the stranger – the poor, the orphan, the enemy – and may we recognize Him in the breaking of the bread.”

— Christina Lee Knauss. Photos by Patrick Schneider, Troy Hull, Binh-An Nguyen and Giuliana Polinari Riley.

More online

• More than 10,000 turn out for Eucharistic Congress
• Catholics fill the streets of Charlotte for Eucharistic Procession
• Thousands join in prayer and praise at Eucharistic Congress opening

What the pilgrims said

Luna DawkinsLuna Dawkins, 4, of St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem was attending her first Eucharistic Congress and was happy to share her impressions.

“My favorite part is following Jesus, because we love him more than anything in the whole world. There were so many people who love Jesus,” she said. “I didn’t know there were that many people who love Jesus.”

Anna Bazaldua, a parishioner of Holy Spirit Mission in Taylorsville, is a regular at the Eucharistic Congress and attended with her Anna Bazaldua (center)daughters again this year.

“The primary thing I like about the Eucharistic Congress is that we get to be here with Our Lord and share in the diversity in our cultures with the Lord,” she said. “Seeing all of the diversity and sharing with one another is like one big church.”

Lucero Lara, also a parishioner of Holy Spirit Mission in Taylorsville, said she loved seeing how many people showed up this year.

“The Congress was really good this year with the topics and the different tracks,” she said. “I’m really excited and happy to see so many new teenagers and kids here, because they are our future.”

Ethan and Katelyn JonesYoung parents Ethan and Katelyn Jones are members of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Charlotte. The two met at Western Carolina University and now have two children.

“A lot of the talks have been very helpful, and even though we go regularly to Adoration, it’s really nice to have that here, as well as meeting back up with friends and family like my brother-in-law, who is a seminarian,” Ethan Jones said.

Katelyn added, “I love it. I've been coming here since I was 10 years old, actually. I was in the kids Latin choir for a while, and then I was in the Charlotte Diocesan Youth Conference and then we were part of Western Carolina Campus Ministry. I love it because you get to see all these people that you grew up with, especially if you're from this diocese. And so it's like a big Catholic family reunion, and it's a beautiful opportunity to really renew that the whole point of why we're here, which is the Eucharist and having the Eucharist constantly processing around and having these beautiful talks and opportunities for Adoration. It's very, very refreshing.”

Frank Corsi, a parishioner from St. Dorothy Parish in Lincolnton, said he appreciated how well organized things were.

“My thought was how wonderful it was that the whole city just got out of the way so that we could process down the center (of town), how beautiful it was.”

By the numbers

12,250

Chairs in the two main halls at the Charlotte Convention Center and all were filled – leaving standing-room only

10,000+

People estimated at the Eucharistic Congress on Saturday

5,900

Hosts consecrated for Holy Communion at the closing Mass

3,000

People estimated at Friday night’s opening program (a record!)

110

Yards that lines for confession stretched at one point on Saturday

106

Banners carried in the Eucharistic Procession

105

Minutes it took for the procession to complete its 0.8-mile route

94

Vendors featured during the two-day event

52

Weeks until the 2025 Eucharistic Congress, whose theme “Pilgrims of Hope” reflects that of the Vatican’s Jubilee Year

46

Priests hearing confessions at any given time on Saturday

36

Communion stations during Mass

20

Number of Charlotte Eucharistic Congresses held

17

Slides in sacred art light show about St. Francis of Assisi, donated in honor of Bishop Martin, a Conventual Franciscan

12

Benedictine monks from Belmont Abbey who led everyone in Evening Prayer Friday night

9

Billboards promoting the Eucharistic Congress around Charlotte leading up to the event

2

Bishops present at the event: Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., the fifth Bishop of Charlotte, and his predecessor and founder
of the Eucharistic Congress, Bishop Peter Jugis

1

Body in Christ gathered in communion

CHARLOTTE — In the homily for his first Eucharistic Congress as Bishop of Charlotte, Bishop Michael Martin encouraged nearly 10,000 people to go out into the world and share the presence of Jesus with everyone they encounter – especially people they may not know.

The new bishop marveled at the size and passion of the crowd that gathered over two days for the Diocese of Charlotte’s 20th annual Eucharistic Congress.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I didn’t expect this!” he said.

The cavernous hall of the Charlotte Convention Center echoed with sacred music and choral voices singing hymns to greet more than 100 colorful banners representing parishes and ministries from around the diocese, followed by flags of more than 20 nations and a procession of more than 100 priests and deacons.

The two-day celebration was a joyful mix of music, worship and fellowship, all centered around the Eucharist as the source and pinnacle of Catholic faith. The Mass tied it all together as a standing-room only crowd heard Bishop Martin’s homily focused on the Eucharist as a source of unity that can draw the Church’s – and the world’s – diverse community together.

During the homily, the bishop reflected on the Gospel reading from Luke which featured the episode on the road to Emmaus, where two disciples do not recognize the risen Christ. They invite Him to share a meal with them, and only then do their eyes open to the fact that Jesus is with them. This moment, the bishop said, shows the power of welcoming the stranger.

“We live in a world that is so frightened…let’s understand how the brokenness of the world has distanced us from the stranger and has made us leery of the stranger,” he said. “Fear born out of sin and born out of brokenness has distanced us and detached us, so it’s harder and harder to remain with each other and to remain in Him.”

People can take a lesson from how the disciples acted on their way to Emmaus, he said. Receiving the Eucharist as part of a larger and diverse community, alongside people they do not know, can help Catholics learn how to bring God’s love to all they encounter in the world.

“May that teach us something about what the Eucharist means, about what the Eucharist can do and can be,” he said.

The diversity of the Catholic community in the Charlotte diocese was on display earlier Saturday as thousands took to the streets of Uptown Charlotte for a mile-long Eucharistic procession.

People carried the banners of their parishes and ministries. Many marchers were praying the rosary, singing hymns in English and Spanish, and playing instruments as they walked. Bishop Martin and other clergy carried the Blessed Sacrament, and as they passed bystanders on the sidewalks, they made the sign of the cross and kneeled.

The procession ended at the convention center and was followed by a Holy Hour led by the bishop, with a homily delivered by Father Juan Miguel Sanchez. This prayerful morning led straight into a full day of educational talks, Eucharistic Adoration, and activities for families, children and those with special needs. Attendees also could shop for religious objects at more than 80 vendors and view a special sacred art light display featuring images of St. Francis of Assisi, in honor of Bishop Martin, who is a Conventual Franciscan.

The event drew thousands of people from all parts of the diocese, shown by a map set up in the main exhibit hall where attendees could place a pin on their parish location. Hundreds of pins were spread out to all corners of western North Carolina – from Charlotte to Linville, Greensboro to Mount Airy.

Attendees were also hungry to receive the sacraments.

Lines for confession stretched more than 100 yards, with penitents lining up in two areas of the main exhibit halls, waiting for their moment with one of dozens of priests to listen and absolve them.

Fred and Norma Waring drove three hours from Waynesville and said they got more than their money’s worth at the free event – scoring unexpected meetings with the diocese’s Bishop Emeritus Peter Jugis outside their hotel and then Bishop Martin – in the confessional.

“Uh-oh!” Norma Waring said to herself when she and her husband were led to the bishop for confession.

“It made me a little nervous,” Fred Waring, 77, admitted. “I don’t like doing this, but he made it easy. I was comfortable talking to him.”

The standing-room only crowd at the closing Mass was so large that toward the end of Holy Communion, clergy at the 36 Communion distribution stations designated by white umbrellas were breaking consecrated hosts into smaller and smaller pieces so that everyone could receive the sacrament.

At the end of Mass, Bishop Martin invited the crowd back for the next Congress and revealed the logo and theme for 2025’s event: “Pilgrims of Hope.” He also blessed religious items for the crowd, thanked Bishop Jugis for his inspiration to start the Congress in 2004 and Monsignor Roger Arnsparger for overseeing the event throughout its 20-year history.

He also smiled as he looked at the people filling the exhibit hall, noting, “We are busting at the seams,” and joked that next year the diocese may need to hold Eucharistic Congress at the Carolina Panthers stadium.

Bishop Martin also encouraged the crowd to take their experiences from the Congress out into the world.

“May this Congress not stop here,” he said, “but rather go out into the world that needs so much the Real Presence of Jesus, that needs to know where to be connected, that needs to know what true life is, and may we bring that to our encounter with the stranger – the poor, the orphan, the enemy – and may we recognize Him in the breaking of the bread.”

— Christina Lee Knauss. Photos by Patrick Schneider, Troy Hull, Binh-An Nguyen and Giuliana Polinari Riley.

More online

• More than 10,000 turn out for Eucharistic Congress
• Catholics fill the streets of Charlotte for Eucharistic Procession
• Thousands join in prayer and praise at Eucharistic Congress opening

What the pilgrims said

Luna DawkinsLuna Dawkins, 4, of St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem was attending her first Eucharistic Congress and was happy to share her impressions.

“My favorite part is following Jesus, because we love him more than anything in the whole world. There were so many people who love Jesus,” she said. “I didn’t know there were that many people who love Jesus.”

Anna Bazaldua, a parishioner of Holy Spirit Mission in Taylorsville, is a regular at the Eucharistic Congress and attended with her Anna Bazaldua (center)daughters again this year.

“The primary thing I like about the Eucharistic Congress is that we get to be here with Our Lord and share in the diversity in our cultures with the Lord,” she said. “Seeing all of the diversity and sharing with one another is like one big church.”

Lucero Lara, also a parishioner of Holy Spirit Mission in Taylorsville, said she loved seeing how many people showed up this year.

“The Congress was really good this year with the topics and the different tracks,” she said. “I’m really excited and happy to see so many new teenagers and kids here, because they are our future.”

Ethan and Katelyn JonesYoung parents Ethan and Katelyn Jones are members of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Charlotte. The two met at Western Carolina University and now have two children.

“A lot of the talks have been very helpful, and even though we go regularly to Adoration, it’s really nice to have that here, as well as meeting back up with friends and family like my brother-in-law, who is a seminarian,” Ethan Jones said.

Katelyn added, “I love it. I've been coming here since I was 10 years old, actually. I was in the kids Latin choir for a while, and then I was in the Charlotte Diocesan Youth Conference and then we were part of Western Carolina Campus Ministry. I love it because you get to see all these people that you grew up with, especially if you're from this diocese. And so it's like a big Catholic family reunion, and it's a beautiful opportunity to really renew that the whole point of why we're here, which is the Eucharist and having the Eucharist constantly processing around and having these beautiful talks and opportunities for Adoration. It's very, very refreshing.”

Frank Corsi, a parishioner from St. Dorothy Parish in Lincolnton, said he appreciated how well organized things were.

“My thought was how wonderful it was that the whole city just got out of the way so that we could process down the center (of town), how beautiful it was.”

Entitled, 'Conversion: What’s your story?' Marcellino D’Ambrosio and Jimmy Coleman shared their stories of conversion with the energetic teens. The programming included trivia, music from Belmont Abbey College students, a talk from newly ordained Father Matthew Harrison, small group breakout sessions, adoration and the opportunity to receive the sacrament of confession.

— Photos by Patrick Schneider and Troy Hull

CHARLOTTE — More than 2,500 people turned out Friday night as uplifting praise-and-worship music, prayer and a stirring message from Bishop Michael Martin combined to kick off the 2024 Eucharistic Congress.

Organizers estimated it was the largest opening night attendance ever in the event’s 20-year history.

The Congress continues on Saturday with one of the largest Eucharistic processions in the country, which typically draws 10,000 people walking through uptown Charlotte as a witness to Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist.

The two-day Congress is the first for newly ordained Bishop Martin, installed in May as Bishop of Charlotte, and featured robust Friday programming with a concert, keynote speech by the bishop, special movie screening, and Spanish-language play – geared toward youth and young adults.

“It’s beautiful. It’s so holy the minute you walk in,” said Our Lady of Grace parishioner Chryste Hofer, who traveled from Greensboro with friends to participate in her third Eucharistic Congress.

“You just melt when you see so many religious sisters and brothers in one place – you just feel like you’ve walked into home.”

‘IT’S SO SPECIAL TO BE HERE’

Nashville-based Catholic singer Sarah Kroger had audience members from teenagers to senior citizens – even the bishop himself – clapping and dancing in the aisles. Kroger, who has been nominated for a Dove Award, was fresh off a rousing performance at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in July.

Young families gathered in one section, dancing and twirling with toddlers in their arms during Kroger’s performance, which included upbeat and more introspective worship songs, including music from her latest album “A New Reality.”
Alaina Evangelisto of Charlotte and her husband Gianna were among them, with their year-old twin daughters.

“We started coming here together in college and now it’s so special to be here with our babies,” Evangelisto said. “I love that there’s a concert this year…it’s great to have a different type of worship experience this year.”

After Kroger’s concert, the Benedictine monks from Belmont Abbey led the crowd in chanting Evening Prayer, also known as Vespers.

The evening also featured an appearance by “Adoration Ultra” runner Jimmy Coleman and others who were greeted by the cheering crowd inside the convention center after running 13 miles from St. Matthew Church to St. Ann Church to St. Patrick Cathedral.

‘GOD DESIRES US TO BE HERE’

Bishop Martin’s keynote address drew a standing ovation.

He reflected on ways that today’s world makes people feel disconnected, and he offered solutions for how to reconnect through faith in Christ. He assured the crowd “You belong here,” saying people from across the Diocese of Charlotte and the world can all find a place as followers of Christ.

“We claim a space among the People of God and not one of us can be left out,” he said. “…We must first acknowledge that we belong here, that this is our rightful place. God desires us to be here. God desires you and me to recognize our sacred calling as His children, and to give witness not just in the streets tomorrow morning, but throughout each and every day of our lives…”

Bishop Martin encouraged people to remember Christ’s promises and seek connection with Him in all parts of their lives, from the workplace to their relationships with family, friends and everyone they meet. He called out actions that cause people to disconnect from God and from others, including being judgmental of others.

The Congress offers a chance not only for Catholics to connect with Christ through the Eucharist, but also learn ways to offer that vital connection to others who are searching for meaning.

“We have the power to transform that, to make a difference here in western North Carolina,” he said. “…You belong here. I belong here. May we bring that message to our world that needs it so much. It will be the Eucharist that will remind us daily of who belongs, and the answer to that is always – everyone.”

St. John Neumann parishioner Ramon Aleman was moved by the bishop’s words.

“His message is phenomenal because he is challenging people not only to believe but to try to live more like saints,” Aleman said.

The message also spoke to Hofer, the Our Lady of Grace parishioner who traveled from Greensboro with friends to participate in her third Eucharistic Congress: “We’re all disconnected. We all judge in some way. How does this not speak to you?”

Her friend Nellie Jimenez, a parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle in Greensboro, agreed.

“The bishop inspired us to bring others back to the Church, to let them know that no matter how things are going out there – they belong. And with help of Christ we can conquer anything. We just have to ask for forgiveness and for His help.”

 — Christina Lee Knauss. Photos by Patrick Schneider, Troy Hull, Kimberly Bender, Liz Chandler and Binh-An Nguyen.

More online

• More than 10,000 turn out for Eucharistic Congress
• Catholics fill the streets of Charlotte for Eucharistic Procession
• Bishop Martin: ‘May this Congress not stop here, but rather go out into the world’

Eucharistic Congress pilgrims reflect on Friday activities

Cathy Young (center)Cathy Young from St. Therese Parish in Mooresville returned to this year’s Eucharistic Congress for the first time in 15 years.

“My friends invited me to come, and I’m so happy to be here,” Young said. “I think it's really cool that there is an aspect for young adults on Friday night. That was really cool and really interesting to me.”

Cindy O’Brien, a member of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Greensboro, has attended every Eucharistic Congress since 2005 andCindy and John O'Brien said she hopes to meet the new bishop.
“It’s different every year because the Holy Spirit moves in different ways,” O’Brien said. “We love the procession and the chance to proclaim your faith publicly to Charlotte. You’ll see some of the workers stop and they'll look at us and they'll stop working, stare and ask what's going on, and then you get to witness to them. They're just stunned.”

High school senior Maggie Foppe has been coming to the Eucharistic Congress for more than 10 years. She recalls being reluctant at first to go to the youth tracks, but soon changed her mind.
“Every time I would come back smiling. It was a good experience being with a bunch of other Catholic kids my age and talk about the faith,” she said, noting her excitement for the other youth and young adult programming. “I knew things would be different walking in this year, but it was cool to see the different layout. I feel like we can fit more people in now.”

Matteo MaldonadoMatteo Maldonado from St. Mary Parish and Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro, is attending his third Eucharistic Congress this year and was eager to share his experience.
“This is pretty fun. I love it. I love coming here,” he said. “I love getting signatures of priests to pray for them, and they are going to pray for me, too. Probably one day in the future I'll get to come here as a priest.”

Martha Fenn from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Monroe was attending her third Eucharistic Congress. She also attended theNorma Zitnik and Martha Fenn National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in July and noted that it was a special experience, especially seeing Bishop Michael Martin there.

“Coming from the national event, I really felt like we have to support our local Eucharistic Congress. I love that we have programming in multiple languages. That’s very nice. I moved from another diocese, and they have tried to imitate the Diocese of Charlotte because it’s all organized and well thought of. It goes with the theme: ‘You belong here.’ The bishop’s message goes with the times because people are feeling lonely and anxious, and there are a lot of mental health issues, but people belong, they have a purpose, and that’s a good message.”

Norma Zitnik from St. Mark Parish in Huntersville has attended at least five Eucharistic Congresses.

“I think all the Congresses are beautiful,” Zitnik said. “Of course, this year is a little different because of the new bishop, but tonight is special for me. I usually attended on Saturdays, but it's not only for young adults, it's for everybody. So that’s why I came here.”

— Annie Ferguson

CHARLOTTE — The 2024 Eucharistic Congress procession, held Saturday morning, Aug. 31, took nearly two hours to complete as a near-record number of Catholics danced, prayed, sang and carried banners representing parishes and ministries.

More than 100 banners representing parishes and ministries stood tall against the Charlotte skyline.

Faithful kneeled as Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament was carried through the streets of Uptown Charlotte. Young children in strollers clapped along with the sounds of the enthusiastic crowd.

Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., carried the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of Charlotte for his first Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte.

The Eucharistic Procession culminated inside the Charlotte Convention Center, where Father Juan Miquel Sanchez delivered the Holy Hour homily to a standing-room only crowd estimated at nearly 10,000 people. Read the full story.

"I've never seen it like this, and I’ve been coming since the beginning," said Allana Ramkissoon, assistant superintendent of the diocese's Catholic schools.

"I think it's having a new bishop – everyone wants to meet him or see him. He’s very visible. He’s getting around to all the churches, so they’re excited about that. They all want to take pictures with him. On Earth, the bishop is the pinnacle of the faith. He represents Christ to them…They want that connection."

— Catholic News Herald. Photos by Patrick Schneider, Troy Hull and Binh-An Nguyen.

More online

• More than 10,000 turn out for Eucharistic Congress
• Thousands join in prayer and praise at Eucharistic Congress opening
• Bishop Martin: ‘May this Congress not stop here, but rather go out into the world’

CHARLOTTE — Thousands of people streamed through Uptown Charlotte Saturday for the signature procession of the annual Eucharistic Congress – singing, praying, strumming guitars and following Bishop Michael Martin carrying the Blessed Sacrament.

The two-day event opened Friday night with a rousing praise-and-worship concert and keynote address from Bishop Martin, then resumed Saturday with a solemn yet joyful procession. An estimated crowd exceeding 10,000 people from across the western half of North Carolina walked in the two-hour procession from historic St. Peter Church to the Charlotte Convention Center, where the congress is taking place.

The procession featured children in their First Communion outfits, hundreds of clergy and consecrated religious, apostolic groups, ministries and all of the diocese’s 92 parishes – carrying 105 banners and walking together in public witness behind Jesus present in the Holy Eucharist.

Afterward, thousands filled the Convention Center for a Holy Hour led by Bishop Martin. This is the 20th annual Eucharistic Congress and the bishop’s first since being ordained for the Charlotte diocese in May.

“A hundred years from now, not one of us will be here. But guess who will? If we remain in God, we remain in Him who remains with us at all times.” — Father Juan Miguel Sanchez

 Addressing a standing-room only congregation estimated at 10,000 people, Father Juan Miguel Sanchez – priest-secretary for Bishop Martin – delivered the Holy Hour homily in English and Spanish.

In his homily, he recalled a moment from his childhood when he saw his mother cry after receiving the Eucharist and that he came to understand why as he got older. He told the story to help illustrate the distinction between true faith and appearances.

“We don't pray to be seen, but it is good to be seen praying,” Father Sanchez said. “We don't make a procession with the Blessed Sacrament to be seen in the streets of Charlotte, but it is good to be seen in the streets of Charlotte walking with our God. My mom was not crying in front of Our Lord to be seen by her children, but it was certainly good for me to see my mom being so close to God.”

Father Sanchez’s overall message was shaped by the Gospel reading about the vine and branches (Jn 15:1-8) as he encouraged the congregation to remain close to Jesus.

“In the Gospel, Jesus is saying I am the true vine, and we are the branches, and He eagerly invites us to remain in Him,” he said, echoing the theme of the Congress, ‘Remain in Me.’ “But in being branches we can be two different ways: those who are joined, at least by name, but there are no fruits, and those who are joined and yield fruit and are capable of yielding even more.”

He continued, “The invitation of Christ is to remain in Him. He is not saying remain a Christian in name and that would be enough or even remain somewhat close to me, but in Me. Jesus speaks of a remaining that implies, not just a closeness, but an intimate union to Him, with Him and in Him.”

Father Sanchez said this invitation is what the sacraments are all about and the teachings of the Church have as a goal.

“The more we adhere to Jesus’s Divine Will, the more we will be able to give fruit and the more we will be one with Him,” he said.

Then he connected his message to the sacrament that brought so many of the faithful to Charlotte for the weekend.

“The Eucharist, unlike any of us, will have a mysterious, remaining, permanent presence in the world, at least until the end of times. Think about it. A hundred years ago none of us were here.

“But guess who was here? A hundred years from now, not one of us will be here. But guess who will? If we remain in God, we remain in Him who remains with us at all times.”

— Annie Ferguson. Photos by Patrick Schneider, Troy Hull, Binh-An Nguyen and Giuliana Polinari Riley.

More online

• Catholics fill the streets of Charlotte for Eucharistic Procession
• Thousands join in prayer and praise at Eucharistic Congress opening
• Bishop Martin: ‘May this Congress not stop here, but rather go out into the world’

The free event – the largest of its kind in the Southeast – has even more to offer this year including praise-and-worship concerts, unique dramas and a projection light show featuring Franciscan art in honor of the diocese’s new Bishop Michael Martin, among other features.

Organizers have packed in more programming and increased outreach – through billboards, social media and a personal invitation from Bishop Martin – to welcome more people of all ages and propel the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival.

This year’s theme “Remain in Me” is taken from Jesus’ words to His disciples in the Gospel of John (15:4).

In his invitation to the families of the diocese, Bishop Martin, OFM Conv., encourages people to attend to reconnect with their faith and with each other. As the new Bishop of Charlotte, he said he is looking forward to unexpected blessings at what will be his first diocesan Congress.

“Maybe you have never considered going, or you went once years ago, or you just think this might not be your thing,” he wrote. “Might you be willing to experience it with me anew…for what I know will be an unexpected blessing?”

Bishop Martin will headline Friday night’s opening event with a keynote address to young people and a Meet & Greet reception. On Saturday morning, he will lead the people of the diocese in a dramatic Eucharistic procession through the streets of Uptown Charlotte, and renowned for his preaching, he will serve as the principal celebrant and homilist for the closing Mass Saturday afternoon.

One lucky person who participates in the diocese’s feedback survey will win a special prize: Lunch with Bishop Martin, who will celebrate his three-month anniversary as bishop of the growing diocese on Aug. 30, the opening day of the Congress.

“Please join me,” the bishop said in his invitation, “to reconnect with what truly matters: Jesus and His Church.”

At GoEucharist.com: Find the full schedule of events, speaker profiles, Eucharistic procession instructions, and more.

20 years of the Eucharistic Congress

20 years of Eucharistic processions, 1 local priest. Noah Carter was an altar server in the first Eucharistic Congress procession in 2005 (pictured above, holding the canopy pole to the left of Bishop Peter Jugis). He grew up to become a priest – and today Father Carter helps lead that procession. He has attended every Congress and now serves as an assistant master of ceremonies. Read more (File | Catholic News Herald)20 fun facts about the Congress:

1. When Pope John Paul II declared the “Year of the Eucharist” in 2004, Charlotte Bishop Peter Jugis was inspired to launch a Eucharistic Congress here in 2005, igniting the tradition – and passion – that continues today.

2. The inaugural Eucharistic Congress featured keynote speaker Jim Caviezel, the actor who portrayed Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ.”

3. More than 3,000 people took part in the first Eucharistic Congress procession through Charlotte. That first Congress was so well attended that Bishop Jugis looked out at the crowd and asked, “So, do you want to do this next year?” Their answer: a burst of applause.

4. An altar server in that first procession grew up to become a priest – who today helps lead the procession. Father Noah Carter has attended every Congress and now serves as an assistant master of ceremonies. Read his story online at www.catholicnewsherald.com.

5. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that the Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” (CCC 1324)

6. The patron saint of Eucharistic congresses is St. Paschal Baylon (1540-1592). A shepherd and Franciscan lay brother, he was noted for his devotion to Adoration. His feast day is May 17.

7. Four cardinals have spoken at the Charlotte Eucharistic Congress: Cardinal John Foley of Philadelphia, Cardinal Francis Arinze of Nigeria, Cardinal Edwin O’Brien, and Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York.

8. The 2010 Eucharistic Congress drew a record crowd of 11,000 – but then new records were set in 2012, 2013 and 2015. In 2017, organizers estimated the current record of nearly 20,000 people attended.

9. The Eucharistic procession from St. Peter Church to the Charlotte Convention Center is nearly a mile long and takes about an hour to complete. Cardinal Dolan, who headlined the 2015 Congress, called it “quite a workout.”

10. The sacrament of confession is offered by dozens of priests during a period of more than four hours at each Eucharistic Congress. Confessions are heard in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean.

11. While different clergy deliver the Holy Hour homily at the Congress each year, the principal celebrant and homilist for Mass has always been the Bishop of Charlotte. Longtime Bishop Peter Jugis gave the homily each of the past 19 years. Now, with Bishop Jugis retired, Charlotte’s new Bishop Michael Martin will preside and give his first Congress homily.

12. The Blessed Sacrament, carried and worshiped in the Eucharistic procession, is typically brought into each of the program tracks at the Congress, so participants may spend time in Eucharistic Adoration.

13. The 10th annual Eucharistic Congress in 2014 had as its theme “Behold, I make all things new” from the Book of Revelation. In his homily for the closing Mass, Bishop Jugis urged people to make Mass a central focus of their weekly routine: “Why did Jesus give us the Eucharist? He wants the Eucharist to be a real part of our life – not just something we do once in a while.”

14. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented a large-scale in-person Eucharistic Congress in 2020 and 2021, but the Diocese of Charlotte reimagined them as virtual events with at-home guides, livestreamed Masses and limited parish events.

15. The Congress theme is different each year, yet always focuses on celebrating the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

16. In 2022, the Eucharistic Congress featured the diocese’s 50th anniversary theme: “Faith More Precious Than Gold.”

17. Parishes, schools, orders and other Catholic groups take part in the Eucharistic procession. Most carry large processional banners, and some spice things up with music and dancing.

18. The focal point of the procession is the bishop or priest carrying the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance underneath a processional canopy (baldachin), with onlookers falling silent and to their knees as he passes.

19. Every year, children in the diocese who have received their first Holy Communion are invited by the bishop to join him in the Eucharistic procession.

20. The closing Mass of the Eucharistic Congress draws thousands of people. Organizers typically make sure that 10,000 communion hosts are stocked and ready for consecration during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

The Eucharistic Congress has something for everyone:

Worship

Eucharistic Procession

The Eucharistic Procession, in which Bishop Michael Martin carries a monstrance containing the Eucharist through Uptown Charlotte, is a highlight of the two-day Eucharistic Congress and one of the largest events of its kind in the U.S.

It will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, outside St. Peter Church at 507 S. Tryon St., and end inside the Charlotte Convention Center.

Line up anywhere along the purple procession route by 8:30 a.m. to join in behind your parish’s banner as it passes by.

Holy Hour

The Holy Hour will begin at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31. Not able to take part in the outdoor Eucharistic Procession? No problem – just go directly to Hall A inside the Charlotte Convention Center. The homily on the Gospel of John (15:1-8) – “Remain in Me” – will be given by Father Juan Miguel Sanchez.

Mass

Join Bishop Michael Martin and priests of the Diocese of Charlotte for Mass at the conclusion of the 2024 Eucharistic Congress, starting at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, inside the Charlotte Convention Center. (This vigil Mass fulfills your Sunday obligation.) Bishop Martin will give the homily.

Entertainment

4:30 p.m. Friday: Doors open!

Food and beverages will be available for sale, including beer and wine. Vendors also open for shoppers.

Kickoff Concert with the Sarah Kroger Band

After wowing the crowds during the recent National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Sarah Kroger, a GMA Dove Award®-nominated artist and songwriter, will open the 2024 Charlotte Eucharistic Congress at 5:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30. Kroger just released her sixth album, “A New Reality.” Read her latest interview.

Opening, Keynote Address and reception with Bishop Martin

After the 6:30 p.m. welcome from emcee Pete Burak on Friday evening, don’t miss a special appearance by “Adoration Run Club” ultramarathon runner Jimmy Coleman and fellow runners. Read how you can join in.

The Benedictine monks of Belmont Abbey will then lead Evening Prayer (Vespers).

At 7:15 p.m. Friday, Bishop Michael Martin will give a Keynote Address to Young People. This is the first Charlotte Eucharistic Congress for Bishop Martin, who was ordained for the Charlotte diocese in May.

After his talk, meet Bishop Martin and all the 2024 guest speakers during a special reception.

Drama, testimony and music

Starting at 8:30 p.m., enjoy a Spanish-language program of music, drama and testimony: “A Live Presentation of the Life of Carlos Acutis” and “Concierto: Prayer and Praise Concert with Evan Lemoine.”

Sacred Art Light Display

Throughout the two-day Congress, enjoy an immersive exhibition of illuminated sacred art featuring images of St. Francis of Assisi, produced exclusively by Highland Mediaworks as a gift to honor Bishop Martin.

‘Triumph of the Heart’

Catch a new movie about St. Maximilian Kolbe on Friday at 8:30 p.m. and hear from its writer/director Anthony D’Ambrosio. Most stories of St. Kolbe end with him volunteering to enter the cell at Auschwitz on behalf of another prisoner. But this story starts there, as he forges a rebellion of hope with nine other prisoners in the darkest place on earth.

Talks

Saturday’s English Track promises inspiring talks with practical advice on how to make the Eucharist the center of our lives:

- 12:30 p.m. – Father Robert Spitzer, a blind Jesuit priest renowned for his work explaining the connection between science and faith, will give a talk entitled “The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.”

- 1:30 p.m. – Father Chase Hilgenbrinck, a former soccer pro who became a priest, will discuss “Living a Eucharistic Life.”

- 2:30 p.m. – Pete Burak, an advocate for evangelization and discipleship, will encourage listeners with his talk, “The Eucharist: Fuel for the Mission.”

Vietnamese Track

On Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m., Father Tri Truong, pastor of the Diocese of Charlotte’s largest Vietnamese congregation, will give two talks on the themes of “Remain in My Love” and “Stay with Us, Lord,” and he will hear confessions in Vietnamese.

Other Tracks

The Family Track will feature presentations at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday by Conor Gallagher on “Well-Ordered Family: The Family Management System,” as well as a 12:30 p.m. showing of the Eucharist-themed documentary “Body, Blood, Soul & Divinity.”

A special Saturday afternoon program just for middle and high school students (rising sixth-graders to 12th-graders) will feature guest speakers creative director Marcellino D’Ambrosio and ultramarathon runner Jimmy Coleman, who will share their stories of conversion. Teens will also enjoy trivia, music provided by Belmont Abbey College students, a talk by newly ordained Father Matthew Harrison, breakout sessions, adoration, and confessions.

In the Special Needs Track, participants will spend their time exploring what it means to remain in Jesus through movement, games, crafts and stories.
NOTE: Registration is still open for the Middle/High School Track and the Special Needs Track!
Go to https://goeucharist.com/schedule for details and registration info.

Plan your visit:

- Parking decks are located at The Green (adjacent to St. Peter Church) and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Surface parking lots are also available. Better yet: take the light rail line or ride share.

- The Charlotte Convention Center prohibits outside food from being brought in, including coolers. Concessions are available inside, and many restaurants are located nearby.

- Browse 80-plus commercial and informational vendors from 4:30 p.m. to closing on Friday, Aug. 30, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31.

 - Find more info and answers to common questions on the About and FAQs pages of GoEucharist.com.

Join us for our first-ever Family Track at the Eucharistic Congress on Saturday, Sept. 9, entitled: “To Jesus Through the Family: A Close-Up Encounter with Our Church for Families.” Parents can choose to attend the 1-hour track as a family at two different start times. This will allow them to experience other aspects of the Congress as well.

Preregistration is highly encouraged to reserve a spot for the session you choose.

Please note: The Family Track will take the place of the former Children’s Track. There will be no Children’s or Middle School tracks this year. Parent(s) will attend the Family Track together with their children. Also, wristbands will not be used for the Family Track. Simply show up at your selected time.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

This year’s Eucharistic Congress features a special program just for you! Join us for Adoration, confession and a keynote presentation by Paul George. Pre-registration is encouraged.

SPECIAL NEEDS TRACK

 The 2023 Eucharistic Congress will feature a Special Needs Track from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Learn more and sign up for the new Family Track, as well as the separate high school and special needs tracks: https://goeucharist.com/youth-special-needs-tracks/

Bishop Peter Jugis will open the 2023 Eucharistic Congress at 6:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at the Charlotte Convention Center. Solemn vespers will follow at 7 p.m., led by the men of St. Joseph College Seminary.

A special note: Bishop Jugis, who founded the Eucharistic Congress in 2005, will celebrate his 20th anniversary as bishop next month.

Also this year, the diocese is partnering with the U.S. bishop’s National Eucharistic Revival. Kris Frank, its senior director of strategy and outreach, will emcee and give the keynote talk at 8 p.m. Friday.

After the opening ceremonies, spend time in Adoration at St. Peter Church (507 S. Tryon St., across the block from the convention center). Adoration will be held from 9:30 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday.

Begin Saturday’s events by joining in a dramatic Eucharistic Procession from St. Peter Church to the convention center. It culminates with a Holy Hour and homily by Father Matthew Kauth, rector of St. Joseph College Seminary.

There will be programs in English, Spanish and Vietnamese, as well as tracks for special needs families, and high school and college students.

Another highlight of this year’s congress is a new Family Track. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, take a tour through exhibits on sacramentals, enjoy craft activities, and more. Pre-registration online is encouraged to ensure your preferred time slot.

The concluding Mass will be offered by Bishop Jugis at 4:15 p.m.

Get more info

At www.goeucharist.com: Get more information about the 2023 Eucharistic Congress and register for the family, high school and special needs tracks.

Know before you go

The Charlotte Convention Center prohibits outside food from being brought inside. The prohibition includes coolers and other containers of food. Food service options are available in the building, and many restaurants are located around the Convention Center.

Over 80 commercial and informational vendors will be on hand inside the Charlotte Convention Center, from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday night, Sept. 8, and on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a list of vendors, go to www.goeucharist.com/vendors.

Eucharistic Congress Schedule

Friday, Sept. 8

6:45 p.m. – Welcome, Prayer and Introductions by Bishop Peter J. Jugis
7 p.m. – Solemn Vespers by St. Joseph College seminarians
8 p.m. – Kris Frank of the National Eucharistic Revival, “The Necessity of Intimacy”
9 p.m. – Procession of the Blessed Sacrament to St. Peter Church (507 S. Tryon St.)

9 – 11 p.m. College Track: Sr. Angela de Fatima Coelho, MD, ASM, “Fatima – A Light for the World” (Richardson Ballroom B)
9:30 p.m. – 7 a.m. – Nocturnal Adoration at St. Peter Church

Saturday, Sept. 9

8 a.m. – Priests’ Holy Hour (St. Peter Church)
9 a.m. – Outdoor Eucharistic Procession begins from St. Peter Church to the Charlotte Convention Center
10:15 a.m. – Eucharistic Adoration and Holy Hour homily by Father Matthew Kauth (Hall A)
10:45 a.m. – Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament (Hall A)
10:50 a.m. – Welcome, collection, announcements (Hall A)
11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Adoration in the Chapel (Hall B)
11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Confessions in English and Spanish (Hall B and Hall C)

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Family Track  Room 219: “To Jesus Through the Family: A Close-Up Encounter with Our Church for Families”

12:30 – 3:30 p.m.:
English Track – Hall A
Spanish Track – Hall C
Vietnamese Track – Richardson Ballroom B
High School Track – Room 220

1 – 3 p.m. – Special Needs Track – Room 216: “S.T.A.R. – See, Teach, Adore, Reflect”

4:15 p.m. – Closing Mass with Bishop Peter J. Jugis, principal celebrant and homilist (Hall A)

Eucharistic Procession

9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9
The Eucharistic Procession, in which Bishop Peter Jugis carries a monstrance containing a consecrated host – the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ – is a highlight of the two-day Eucharistic Congress.

Join the Eucharistic Procession through uptown Charlotte to the Charlotte Convention Center, where the Eucharistic Congress will be held. It will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at St. Peter Church at 507 S. Tryon St.

Line up along the procession route by 8:30 a.m. as noted at left.

Parishioners, please gather anywhere along the purple procession route to join in behind your parish’s banner as it passes by.

The Eucharistic Procession will culminate inside Hall A of the convention center, where a Holy Hour will be celebrated starting at 10:15 a.m. Saturday.

Holy Hour Homily

Father Matthew Kauth
10:15 a.m. Saturday: On the Gospel of Luke 24:13-35

Father Matthew Kauth was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Charlotte in 2000. He has served in diocesan parish ministry and as a high school chaplain, delivered popular lectures on scripture and theology, and taught theology at Belmont Abbey College. In 2014 he spearheaded a commission to determine the feasibility of establishing a college seminary in the Charlotte diocese in cooperation with Belmont Abbey. As a result, St. Joseph College Seminary was founded in 2016. Father Kauth became its first rector, where he continues to serve today.

English Track

Dr. John Bergsma

12:30 p.m. Saturday: ‘Mass Conversion: How I Discovered the Eucharist & the Catholic Church’

Dr. John Bergsma is a professor of theology at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. The former Protestant pastor speaks regularly on Catholic radio and at conferences and parishes nationally and internationally, and he has written more than a dozen books on Scripture and the Catholic faith.

Sister Angela de Fatima Coelho, MD, ASM

1:30 p.m. Saturday: ‘Sr. Lucia – A Eucharistic Woman’

Sister Angela de Fatima Coelho is a world renowned expert and speaker on the Messages of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal. In 2009, she was named vice postulator for the cause of Jacinta and Francisco Marto, two of the Fatima visionaries. In 2012, she became postulator of their cause, and two years later, she was also appointed vice postulator for the cause of Servant of God Sr. Lucia, the third and last surviving Fatima seer.

Deacon Omar Gutierrez

2:30 p.m. Saturday: ‘Always With Us: Christ’s Presence in the Poor’

Deacon Omar Gutierrez is president and co-founder of the Evangelium Institute, a non-profit dedicated to providing dynamic catechetical and spiritual formation to adults and Catholic organizations. He is a nationally recognized expert on Catholic Social Teaching.

Holy Mass

4:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9

Join Bishop Peter Jugis and priests of the Diocese of Charlotte for the celebration of Holy Mass at the conclusion of the 2023 Eucharistic Congress, starting at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, inside the Charlotte Convention Center. (This vigil Mass fulfills your Sunday obligation.)

NOTE: First Communicants are invited to join the entrance procession for the closing Mass of the Eucharistic Congress at 4 p.m. Saturday. Parents should bring their children to Room 218 in the convention center by 3:45 p.m.

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte's annual Eucharistic Congress began Friday night at the Charlotte Convention Center. Bishop Peter Jugis opened the two-day celebration with the diocese’s prayer for the success of this year’s congress.

This year’s congress theme is “I am with you always,” which comes from the Gospel of Matthew 28:20.

“Why do we have a Eucharistic Congress?” Bishop Peter Jugis asked those in attendance at the opening ceremonies. “First, it is to honor our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ, whom we love with all our hearts. And to demonstrate our love for Him by giving a witness for that faith we have in Him by coming together from all our parishes across the Diocese of Charlotte, to bear witness to His Real Presence in the Eucharist.”

The 19th annual Eucharistic Congress – a free, two-day event celebrating our Catholic faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist continued Saturday with a day full of events.

“The congress brings together the whole diocese as one diocesan family,” Bishop Jugis said Friday night. “I know at our smaller parishes or at smaller campus ministries, it might feel like only a small number of Catholics. But when we get together at this congress, where we will have over 10,000 Catholics expressing their faith in the Blessed Word and the Holy Sacrament tomorrow, it does something to your faith. You realize, ‘Wow, there are a lot more of us here.’ And that strengthens our faith, to know we are not alone.”

After the bishop's opening remarks, seminarians from St. Joseph College Seminary led Solemn Vespers. Then Kris Frank, from the National Eucharistic Revival and emcee of this year’s congress, welcomed attendees and gave a talk entitled “The Necessity of Intimacy," which expounded on our need for the Eucharist in our lives.

Priests, religious and faithful from across the diocese prayed and stayed for the Friday night tracks, beginning the congress something like a special family reunion.

“After having been here as a kid, and then as a seminarian, working and serving during congress, and now this my first year as a priest it is truly special,” said newly ordained Father Peter Rusciolelli, parochial vicar of St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem. “Every day as a priest, to be able to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is amazing. To have that intimate relationship with our Lord, and to come here and share in it now with the whole diocese is a very special thing.”

Friday night’s events also included a track for college students, where students from campuses across western North Carolina came to hear talks, share in fellowship, and then later spend the night in Eucharistic Adoration at St. Peter Church next door to the Charlotte Convention Center.

“This is my first year at the Friday night track, and I am so excited to be here with friends and so many new people,” said Roy Nunez, a Belmont Abbey College senior. “It’s exciting to see a bunch of Catholics come together and just share the faith. It really strengthens your faith, and it’s just so exciting to see everyone come together like this.”

Speaking to those gathered in the ballroom where the college track was held, Bishop Jugis further explained this year’s congress theme and the underlying beauty of the congress.

“This year’s theme comes from the final instructions of Our Lord to the disciples,” Bishop Jugis said. “Where He tells them, ‘Go out to the whole world and baptize all nations in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. And teach them to observe everything I have commanded you, and know that I am with you always, until the end of the ages.’ And this can be applied very beautifully to the Eucharist. Jesus is with us. He will never abandon His Church.”

“Some people will say that the Eucharist is just a symbol,” Bishop Jugis added. “But that is not what Jesus says. The Eucharist is Jesus Himself. He is the Eucharist. He is substantially present in that Blessed Sacrament. He is with us always.”

— Spencer K.M. Brown. Photos by Spencer K.M. Brown and Christina L. Knauss.

Related coverage:

Bishop urges spiritual renewal for thousands at Eucharistic Congress

Be open to the Lord's presence; Thousands attend Eucharistic Congress Holy Hour 

Faithful celebrate Jesus in the Eucharist in joyous procession

Sights of the Eucharistic Congress

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis has announced the theme for the 20th annual Eucharistic Congress to be held Aug. 30-31: “Remain in Me” – which comes from the Gospel of John.

Part worship experience, part diocesan “family reunion,” the annual Eucharistic Congress at the Charlotte Convention Center is an opportunity to deepen our faith and be inspired by Christ’s love for us.

The theme comes from the Last Supper discourse in the Gospel of John 15:4.

In announcing the theme, Bishop Jugis noted the integral connection between the love of Christ and the Eucharist:

“Our Synod listening sessions revealed a desire on the part of our parishioners to renew and anchor our lives in the Holy Eucharist, where Christ Jesus remains truly present with us in the Blessed Sacrament,” Bishop Jugis said. “In St. John’s Gospel, Jesus tells us, “Remain in Me” (Jn 15:4). Why does Jesus want us to remain in Him, to anchor our lives in Him and stay united to Him?

“It is in order to produce the good fruit of the Kingdom. The Lord says: ‘I am the vine, you are the branches; whoever remains in Me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without Me you can do nothing.’ It is especially through our union with Christ in Holy Communion that we remain in Christ and anchor our lives in Him. He assures us: ‘Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me and I in him.’

“And so, we joyfully respond to the Lord’s call, ‘Remain in Me,’ and with deep faith we receive Him in Holy Communion in order to constantly renew our lives and produce good fruit as His disciples.”

In addition, this passage from scripture reveals the depth of our Christian life and the vital importance and need to stay connected to our true vine, our Lord Jesus Christ.

In a treatise on John’s gospel, St. Augustine explains Jesus’s words: “(The disciples) are not in Him in the same kind of way that He is in them. And yet both ways tend to their advantage, and not to His. For the relation of the branches to the vine is such that they contribute nothing to the vine, but from it derive their own means of life. … For when the branch is cut off, another may spring up from the living root; but that which is cut off cannot live apart from the root” (Tractate 81, 1-2).

Get updates about the 2024 Eucharistic Congress online at www.goeucharist.com.

— Spencer K.M. Brown

Your DSA contributions at work

The diocese’s Eucharistic Congress is funded in part by contributions to the annual Diocesan Support Appeal.

Learn more about the DSA and how you can contribute at www.charlottediocese.org/dsa.

Eighty-one banners representing parishes and ministries stood tall against the Charlotte skyline.

Faithful kneeled as Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament was carried through the streets. Young children in strollers clapped along with the sounds of the processing crowd.

Priests from across the diocese kicked off Saturday’s Eucharistic Congress events with a special Holy Hour with Bishop Peter Jugis.

The Eucharistic Procession culminated inside the Charlotte Convention Center, where Father Matthew Kauth delivered the Holy Hour homily. Read the full story.

—  Photos by Troy Hull, David Puckett, Patrick Schneider Photography and Edward F Chaplinsky, Jr.

See photos from the priests' Holy Hour at St. Peter Church in Charlotte as the start of Saturday's Eucharistic Congress events.

Thousands of people take part in a Eucharistic procession through the streets of Uptown Charlotte in what is a signature part of the Diocese of Charlotte’s annual Eucharistic Congress. This year’s Eucharistic Congress will take place Friday-Saturday, Aug. 30-31, at the Charlotte Convention Center. (File | Catholic News Herald)

Youth and young adults invited to Friday night concert, movie premiere and reception with the bishop

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte’s 2024 Eucharistic Congress is shaping up to be an exciting two days of powerful personal stories, prayer and praise – and it’s all free for everyone to attend.

The two-day event – the largest of its kind in North Carolina – begins Friday, Aug. 30, at the Charlotte Convention Center with an evening of music, drama and saintly inspiration.
Headlining this year’s Eucharistic Congress will be Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv. On Friday night, he will give a keynote address to young people, followed by a “meet and greet” reception.

Friday night will also feature a performance by Dove Award-nominated artist Sarah Kroger, fresh off her performance at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis.

There will also be a free premiere of “Triumph of the Heart,” the story of St. Maximilian Kolbe’s last days in Auschwitz. Its writer/director Anthony D’Ambrosio will share his powerful conversion story that inspired him to make the movie.

There will also be appearances by Adoration Ultra runner Jimmy Coleman, former professional soccer star Father Chase Hilgenbrinck, and more.

The Benedictine monks of Belmont Abbey will lead evening prayer.

On Saturday, Aug. 31, events begin with a dramatic Eucharistic procession through the streets of Uptown Charlotte into the Charlotte Convention Center. Thousands of parishioners, Catholic groups, clergy, religious and 2024 First Communicants will follow Bishop Martin carrying the Blessed Sacrament – the Real Presence of Jesus – for all to witness.

The procession will conclude with Holy Hour and a homily delivered by Father Juan Miguel Sanchez.

Eucharistic Adoration and the sacrament of confession will be offered all day Saturday.

Saturday’s talks will feature Jesuit Father Robert Spitzer, Father Hilgenbrinck and emcee Pete Burak. There will be additional programs in Spanish and Vietnamese, plus lots of food, music and Catholic vendors offering unique merchandise.

Saturday afternoon will also have special programs for middle and high school students, families, and special needs individuals.

The 2024 Eucharistic Congress will end with Mass, offered by Bishop Martin and the priests of the diocese.

— Catholic News Herald

More online

At www.goeucharist.com: See the full schedule of Eucharistic Congress events, speaker profiles, a sneak peek of “Triumph of the Heart,” and more

Register now for special programs, volunteer sign-ups

Middle / High School Track

This year’s event will feature a special afternoon program just for middle and high school students (rising sixth graders to 12th graders): “Conversion: What’s your story?” Guest speakers Marcellino D’Ambrosio and Jimmy Coleman will share their stories of conversion.

D’Ambrosio is the co-founder of a Catholic creative marketing firm and involved with the production of “Triumph of the Heart,” a feature-length movie about St. Maximilian Kolbe’s final days in Auschwitz that will premiere Friday night at the Eucharistic Congress.

Coleman is a member of St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte who conceived of “Adoration Ultras” – ultramarathons that involve running from church to church for Adoration of the Blessed

Sacrament to raise awareness of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. His Adoration Ultras have attracted other runners to join him, most recently for the National Eucharistic

Congress in Indianapolis, and the effort has drawn local and national media attention.

The teen program will also include trivia, music provided by Belmont Abbey College students, a talk by newly ordained Father Matthew Harrison, small group breakout sessions, adoration, and

the opportunity to receive the sacrament of confession.

Advance registration is required at www.goeucharist.com/schedule/high-school-middle-school-track
Note: There will be no children’s track at the Eucharistic Congress this year.

Special Needs Track

This year’s event will also feature an afternoon program designed for special needs individuals and their families. Participants will spend their time exploring what it means to remain in Jesus through movement, games, crafts and stories. Advance registration is required at www.goeucharist.com/schedule/special-needs-track.

2024 First Communicants

A highlight of the annual Eucharistic Congress is a mile-long procession through the streets of uptown Charlotte on Saturday morning. It starts at St. Peter Church at 9 a.m. and ends inside the Charlotte Convention Center, where the day’s program is held.
Children who have received their first Holy Communion this year are invited by Bishop Martin to participate in the procession. Registration is encouraged. For details and to register, go to www.goeucharist.com/schedule/procession.

Volunteer sign-ups

Become a volunteer and make new friends, have fun and get a behind-the-scenes look at how this incredible two-day event comes together. Sign up by Thursday, Aug. 15, at www.goeucharist.com/get-involved.

“Our diocesan family has experienced so many extraordinary graces because of our annual diocesan Eucharistic Congress. We are seeing similar graces because of the National Eucharistic Revival, which will culminate next July in the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis,” said Father Roger Arnsparger, the chair of the Eucharistic Congress committee for the Diocese of Charlotte.

At this year’s Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte, Kris Frank – chief missions officer for the National Eucharistic Congress – served as master of ceremonies. He encouraged attendees to take their fervor for the Eucharist to the national event in Indianapolis July 17-21, 2024, when the Church in the United States will gather in one place to worship and celebrate the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist – the first such event in 83 years.

“The 10th National Eucharistic Congress is going to be a truly historic event for our Church. Like other events, there will be amazing speakers and worship opportunities, but I truly believe this event will be so much greater than the sum of its parts,” Frank said in a recent interview. “I think God has something special lined up for the Church, and I see the 10th National Eucharistic Congress being a pivotal moment where Christ reignites and renews His Church.”

The Diocese of Charlotte eagerly partnered with the National Planning Committee for the Eucharistic Revival and Congress, Father Arnsparger noted.

“We were served well by Chris Beal, director of the Office of Catechetical Formation, who represented us at the national meetings,” Father Arnsparger said. “I hope that many of our parishioners in the diocese will plan to be at the National Eucharistic Congress to share in this great opportunity to honor Our Lord on a national level.”

Because of the partnership, members of the Diocese of Charlotte who are purchasing individual passes receive a $76 discount on tickets to the 10th National Eucharistic Congress. Using the code “CHARLOTTE” when registering for an individual pass drops the price from $375 to $299.

“It has been a joy working closely with the Diocese of Charlotte,” Frank said. “We wanted to make it easier for those who attend the diocesan event to attend the national event in Indianapolis next summer.”

Frank also spoke at Charlotte’s Eucharistic Congress. In his talk, “The Necessity of Intimacy,” he stressed the importance of having a personal and daily relationship with God.

“One practical way in which we can accomplish this is through visiting Jesus in the Eucharist, whether at daily Mass or Eucharistic Adoration,” he said. “If I want a strong and healthy marriage, no one would be surprised that I carve out time to be with my wife; similarly, the same is true if we want a healthy relationship with God.”

For more information about the National Eucharistic Congress, visit www.eucharisticcongress.org.

— Annie Ferguson

Pictured above: Kris Frank, chief missions officer for the National Eucharistic Congress, was the master of ceremonies at the 19th Annual Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte.

The 19th annual event will be held Sept. 8-9 at the Charlotte Convention Center, featuring educational talks in English, Spanish and Vietnamese, along with a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration and a closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis.

The 2023 theme is: “I am with you always,” which comes from the Gospel of Matthew 28:20.
Bishop Jugis notes the integral connection between the love of Christ and the Eucharist, stating, “The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament of Christ’s great love for us, a love which He showed us by His sacrifice on the cross for our salvation. Christ is really present in the Holy Eucharist, and through the Eucharist He strengthens our charity.”

Bishop Jugis also personally selected the artwork for the Eucharistic Congress holy card to illustrate the theme for the event. “The Ascension of the Lord” by Girolamo Muziano is an altarpiece in the Chiesa di Santa Maria in Vallicella, also called Chiesa Nuova, located in Rome. It is the principal church of the Oratorians, a religious order of priests founded by St. Philip Neri in 1561.

Muziano (1532-1592) was a prolific Italian painter who became the leading artist in Rome during the Counter-Reformation. He graduated from painting classical landscapes to grand Biblical figures in the style of Michelangelo, with attention to anatomical accuracy and dramatic proportion.

His fame grew, and even Michelangelo praised his work. Later in his career, Muziano served as superintendent of the works of the Vatican under Pope Gregory XIII.

This work, painted in 1575, depicts Jesus at His Ascension, with the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary looking up in wonder. With Our Lord’s peaceful face and hand outstretched in benediction, viewers can almost hear His parting words as He instructs the Apostles: “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28-18-20).

—  Spencer K.M. Brown

Get updates online

At www.goeucharist.com: Get information about the 2023 Eucharistic Congress, in English and Spanish, as plans are finalized

It is such a beautiful thing when you see the procession of the faithful following the Blessed Sacrament, from the bishop, priests, deacons and religious to all the people of God who walk and pray. One wonderful thing to witness is parishioners entering with their banners, proudly representing their local parishes. In years past, when all the children who made their first Holy Communion that year come in, it is as if the angels themselves are present in the solemn Eucharistic procession.

Perhaps we can ask ourselves, what is the importance of this great event? First, I want to echo what our dear Bishop Peter Jugis has expressed on several occasions when asked about the reason for the event: “I want to give the opportunity for my diocese to meet with our Lord and His shepherds so that together we can give Him glory and honor.”

We have witnessed all the graces and fruits that the Congress has brought to our diocese from the very start. For me as a priest, it gives me the opportunity to meet with my present community and be able to greet the faithful coming from past parishes and give them the great embrace of friendship. We have seen how the parishes have been getting to know each other, and the faithful are happy to see so many Catholics from our diocese. It reaffirms their own faith and helps them see that we are composed of many cultures in the same faith.

We have also seen that, since the Congress, more chapels of adoration and more nocturnal adorations have been opened in parishes. The extraordinary impulse of grace has encouraged us to render adoration to our good God and has characterized us as a Eucharistic diocese.

Among the most beautiful things we have witnessed and experienced is the birth of St. Joseph College Seminary in our diocese. The prayer of the faithful to the Lord to send workers to His harvest is very present in the Congress, and the testimony of all the seminarians working in the Congress inspires young people. Young Catholics see a diocese that prays, believes and makes them ask themselves the great question: “Lord, what do you want from me?” Many families have told me how the Congress has helped them and their children grow in devotion to the Eucharist and how homes have been restored in faith because of the gathering.

WHERE DOES THIS TRADITION COME FROM?

One of the manifestations of this increased devotion was the introduction of Eucharistic processions, the earliest evidence of which comes from Cologne, Germany, in the 1270s. By the 14th century, the practice of processing the Blessed Sacrament on the feast of Corpus Christi had been adopted throughout Europe. In cities and towns, these processions took place in the streets, but in rural communities, Eucharistic processions usually took the form of a procession through the fields. In the latter setting, four outdoor altars were often built, and at each altar the beginning of one of the four Gospels was sung.

The writings of St. Thomas Aquinas, in particular, influenced the Church during this period to use the term “transubstantiation” to describe the miraculous conversion of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ during the consecration at Mass. Once these truths were deepened in priestly formation at seminaries, the Eucharistic explosion was not long in coming. The faithful began to ask their pastors for exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the great Corpus Christi processions. And so, the

Church has continued to persevere in these processions and Eucharistic Congresses that do so much good for the faithful.

HOW ARE THE PROCESSIONS ORGANIZED?

The liturgical books of the Church continue to encourage the carrying of the Eucharist in procession on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi or other important occasions, calling this practice “desirable” (cf. Roman Missal, Form of Mass for Corpus Christi; Ceremonial of Bishops, 386). The purpose of such processions through the streets is to give public witness to the faith of the Christian people and to manifest their devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

The ritual book Holy Communion and Adoration of the Eucharist outside Mass indicates that it is for the local Ordinary (bishop) to decide on the appropriateness of such processions and to approve a place and plan that will ensure that these movements are carried out with decorum and reverence (101). In addition, appropriate arrangements should be made with public authorities and law enforcement officials to ensure the safety of those who will participate in the processions.

Ideally, the Blessed Sacrament will be reserved in a tabernacle, and a monstrance is prepared and placed on the altar. A suitable prayer is offered, which in our diocese consists of the recitation of Lauds by all the priests. The Blessed Sacrament is incensed and then the procession begins. Eucharistic songs and hymns that are easy to sing and memorize should be led by a choir during the procession. While not required, the traditional custom of stopping at stations to proclaim the Word of God and give a

Eucharistic blessing may take place. A canopy or baldachin held over the Blessed Sacrament may also be used as an option. At the end of the procession, a blessing with the Blessed Sacrament should be given in the church where the procession ends. The Blessed Sacrament is then reposed.

The Ceremonial of Bishops gives the following order for Eucharistic processions: Cross bearer with candle bearers; clergy and deacons with their albs in procession; deacon(s) of the Mass; thurifer; bishop or priest carrying the Blessed Sacrament; other members of the Catholic congregation (optionally carrying lighted candles); persons carrying appropriate banners; musical instruments; followed by all the holy people of God.

My dear brothers and sisters, I encourage all of you to come to Charlotte on Saturday, Sept. 9, and, as our dear bishop has said, avail yourself of the great graces God is showering on us as we “meet with our Lord and His shepherds so that together we can give Him glory and honor.”

Father Julio DomÍnguez is the episcopal vicar for Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte.

• • • • • Eucharistic Procession and Holy Hour of Reparation: At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, Bishop Jugis led a candlelight Eucharistic Procession around the cathedral grounds. A Holy Hour of Reparation followed from 8 to 9 p.m. inside the cathedral. Nocturnal Adoration began at 9 p.m. and end at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.

• Votive Mass of the Most Holy Eucharist: Bishop Jugis celebrated a votive Mass of the Most Holy Eucharist at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and again at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at St. Patrick Cathedral, located at 1621 Dilworth Road East in Charlotte. The 5:30 p.m. Saturday Mass was livestreamed to the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel, and the 12:30 p.m. Sunday Mass was livestreamed on the cathedral's website.

All events are open to the public. The cathedral asks attendees to wear a face covering and practice safe social distancing.

In his homily for Mass Sept. 6, Bishop Jugis encouraged people to find ways to celebrate during the weekend of the Eucharistic Congress, Sept. 11-13, to foster unity and devotion to the Eucharist.
“Jesus is really and truly and substantially present” in the Eucharist, he emphasized. “Jesus the Good Shepherd is really present in the Eucharist, and He’s bringing His flock together around Himself.”
The diocese’s annual congress is meant to bring “the whole diocese together as one family in Christ. Though we are separated in 92 parishes and missions, when we come together for the Eucharistic Congress we are celebrating our unity in Christ.”
Baptism unites us to Christ and to each other, he said, and “the Holy Eucharist serves to make our union with Jesus and make our union with our brothers and sisters even stronger. It’s strengthening that bond which begins at baptism. The Eucharist deepens it, renews it, and makes it even stronger.”
Through the various Eucharistic-themed parish celebrations across the diocese this weekend, he said, “it will be the Eucharist uniting us, even across the miles, as one Body in Christ.”
He encouraged people to celebrate our faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist – to deepen our devotion and closeness to Jesus, to give thanks for “this beautiful gift Jesus has given us,” and to “keep alive our desire to live holy lives so that we worthily receive the Body of Christ in Communion.”
For more information about Eucharistic Congress events at St. Patrick Cathedral, go to www.stpatricks.org.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

In what has become an annual gathering of the Church in western North Carolina, the Eucharistic Congress is expected to attract thousands of people from around the state and the Southeast.

This year’s Eucharistic Congress theme is “Faith More Precious Than Gold,” which is taken from 1 Peter 1:7 to coincide with the Diocese of Charlotte’s 50th anniversary celebration.

The congress will include: Mass; a Eucharistic procession through uptown Charlotte; the sacrament of confession; speakers and musical programs; vendors offering Catholic merchandise and information; and more.

It will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday with a time of quiet reflection and chant, then a welcome at 6:45 p.m. from Bishop Peter Jugis in Hall A of the Convention Center. At 7 p.m. Byzantine rite vespers will be prayed.

This will be followed by a talk at 8 p.m. by Vinny Flynn, who is known to many as “the man who sings the Divine Mercy Chaplet on EWTN.”

After Flynn's talk, there will be nocturnal Adoration at nearby St. Peter Church from 10:30 p.m. until 7 a.m. Saturday. St. Peter Church is located at 507 S. Tryon St. in uptown Charlotte.

Saturday’s events kick off at 9 a.m. with a Eucharistic procession that follows a route from St. Peter Church to the Charlotte Convention Center. Please note: This year, First Communicants are invited to join the entrance procession for the closing Mass of the Eucharistic Congress instead of the Saturday morning street procession.

A Holy Hour – featuring a homily by Bishop Peter Jugis, fourth Bishop of Charlotte and founder of the Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress – will immediately follow the procession at 10:15 a.m. Saturday inside the Charlotte Convention Center.
Programs in English, Spanish and Vietnamese will be offered throughout the day. Bishop Jugis will celebrate Mass at the conclusion of the congress Saturday at 4:15 p.m.

— Catholic News Herald

More information online

At www.goeucharist.com: See the full schedule of events, read more about the featured speakers and activities, get parking information and more.

See the full Eucharistic Congress guide.

Eucharistic Procession

9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6
The Eucharistic Procession, in which Bishop Peter Jugis carries a monstrance containing a consecrated host – the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ – is a highlight of the two-day Eucharistic Congress.

Join the Eucharistic Procession through uptown Charlotte to the Charlotte Convention Center, where the Eucharistic Congress will be held. It will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at St. Peter Church at 507 S. Tryon St.

Line up along the procession route by 8:30 a.m. as noted at right. Parishioners, please gather along Wells Fargo Plaza at the corner of South Tryon and Third streets (purple area on map) or anywhere along the purple procession route to join in behind your parish’s banner as it passes by.

Please note: This year, First Communicants are invited to join the entrance procession for the closing Mass of the Eucharistic Congress instead of the Saturday morning street procession.

The Eucharistic Procession will culminate inside Hall A of the convention center, where a Holy Hour will be celebrated starting at 10:15 a.m. Saturday.

Speakers

Vinny Flynn

8 p.m. Friday: "Faith in the Promise of Eucharist"

Vinny Flynn is known as “the man who sings the Divine Mercy Chaplet on EWTN.” A father of seven, Flynn has been involved in a ministry of mercy for over 40 years, using his gifts of speaking, writing, counseling and music to help people understand the teachings of the Church and open their hearts to the healing touch of God’s love. His personal, straight-forward style makes theological concepts and the teachings of the Church come alive with new meaning.

As a teacher and counselor, Flynn experienced first-hand how much healing is needed in the world. He began using his gifts in full-time religious ministry. His powerful teachings on Divine Mercy, Mary, the sacraments, and the Father’s love have made him a popular speaker.

A former executive editor at the Marian Helpers Center and former General Manager of Divine Mercy International, Flynn has been actively involved in spreading the message of Divine Mercy. Co-author of Now is the Time for Mercy and the famous little booklet, The Divine Mercy Message and Devotion, Flynn also edited the official English edition of the Diary of St. Faustina.

He has written several books – most notably, a series of “7 Secrets” books starting with 7 Secrets of the Eucharist. It has remained on the Top 10 Best Sellers list for Ignatius Press since it was published in 2007. Now in its 23rd printing, it has sold over 100,000 copies.

Dr. Peter Kreeft

12:30 p.m. Saturday: ‘Why We Believe: A Eucharistic Faith’

Dr. Peter Kreeft is a professor of philosophy at Boston College. A convert to the Catholic Church from Calvinism, he has been a major literary force in the world of English-language Catholic apologetics for several decades and the author of more than 100 books. He has influenced countless Christians and non-Christians globally with his luminous, lucid and compelling reasons to believe in God, Jesus Christ, and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Most Rev. Peter J. Jugis, J.C.D.

10:15 a.m. Saturday: Homilist, ‘Whoever eats this bread will live forever – John 6:51-58’

The Most Rev. Peter Joseph Jugis is a native of Charlotte, N.C., and is the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1983 by Pope (now St.) John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Before being ordained bishop, he served as the diocese’s Judicial Vicar and pastored parishes across the diocese, including Belmont, Charlotte, Denver, Huntersville, Monroe, Reidsville, Salisbury and Winston-Salem. Pope (now St.) John Paul II appointed him

Bishop of Charlotte in 2003. He established the Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress in 2005.

Very Rev. Patrick J. Winslow, J.C.L.

1:30 p.m. Saturday: ‘The Interior Life’

Since coming to the Diocese of Charlotte in 2002 from the Diocese of Albany, N.Y., Msgr. Patrick Winslow has served with distinction in several important diocesan roles, including as an ex-officio member of the Lay Review Board, the Promoter of Justice in the diocese, and as pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.
In 2019, Bishop Jugis appointed him vicar general and chancellor.

Dr. Bill and Mary Thierfelder with Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B.

2:30 p.m. Saturday: ‘Hearts United: First Friday First Saturday Devotion USA’

Know before you go:

Parking decks are located at The Green (adjacent to St. Peter Church) and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Flat parking is available at 510 S. Caldwell St. and 510 S. College St. You can also park along the Lynx Blue Line and get off at the 3rd St./Convention Center stop.

The Charlotte Convention Center prohibits outside food from being brought inside. The prohibition includes coolers and other containers of food. Food service options are available in the building, and many restaurants are located around the Convention Center.

Your DSA contributions at work

The Eucharistic Congress is funded in part by the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. Learn more about the DSA and how to donate online at www.charlottediocese.org/dsa.

A native of Paris, Boucher (1703-1770) is known for his idyllic and voluptuous paintings on classical themes, decorative allegories and pastoral scenes. He took inspiration from artists like Peter Paul Rubens. He was perhaps the most celebrated French painter and decorative artist of the 18th century.

This image depicts the miraculous event in the Gospel of Matthew (14:22-33) when the apostles were out on the Sea of Galilee:

Then he made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.

During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I;do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” (Mt 14:22-33)

What should we make of this dramatic moment in Scripture? Read more at www.goeucharist.com.

The Eucharistic Procession journeys through uptown Charlotte to the Charlotte Convention Center, where the Eucharistic Congress is held.

"I haven't missed any years of Eucharistic Congress since it started in 2007," said Chris Ostrom, parishioner at St. Mark Church in Huntersville. "I love the community here. I'm a teacher at Saint Mark Catholic School where I teach 6th- and 8th-grade religion, and I'm the religion coordinator for school. It’s great to see some of our past priests here, and we have some of our former students who are now seminarians, so we see them too.

"We have a routine each year: We come on Friday night, we go out to dinner, and then we come down here and listen to the speaker. Then, we do a Holy Hour of Adoration on Saturday morning, join the procession, and stay until the closing Mass. It’s just like a Catholic reunion, meeting friends from other parishes. Our parish is the second largest in the diocese, so sometimes we don't see people because they go to different Masses, but we see them here."

— Photos by James Sarkis, Patrick Schneider Photography, Amy Burger and Liz Chandler

CHARLOTTE  — Nearly 9,000 Catholics from across the western half of North Carolina gathered for Mass Saturday to conclude the Diocese of Charlotte’s 19th annual Eucharistic Congress – with Bishop Peter Jugis bringing to a close a weekend of prayer, worship, fellowship and a dramatic procession through the streets of Charlotte.

In the cavernous hall of the Charlotte Convention Center, the spiraling sound of brass instruments and choral voices greeted a colorful stream of banners representing parishes from around the diocese to open the two-hour liturgy. Dozens of children who recently celebrated their first Holy Communion filed into the hall dressed in white suits and dresses, followed by deacons and priests and the bishop blessing the crowd.

The Mass concluded with a standing ovation for the bishop, who will celebrate his 20th anniversary as shepherd of the diocese in October.

“Bishop Jugis, I’d like to congratulate you on your upcoming jubilee anniversaries – 20 years as the fourth bishop of Charlotte and 40 years as a priest,” Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer of Atlanta said in a video featuring a dozen priests reflecting on the bishop’s impact on the diocese and its people. “Your steadfast leadership of one of America’s fastest-growing dioceses is a testament to your love of Jesus and His Church.”

Bishop Jugis said he had been “caught completely off guard” and attributed all of his accomplishments to “the gift of a living God.”

The focus of the two-day celebration was the Eucharist and the reality of Christ’s Real Presence in the sacrament. In his homily, Bishop Jugis focused on the vital importance of that Real Presence.

“We have arrived at the high point of the Eucharistic Congress, the offering of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass,” Bishop Jugis told the crowd. “All the events of the Congress lead up to this point because the Mass is the source and summit of the Christian life.”

The bishop urged people to use the weekend as the beginning of a personal spiritual renaissance.

“Let this Congress be the start of something new for you,” he said. “Resolve to deepen your relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. You are probably very busy, as most people are nowadays. But there is Someone waiting for you at Church, in the tabernacle. And I do say Some-One, not some-thing. It is the Lord Jesus who is waiting for you. Don’t you need to visit someone who loves you?”

The bishop also encouraged the crowd to find more time during their daily lives to spend time with Christ, whether through Eucharistic Adoration, stopping by a church to pray, or attending Mass more frequently than only on Sunday.

“Resolve to deepen your relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. You are probably very busy, as most people are nowadays. But there is Someone waiting for you at Church, in the tabernacle. And I do say Some-One, not some-thing. It is the Lord Jesus who is waiting for you. Don’t you need to visit someone who loves you?” — Bishop Peter Jugis

Organizers estimated the largest attendance for the event since 2016, when Cardinal Timothy Dolan from the Archdiocese of New York visited Charlotte. Participants took part in two days of worship, prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, educational talks and fellowship.

Among the speakers were two Nicaraguan priests who came to the diocese in February after being imprisoned in their home country. They spoke about their faith during persecution and drew applause from several thousand attendees.

The Saturday morning procession also drew thousands. Clergy carrying the Blessed Sacrament led the stream of people amidst glass towers and closed streets uptown, followed by a long line of clergy and consecrated religious men and women, as well as the faithful. The mile-long procession included a diverse group people of all ages, some walking in silence while others sang, played music, danced and prayed the rosary.

Bishop Jugis stressed the need to raise awareness of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist to counter research indicating that not all Catholics believe in that Presence, but instead think it merely “symbolizes” Christ. He also reminded the crowd that Christ would remain with them after the Mass and the Eucharistic Congress in their daily lives.

“The Holy Eucharist is the entirely unique way that Jesus fulfills His promise to
remain with us, because the Eucharist is Jesus,” the bishop said. “There are many, many ways that Jesus is with you always. He is with us in the sacraments…He is with you in your prayers. He is present in the poor, the sick and the imprisoned.”

The Real Presence was reflected in the theme for this year’s congress, taken from Christ’s words in the Gospel of Matthew 28:20: “I am with you always.”

— Christina Lee Knauss. Photos by Troy Hull, David Puckett and Patrick Schneider Photography 

Read the Bishop's full homily:

We have arrived at the high point of the Eucharistic Congress, the offering of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. All the events of the Congress lead up to this point, because the Mass is the source and summit of the Christian life. The Mass is the source and summit of the Eucharistic Congress.

Why do we have the Eucharistic Congress? The purpose of the Eucharistic Congress is to celebrate our faith in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist – to affirm our Catholic faith in His Real Presence.

Some years ago (in the mid 1990’s) a New York Times/CBS poll surveyed Catholics about their faith, in which they were asked which of the following two statements best represented their faith about the Eucharist: 1. The bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ, or 2. The Eucharist is a symbolic reminder of Jesus. A majority of adult Catholics between the ages of 18 and 65 were not able to say that the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. Jesus, however, says differently.

In this Gospel, we have just heard Jesus say, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him” (John 6: 56). In other words, he says, I personally remain in the one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood. Christ Himself lives in us through the Eucharist, and His living in us is possible because Jesus is really and truly present in the Eucharist. It is the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

The theme of our Eucharistic Congress this year is Jesus’ promise to his apostles: I am with you always. The Holy Eucharist is the entirely unique way that Jesus fulfills his promise to remain with us, because the Eucharist is Jesus.

There are many, many ways that Jesus is with you always.

He is with us in the sacraments. When you are baptized, He is with you. When you go to Confession, He is with you as you confess your sins. When you are at Mass, He is with you. He is with you in the sacrament of Confirmation. He is with you when you receive the Anointing of the Sick. He is with the married couple in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

He is with you in your prayer. He is present where two or three are gathered in His name. He is with us in His Word. He is with us in the person of his sacred minister: the bishop, the priest, or the deacon. He is present in the poor, the sick, and the imprisoned.

Jesus says that He is with you always, meaning that it is a forever promise to be with you. You are always the object of his love, at any time of day, through all the hours of the night, through all the days of your life. He has made a covenant of love with you. With compassion He accompanies you on your life’s pilgrimage. He does not forget you or abandon you.

But, of all these ways that Jesus is with us always, He is especially with us in a totally unique way in the Holy Eucharist. In the Eucharist, He is present in the fullest sense of the word ‘present,’ meaning it is a substantial presence of Jesus Christ (CCC 1374) unlike the other presences of Christ. The whole Christ is truly present, his body and his blood, together with his soul and divinity. And this is the way Jesus wanted it.

At every Mass, we offer Jesus to God the Father for the salvation of the world. Jesus is the sacred offering we lift up to heaven at the Consecration as our sacrifice of reconciliation, for the forgiveness of sins. He offered himself on the cross as the sacrifice of forgiveness for the world’s sins, and the Father was pleased to accept Jesus’ gift of Himself. And Jesus commanded us to continue to offer him to the Father as our sacrifice of reconciliation, our thanksgiving sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. And so at every Mass we lift up to heaven our sacred offering to the Father, asking God for his mercy. The Mass is a sacrifice, and Jesus is the sacrifice we offer.

Jesus says, I am with you always. Yes, it is really Jesus who is present.

We have celebrated this Eucharistic Congress together as one diocesan family, with brothers and sisters from parishes all across the diocese. Let this Eucharistic Congress be the start of something new for you. Resolve to deepen your relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. You are probably very busy, as most people are nowadays. But there is someone waiting for you at Church, in the tabernacle. And I do say some-One, not some–thing. It is the Lord Jesus who is waiting for you. Don’t you need to visit someone who loves you? - to visit the Lord in the tabernacle when the church is open during the day outside of Mass times? – to visit Him in Eucharistic Adoration? - or to be a Mass at least one time during the week in addition to your Sunday Mass? Someone is waiting for you to visit Him. It is really Jesus.

Let this Eucharistic Congress be the start of something new for your spiritual life. Go deeper in your relationship with the Lord in the Eucharist.

— Bishop Peter Jugis

Be open to the Lord's presence

Thousands attend Eucharistic Congress Holy Hour

CHARLOTTE — Following the largest Eucharistic Procession since 2015, the faithful gathered for the opening Holy Hour of the 19th annual Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte on Saturday, Sept. 9.

To a standing-room only congregation of nearly 10,000, Father Matthew Kauth, rector of St. Joseph College Seminary, delivered a Holy Hour homily focused on what it means to be present and growing our sensitivity to Jesus’ Real Presence in the Eucharist.

His comments were shaped by the Gospel reading about Jesus’ presence on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) and how the disciples sensed that they didn’t want Jesus to leave, despite not recognizing Him as Jesus until He departed from them.

First, Father Kauth spoke of the nuances of being truly present.

“There are thousands of people here, and my eyes see you. Your eyes see me. Our bodies are confronting each other and yet we know all too well the kind of presence that you and I long for requires more than bodily presence,” Father Kauth said. “We are not cattle feeding on the same hill. The only way that you ever feel like you’re with someone and present to them is if they know you, if they regard you, if they love you.”

He also noted that St. Thomas Aquinas describes three ways in which God is present with us: in His knowing, in His power, and by His essence.

Yet, too often we do not know Him, Father Kauth added while mentioning a fourth presence – grace.

After Jesus’ death, He gives us His Body, His Presence, but only those who participate in His love are sensitive to it, Father Kauth said.

“There was one who was very sensitive to it. She was called full of grace,” he added. “He didn’t need to wish that the Lord is with you, because it was a statement of fact. She was sensitive to the Body of Christ.”

Then Father Kauth noted how the Eucharistic Congress helps the faithful cultivate sensitivity to Jesus’ presence – Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity – in the Blessed Sacrament.

“You and I just did a procession. We did not worship like the angels – we are humans, so that means we have bodies. We walked the streets with the Body of Christ. We worshiped Him because we know Him. We are sensitive to His Eucharistic Presence, and we love Him.”

He continued, “Why is it that our diocese is so blessed? Why are we so graced? I guess maybe because we do what we just did. We throw ourselves at Him in recognition and we say 'I love you. With my body, I adore You.’”

— Annie Ferguson. Photos by Troy Hull, David Puckett and Patrick Schneider Photography

Faithful celebrate Jesus in the Eucharist in joyous procession

CHARLOTTE — During the diocese’s annual Eucharistic Procession, the Blessed Sacrament is carried through the streets of uptown Charlotte. The procession took over an hour to complete the .08-mile route as more than 8,000 Catholics danced, prayed, sang and carried banners representing parishes and ministries.

Eighty-one banners representing parishes and ministries stood tall against the Charlotte skyline.

Faithful kneeled as Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament was carried through the streets. Young children in strollers clapped along with the sounds of the processing crowd.

Priests from across the diocese kicked off Saturday’s Eucharistic Congress events with a special Holy Hour with Bishop Peter Jugis.

The Eucharistic Procession culminated inside the Charlotte Convention Center, where Father Matthew Kauth delivered the Holy Hour homily.

—  Photos by Troy Hull, David Puckett, Patrick Schneider Photography and Edward F Chaplinsky, Jr.

See photos from the priests' Holy Hour at St. Peter Church in Charlotte as the start of Saturday's Eucharistic Congress events.