FROM THE BOARD Communion, Participation, and Mission
Te National Eucharistic Revival: How Will Pastoral Musicians Respond?
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”
(John 6:51) T
he National Eucharistic Revival, launched on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ in June 2022, is a three-year initiative
sponsored by the U.S. Bishops to inspire, educate, and unite a very divided nation and Church. Te Revival is meant to remind us of the power of the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist—its power to heal, unify, convert, and form.
Each year of the Revival will be dedicated to a specific purpose. Te first year is the Year of Diocesan Renewal and emphasizes formation of clergy and lay ministers who will carry the message into parishes. Te second year, from July 2023 to June 2024, will be devoted to bringing the Revival to the parish level. Te highlight of the third year will be the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Indiana from July 17-21, 2024.
Te Diocese of Orange, California, where I serve, began the Eucharistic Revival with a procession after Mass. Hundreds processed around the Cathedral campus singing “Bendito, Bendito,” “Eat Tis Bread,” and “DuTa La Banh Hang.” Troughout the Revival, we as pastoral musicians will undoubtedly be asked to participate in various ways that allow music to be a transformative power in our liturgical prayer. What choices will we make to engage our assemblies?
Our ministry seeks both to encourage the assembly in song and to make its own unique, beautiful contribution to the liturgy. We’ve all experienced a piece of music that transports us to another world, a world of beauty, unity, and love. Song selection, a well- trained choir, good rehearsals—this is how we can best serve our communities, leading them closer to Christ, helping them to pray, and at the same time capturing the essence of the Gospel message sending us out.
NPM strives continually to assist us in the development of our craft. Te Planning Calendar, Musical Skills videos, and Ministry Monday podcasts are some of my favorite things to use in my ministry, and I encourage you all to take advantage of them. You may be asked to participate in or organize Eucharistic Adoration, processions, or small discussion groups. Use the resources NPM offers you to help people see Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist and among His people. If you have an idea of how we can better assist you, let us know.
My prayer is that we open our hearts to Christ in the Eucharist and, with our song, help transform a very wounded world.
Anna Betancourt Member, NPM Board of Directors
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