Go Forth - A Reflection on the 10th National Eucharistic Congress
By Rosie Chinea Shawver
Executive Director of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association
Chris Stefanick, one of the speakers on the last day of the National Eucharistic Congress, reminded us that, two-thirds of God's name is "Go." At the end of Mass, the priest always states, "Go in Peace" or "Go forth, the Mass is ended." This missioning, along with 60,000+ other Catholics, was what I felt during the 10th National Eucharistic Congress (NEC) in Indianapolis, Indiana, last week.
For many weeks leading up to the NEC, I did not think this conference was for me. I have a solid relationship with God. I go to Mass daily, spend time with our Lord in Adoration, have a spiritual director, go on personal retreats, and constantly pray with and to Him. I also have heard most of the speakers before, so I didn't necessarily feel like I needed to go. But I was wrong. I am grateful for God's nudging and for Him to provide me with this opportunity for renewal. The NEC is for everyone, present and online. The call is for all of us to take this pilgrimage experience to the ends of the earth.
One question that comes to mind is what does this revival mean for Catholics on college campuses?
For college campus ministers, continue to return to the Lord. Continue to nourish your relationship with Him in the Sacraments, adoration, scripture, and prayer. The ministry you are entrusted with is His, not yours. Ask for inspiration. Ask for advice on what to do in difficult situations. Ask for peace. Listen. Connect with the heart of the Father.
Regardless of your vocation, revival begins in your heart and at home. Reflect on what this means for you in your context. What is your family or community life like? Start by building and nurturing these relationships. The foundation of a strong ministry is a robust and faith-filled personal life. Your ministry will naturally flourish when your heart is aligned with God, and your home is a place of love and faith. Personal revival ignites a ripple effect, bringing new life to those around you and inspiring others to seek a deeper relationship with God.
As a Catholic campus ministry, it is crucial to ground yourself and your ministry in Him and the source and summit of our faith, the Eucharist. The Eucharist is not just a ritual but the very presence of Christ, offering us the grace and strength needed for our mission. Encourage regular participation in Mass and adoration in your community. Let the Eucharist be the heartbeat of your ministry, guiding your actions, decisions, and interactions. When your ministry is deeply rooted in the Eucharist, it becomes a beacon of Christ's love and mercy, drawing others closer to Him.
Go forth and make disciples. This is the great commission given to all of us through our baptism. We are called to go forth and make disciples of all nations. This mission is not reserved for a select few but is the responsibility of every baptized Christian. Embrace this call with zeal and passion. Equip and encourage your students to be active disciples, sharing their faith through word and action. Empower them to evangelize, support one another, and be witnesses to the transforming power of the Gospel. Through discipleship, we create a community of believers united in their mission to spread the love of Christ.
Let's not demonize both being and doing. Both are necessary for a balanced and effective ministry. Being in Christ through prayer, reflection, and sacramental life is essential for personal and spiritual growth. In these moments of stillness, we hear God's voice and receive His guidance. However, doing - engaging in active ministry, service, and evangelization - is equally important. Through our actions, we live out our faith and make a tangible impact in the world. Strive to find harmony between being and doing, ensuring that your ministry is contemplative and active, reflective and dynamic.
Reflections for Campus Ministers:
Personal Renewal: Ensure your own spiritual well-being. Attend to your spiritual practices and seek renewal in the sacraments and prayer.
Community Building: Focus on fostering a strong, faith-based community. This involves both your immediate family and the broader campus ministry.
Eucharistic Centering: Make the Eucharist the heart of your ministry. Encourage participation in Mass and Adoration. Be creative.
Mission of Discipleship: Embrace the call to evangelize. Equip and encourage students to be active disciples of Christ. Everything in your ministry must be geared towards the formation and sending of His disciples. The challenge at the end of NEC was for everyone in the room to accompany one person, who is not active in their faith this calendar year. Imagine how the world would look different if each one of our students did this!
Balance in Ministry: Recognize the importance of both being present in your faith and actively doing the work of ministry. Balance contemplative practices with active outreach and service.
There is an urgency around the country for this revival. Let us utilize this moment as a new pentecost! Let this experience guide you in building and growing the Church through this Eucharistic zeal!
Click here to listen to the talks give at the National Eucharistic Congress.