Part 1 begins Wednesday, Jan 10th in the Ministry Center 7:00pm / Thursday, Jan 11th in the Ministry Center 7:00pm / Zoom Wednesday, Jan 10th 6:30pm

We will watch the new Remain in Me series created by the Archdiocese of Chicago designed to help us all understand and grow closer to the Eucharist.

The evening will include prayer, videos and time for discussion.

The offices of Lifelong Formation and Divine Worship are pleased to present Remain in Me, a process of encounter, understanding, and missionary response to Christ’s abiding presence in the Eucharist. Based on Cardinal Cupich’s Take, Bless, Break, Share: A Strategy for Eucharistic Revival, each reflection session unpacks one of five central themes of our sacramental and liturgical lives through engaging video content, Scripture, prayer, individual reflection and small group discussion.

Everyone is also encouraged to watch this series at home with your family. Links to the series are below. "This is how all will know that you are my disciples: if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)

 

WEEK 1 | The Imperative of Worship

In week 1 we will gather and share the experiences with the Mass and also our often hectic daily life. Here are some of the discussion questions 

  • On any given Sunday, what are the things to which I normally give my time and attention?

  • If I were to prioritize this list, where does Sunday Mass fall?

  • Finish these sentences:

  • My spirit is nourished by…. 

  • I feel connected to the others who ..

  • Is your experience on Sunday a communal celebration or your
    own personal prayer time? 

  • Let's Consider the difference between the “obligation” to worship on Sundays and the “necessity.” 

 

WEEK 2 | The Eucharist as a Matter of Life and Death

In addition to basic human needs (nourishment, clothing, shelter, etc.), what sort of things do I consider “essential” to my life?

  • What are the various ways that participation in Sunday Mass nourishes me?

  • Have I ever thought of the Eucharist as a matter of life and death before? How does this notion challenge or resonate with me?

  • As I look back, do I recognize a time when Jesus was in my midst, nourishing and consoling me? In what ways might that experience have sustained me on my journey?

 

WEEK 3 | The Eucharist as a Summons to Participate

What helps me to prepare for the Eucharistic celebration? What is one small change that I can make today to better prepare to encounter Jesus in the Eucharistic celebration?

  • Pope Francis notes that in participating in the celebration of the Eucharist, it is because Jesus has drawn us there. When I participate in the Mass, do I feel as if I have been drawn there by Jesus Christ?

  • In what ways do I externally participate in the celebration of the Mass? In what ways do I internally participate in the celebration of the Mass?

  • In the end, the liturgy is about encountering the person of Jesus Christ. Which aspects of the liturgy most support this encounter for me? How could I enter more deeply into that personal encounter? How can I offer this encounter to others?

 

WEEK 4 | From the Sacrifice of Jesus to Our Sacrificial Living

When have I sacrificed myself for another? What did I give up or change and how did it affect me? How did I feel when making this sacrifice?

  • How has another person sacrificed himself or herself for me during my life? What did they give up or change and how did that affect me? How did I feel when they made that sacrifice on my behalf?

  • What do the words for the dismissal at the end of Mass: “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord” mean to me?

 

Week 5 | The Eucharist Is the Sacrament of the Lord’s Abiding Presence

Have I had an experience in my life when I was able to say with conviction, “I have seen the Lord”?

  • Is it easy or is it difficult for me to see the presence of Christ when I gather with the rest of my parish to celebrate Sunday Mass?

  • How do I experience the connection between the celebration of the Mass and Eucharistic devotion? In my prayer life, what role does the practice of Eucharistic devotion play (e.g., Adoration, Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, etc.)?