Kris Frank, chief missions officer for the National Eucharistic Congress, was the master of ceremonies at the 19th Annual Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte.CHARLOTTE — Charlotte’s Eucharistic Congress has been inspiring attendees to grow in communion and love for Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament for 19 years as they worship together in what is considered a “diocesan family reunion.” This year, however, the Diocese of Charlotte is partnering with the National Eucharistic Congress to help increase participation and devotion across the United States.
“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