Hope Starts Here
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