Restoration of adoration of the Sacrament will heal our church, and thus our nation, and thus our world. It is one of Satan’s most destructive lies that sitting alone in a dark church adoring Christ is irrelevant, impractical, a withdrawal from vital contemporary needs. Adoration touches everyone and everything in the world because it touches the Creator, who touches everything and everyone in the world from within, in fact, from their very center. When we adore, we plunge into the center of the hurricane, “the still point of the turning world”; we plug into infinite dynamism and power. Adoration is more powerful for construction than nuclear bombs for destruction. Dr. Peter Kreeft
This quotation is cited in an article written by Fr. Jesse Maingot, O.P., copies of which were distributed this past Tuesday evening to Saint Mary extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. If we needed to be reminded of the uncertainties and contingencies of life and the human condition, recent world events have provided a stark reminder.
While the official Eucharistic Revival formally closed in 2025, the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of a Catholic, both within the worship of Mass and within time of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament is worthy of our constant attention and vigilance. If you have not yet discovered the power of spending time in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord outside of Mass, we cannot over-encourage you to embrace this amazing opportunity. In addition to the weekly period of Exposition from Tuesday morning to Wednesday evening, the church is available throughout the day and evening, seven days a week. He awaits us with intense desire.
I want to thank everyone who, to date, has been able to discern a response to the Called to Flourish: Our Church for the Future campaign. There is still ample time to become involved. As one looks at the materials, including the numerous areas of anticipated increased investment at the diocesan level, I believe it is worthy of highlighting just what an impact even a single dollar can have on behalf of the lives of brothers and sisters in diverse stages and circumstances of life. Here are just a couple of highlights.
I so often hear statements such as: “We need to support our young people more.” This initiative intends to strengthen leadership in our Catholic schools and to inspire young leaders through internships sponsored by the diocese. Further, Camp Christopher, in Bath, is set for major revitalization, providing year-round retreat opportunities for individuals and families.
Another excellent question is: “How are we serving the poor?” This campaign will ensure important improvements of the Saint Augustine Hunger Center and the Bishop Cosgrove Center. Yes, they are in Cleveland, and for some perhaps that seems “far away.” Still, our brothers and sisters in Christ are our brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter where they live.
On a local level, my impression is that while financial support is certainly a factor in sustainability, what is continuously needed by the programs throughout the Wooster and Wayne County community—whether we are speaking of parish-based ministries or social service agencies— is increased volunteer involvement. The sharing of time and talent make a huge impact. There is no shortage of need, especially need for human encounter and compassionate care.
Thank you for reading!
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
