One of five priests leading a pilgrimage of Archdiocese of Milwaukee Catholics to the National Eucharistic Congress next summer described it as a “World Youth Day for grownups.”

“There’s just something absolutely powerful about being with thousands and thousands and thousands of other on-fire Catholics, and that faith and that energy just reinvigorates our faith,” Fr. Dan Janasik told his St. Leonard, Muskego, parishioners at weekend Masses of Sept. 23-24.

Catholics from all over the United States — and of all ages — will gather in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium from July 17-21 and ask Jesus to revive their hearts, the Church and the world. They will be sent home to share their experiences in a new chapter of missionary faith.

More than 80,000 people from all walks of life are expected to attend the congress, which is part of a three-year National Eucharistic Revival initiated by the bishops of the United States. The revival’s mission is to renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

Like the World Youth Day event held for young adult Catholics in different countries every three years, the first National Eucharistic Congress in 83 years will include prayerful opportunities such as open air Masses, Eucharistic processions, inspiring speakers, formation and discussions.

In addition to Fr. Janasik, the Archdiocesan National Eucharistic Congress Pilgrimage will be led by:

  • Bishop Jeffrey Haines;
  • Bishop James Schuerman;
  • Fr. Juan Manuel Camacho, who is pastor of the four Racine parishes of St. Patrick, St. Richard, St. Edward and Sacred Heart. Fr. Camacho also is the Vicar for Hispanic Ministry for the archdiocese; and
  • Fr. Phillip Bogacki, pastor of Christ King and St. Bernard parishes in Wauwatosa. Fr. Bogacki also is a Vicar General who serves as archdiocese Moderator of the Curia.

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee pilgrims will be bused to Indianapolis together, stay in the Marriot Indianapolis East and enjoy seating together at large events of the congress. Within the larger group, subsets of parish groups will be on the same buses and situated as much as possible in hotel rooms near one another.

Congress speakers include many well-known Catholic speakers and writers, including Bishop Robert Barron, Sr. Josephine Garrett, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Sr. Bethany Madonna and Dr. Edward Sri. Event emcees include Montse Alvarado, Sr. Miriam James Heidland and Fr. Josh Johnson.

Transportation, parking, lodging, congress pass and event fees are included in the cost, but meals are not. The cost varies based on the hotel room arrangement selected. Costs range from $960 per person for four people sharing a room with two queen beds to $1,545 for one person with a king bed.

There are a limited number of congress passes available for $299 per adult and $99 per child ages 2-18. Those who choose this option must arrange their own housing, transportation to/from Indianapolis, daily transportation to/from Lucas Oil Stadium and other venues, and parking. Note that with 80,000 participants, hotel and parking availability apart from a pilgrimage group will be limited, and Lucas Oil Stadium event parking alone is about $240.

For more information, to register online to attend, or to print paper registration and other information, go to https://www.archmil.org/evangelization/Eucharistic-Revival.htm  

Register by Dec. 1 to reserve your space. UPDATE: The deadline was extended to Dec. 10.