Photo by Michael AlexanderAtlanta
Archbishop Hartmayer announces return of Atlanta’s Eucharistic Congress
By NICHOLE GOLDEN, Editor | Published June 25, 2021 | En Español
ATLANTA–In a memo to priests on June 25, Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., announced the return of the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Eucharistic Congress. The 25th Congress is set for June 17-18, 2022. The 2020 and 2021 events were canceled due to the pandemic.
“As you know, we have already started an effort in the archdiocese to renew our understanding of and devotion to the Eucharist,” Archbishop Hartmayer said in the memo. “During the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting last week, the bishops discussed a national renewal, which will start within each diocese in 2022.”
He encouraged priests during this year of preparation for the 25th Congress to look for resources and opportunities to bring about this renewal in their parishes. The archdiocesan website provides materials on the renewal campaign, “Come to Me,” and it will be updated in the coming months.
“Moving forward, the archdiocese will gather for a congress every other year,” said the archbishop. “In the years without an archdiocesan event, we will shift this wonderful celebration to the parishes. In this way, we can go forth as disciples into our communities and share the joy of the Lord with everyone.”
The altar filled with incense as Father Tim Hepburn, fourth from right, led the divine praises during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at the 2018 Eucharistic Congress. Archbishop Hartmayer has announced the Congress’ return in 2022. Photo by Michael Alexander
Archbishop Hartmayer said that because the sacrament of reconciliation is so closely related to the Eucharist, he is seeking to have increased emphasis on reconciliation, making it more widely available.
“In encouraging the people of your parish to attend, please provide them with additional hours in the weeks before the congress to avail themselves for the sacrament of reconciliation at your parish,” he wrote to the priests.
The day of reconciliation at the 2022 Eucharistic Congress will be Saturday, June 18, and the archbishop encouraged as many priests as possible to assist.
“I look forward to celebrating the joyful return of the Congress with each of you,” he said.