SECTION 1
A. THE LIFE IN THE EUCHARIST SEMINAR
A Parish Based Adult Education Program
During the past three decades, Catholics have witnessed and lived through an unprecedented reform of their entire sacramental system. Catholics in North American now have the opportunity to enjoy full, conscious and active participation in the rites of their church, especially, the celebration of the Eucharist.
While it is generally agreed that many Catholics have indeed entered into greater participation in the eucharistic celebration by rightfully assuming a variety of liturgical roles, the personal and communal interiorization of the fullness of the Mystery of the Eucharist, as well as the spiritual and societal implications of a lived eucharistic spirituality, are still very ponderable issues. We have reformed our Eucharist; but has our Eucharist reformed our lives?
B. THE OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE LIFE IN THE EUCHARIST SEMINAR (LITE)
LITE is designed to empower adults within a parish community to:
- Deepen their personal and communal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Acquire a broader intellectual appreciation of the Eucharist.
- Lay the foundation for the eventual formation of intentional Christia communities within the parish.
The method employed in LITE is experiential and dialogical. It uses song, story, print, small group/large group interaction, communal prayer, along with didactic input from seminar leaders. These structural elements are woven into a learning process that explores the theological, biblical and liturgical richness of the mystery of the Eucharist in connection with the concrete day-to-day happenings of human existence.
The explicitly spiritual goal of the seminar is to enable participants to live their daily lives in Christ-centered consciousness. Participants are invited to examine a renewed way of life by:
1. viewing the power of Christ's passion, death and resurrection as the point of departure for ongoing personal growth and religious development;
2. enriching their experience of life through personal and communal prayer before the Blessed Sacrament;
3. and by accepting through eucharistic celebration and contemplation the challenge of responding in faith to the moral and social inequities that are inherent in contemporary society.
C. THE GENERAL FORMAT AND PRINCIPLE THEMES OF LITE
The Life In The Eucharist Seminar treats five specific themes that are framed within three particular categories. The categories are Celebration, Contemplation, and Communion with the Suffering. The first three themes focus on the Celebration of the Eucharist. The fourth theme develops the topic of the Contemplation of the presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. The fifth theme examines the social responsibilities of a lived eucharistic spirituality. The operative assumption within this framework implies an integrative view of the eucharistic mystery. Celebration, Contemplation and Communion with the Suffering are inseparable elements of a vital and holistic parochial spirituality of the Eucharist.
CELEBRATION
Session 1: Eucharist - God's Love as Nourishment in Jesus Christ.
Session 2: Eucharist - God's Love as Reconciliation in Jesus Christ.
Session 3: Eucharist - God's Love as Transformation in Jesus Christ.
CONTEMPLATION
Session 4: Eucharist - God's Love in The Abiding Presence of Jesus Christ.
COMMUNION
Session 5: Eucharist - God's Love as Liberation in Jesus Christ.
D. SESSIONS OF THE LIFE IN THE EUCHARIST SEMINAR
SESSION 1 - EUCHARIST: GOD'S LOVE AS NOURISHMENT IN JESUS CHRIST
In preparing the input for this first session, it must be emphasized that the celebration of the Eucharist is a communal meal event during which God's hungry creation is fed with the Food of eternal life--Jesus Christ--in Word and Sacrament.
SESSION 2 - EUCHARIST: GOD'S LOVE AS RECONCILIATION IN JESUS CHRIST
In the second session, Father explains how the entire celebration of the Eucharist is a reconciling event for the faith community. We go to Eucharist not to have our sins forgiven, but rather to receive and experience the reconciliation that is ours in the proclamation of the Word and in the remembering of Christ's passion, death and resurrection.
SESSION 3 - EUCHARIST: GOD'S LOVE AS TRANSFORMATION IN JESUS CHRIST
The input for the third session presents practical guidelines for the individual believer and the faith community that show them how to insert their present life situations into the transforming reality of the manifold presences of Christ that are made accessible in the eucharistic celebration through the actualizing and spiritualizing power of the Holy Spirit. This session wants to elucidate what full, conscious and active participation might truly look like, as well as describing the psycho-spiritual benefits that can flow from such participation.
SESSION 4 - EUCHARIST: GOD'S LOVE AS THE ABIDING PRESENCE OF JESUS CHRIST
With this third session, the investigation of the first element of a contemporary eucharistic spirituality, namely the celebration of the Eucharist, is brought to a close. The fourth session introduces the second necessary element of a contemporary eucharistic spirituality: contemplation. It will focus in on contemplation, especially as it relates to prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
SESSION 5 - EUCHARIST: GOD'S LOVE AS LIBERATION IN JESUS CHRIST
The final session is a celebration of the Eucharist. The homily during this Eucharist will focus on God's love as Liberation in Jesus Christ. The participants will be asked to become actively involved in the preparation of this Eucharist in which the participants have a chance to take part.. A presentation is given focusing on the theme of Eucharist and liberation. The goal is to draw out from the lives of 20th century men and women (e.g., Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day, Pedro Arrupe, Teresa of Calcutta and Oscar Romero) the role the Eucharist plays in the conversion-to-justice process that is the Gospel prerequisite to genuine communion with the suffering. Following the Eucharistic Celebration, is usually an agape or party. The first four sessions of the LIFE IN THE EUCHARIST SEMINAR follow a similar format. Each of these sessions is divided into six parts. Part A introduces the theme and focus of the particular session. Part B uses a prayer of centering with a Eucharistic hymn to enable the individual participant to get in touch with his/her own experience of the theme in a general way. Part C is the small group sharing component. Each participant will have received a worksheet out of which their individual sharing may proceed. Part D is a full group process that encourages participants to share with the full group what they found beneficial from their small group experience. Part E is in-put from the facilitators that seeks to highlight the theological, biblical and liturgical dimensions of the theme of the session. Part F is a communal prayer service during which participants are given the opportunity to ask God's Spirit to grant them the grace to continue their journey of faith through understanding all that happens to them in the light of the Eucharist.
E. WHO FACILITATES THE LITE PROGRAM?
WHAT IS THE SPECIFIC CONTENT?
Your LITE Seminar will be facilitated by a lay LITE team under the direction of The Rev. William Fickel, SSS, the Director of the Center for Eucharistic Evangelizing based in Houston, Texas. The LITE team members have extensive experience and training in the seminar and its dynamics. They have presented the seminar in many parishes in their own diocese of Galveston/Houston and throughout Texas as well as traveling to Cleveland, Ohio and Edinburgh, Scotland. The Seminar has been presented throughout the world including the 46th Eucharistic Congress in Wroclaw, Poland and at the International Eucharistic Congress in Rome, Italy in June, 2000. Bishop Anthony Pilla of Cleveland, Ohio and Bishop Joseph Fiorenza of Galveston/Houston have given their approval of the seminar and its content.
F. SHAPING THE STRUCTURE OF SESSIONS 1 THROUGH 4
Each of the first four sessions is conducted within a two and one half hour period. The following outline may prove to be of help.
- Welcome, introduction of theme and team, distribution and explanation of small group worksheet and closing prayer experience.
- Prayer with song. Both the prayer and song are geared to the particular theme of the session.
- The small group worksheet. Participants, divided into small groups, are asked to answer questions that are designed to help them experientially climb into the topic. If the theme is Nourishment (Session 1), participants are asked to write down what they think are the three most important elements of a meal experience.
- Small group sharing. Participants share their answers with one another in the small group. A facilitator and reporter are surfaced from within the group. The group is to come to a consensus on what they think are the three most important elements of a meal experience.
- Large group sharing. Each small group presents its findings to the large group.
- Refreshment break
- Prepared input by a team member
- Closing prayer experience. The closing prayer experience is held in the church with participants gathered around the eucharistic table. In the Catholic Church, the rite of Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is woven into this act of communal prayer. An appropriate closing prayer service can be held in your church. The structure for this prayer service is:
_ The song used at the beginning of the session.
_ Two preselected readings pertinent to the theme.
_ Silent prayer.
_ Prayers of intercession.
_ The exchange of the Peace of Christ.
The complete prayer service is included in the participant's booklet.
G. HOW TO GET STARTED! WHOM TO INVITE?
The pastor and representatives of the Parish meet to draw up a list of parishioners whom they want to invite to the seminar. LITE can be used effectively to benefit a variety of parish groups: eucharistic ministers; catechists and parents preparing their children for First Communion and Confirmation; administrators and parish councils; and, for certain those parishioners who are seeking to form an intentional Christian community within the larger parish community.
Whatever focus group is decided upon, it is helpful if a personal invitation can be sent, preferably in letter form to each prospective participant. Along with this letter of invitation is enclosed a registration form and an overview of the seminar's content, goals, and methodology. The letter of invitation includes the dates of the seminar along with its schedule and location.
When the registration form is returned, a letter of confirmation and a schedule are sent to the participants. (Please see Section 2 of this book for these suggested letters and forms.) You may use this process or one of your own. Sometimes a follow-up phone call is helpful to remind people of the first session or to answer any questions.
SECTION 2
contains a sample letters of invitation and acceptance that may be used to invite people to the seminar and inform them of their acceptance. These letters may be changed to suit your circumstances, dates, etc., or you may choose to draft your own. There is also a draft of a response card for perspective participants to fill out. Our experience has taught us that a personal letter of invitation from the pastor is a very effective way of getting people to participate.
sample letter of invitation
July 24, 1992
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Jones
10319 Your Neigherborhood Road
Houston, Texas 77044
Dear Freida Joe & Fred:
As Pastor of Corpus Christi Parish, I am delighted to extend to you my personal invitation to become a participant in the LIFE IN THE EUCHARIST SEMINAR to be offered here at Corpus Christi Parish. The Seminar will be presented by a team of parishioners specially trained by Father William Fickel who is the Director of the Center for Eucharistic Evangelizing. Enclosed with this letter of invitation is an overview of THE LIFE IN THE EUCHARIST SEMINAR describing its purpose, aims, goals and methods. The seminar is an adult educational program and makes use of a variety of learning styles with special emphasis on the small group process.
This Special Summer Seminar Schedule is as follows:
Session 1: Friday, July 31, 1992 - 7:00-9:30 PM
Sessions 2, 3, and 4: Saturday, August 1, 1992 - 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Session 5: Sunday, August 2, 1992 - 10:30-2:30 PM
(This session will include Sunday Mass.)
Corpus Christi Parish has dedicated itself to building a Christian community that draws its life from the celebration of the Eucharist. The Life In the Eucharist Seminar offers a unique opportunity to broaden your own understanding and appreciation of the Sacrament which the Second Vatican Council calls "the source and summit of the life of the Church". I sincerely hope that you will give my invitation to participate in this adult faith-building experience your prayerful consideration. If you decide to participate, please complete the R.S.V.P. form on the next page and return it to me as soon as possible. Seating will be limited so do let us hear from you soon. Upon receiving your affirmative response, I will send you a letter of confirmation.
Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,
Rev. Roger Smith
Pastor
Sample response (RSVP) form
Dear Father Roger,
______ Yes, I do plan to attend THE LIFE IN THE EUCHARIST SEMINAR to be held at Corpus Christi Church.
______ No, I cannot attend the seminar at this time but please keep my name on your mailing list for future seminars.
Name:_____________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________
Phone:_____________________________________________________________
Please notify the following to invite them to the seminar.
(Please include phone numbers and/or addresses if possible.)
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO THE PARISH OFFICE BY
MONDAY, JULY 19, 1993. THANK YOU!
sample letter of acceptance
Life In The Eucharist Seminar
Corpus Christi Church
9900 Stella Link Road
Houston, TX 77025
July 20, 1993
Hope Ledy
4140 Sarong
Houston, Texas 77025
Dear Hope,
We are truly pleased that you will be participating in the LIFE IN THE EUCHARIST SEMINAR to be offered here at Corpus Christi Parish. More and more people are experiencing this innovative adult education program and we are delighted that you will join us for this special program. What a great way to spend a summer weekend! Thanks to our Pastor, Father Roger Smith and to Bishop Fiorenza for their enthusiastic encouragement.
GROUND RULES FOR PARTICIPANTS
The following guidelines for participation have been tested and found to be extremely beneficial in bringing about successful small group sharing. You may want to familiarize yourself with them.
1. Be punctual as the sessions will begin promptly on time. (See enclosed Schedule.) It is important that you attend all sessions of the seminar as one part builds upon the other.
2. Be especially sensitive to people in the group who may not know each other. Welcome them and offer them hospitality.
3. Be helpful to the facilitator whose job it is to keep the group on target and working productively.
4. Do not monopolize the discussion. Give everyone a chance to share.
5. Be a good listener. Listen not only for facts and ideas but also for God's voice.
6. Try when possible to connect your comments to those of others.
7. Do not be afraid to offer unique ideas or insights.
8. Be affirming of the remarks of others; call each other by name.
9. If you disagree with a comment, do not personalize your disagreement. Clarify that it is the comment you have difficulty with and not the person.
10. Maintain an open attitude. Avoid grandstanding by having all the answers.
11. Be aware of the presence of the Spirit of God in your group, recalling to mind that we are all fellow pilgrims on the journey of faith.
SCHEDULE
The schedule, including items to bring with you is included with this letter. Please read it over carefully and if you have any questions, please call Mrs. Nancy MacRoberts, 713-668-8559.
Once again, let us congratulate you on taking advantage of this opportunity to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ and with other members of His Body at Corpus Christi Parish by committing yourself to the LIFE IN THE EUCHARIST SEMINAR. We promise it will be a rewarding weekend
Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,
The LITE team of Corpus Christi Parish
SECTION 3
is a list of things needed for the Seminar. We will be happy to talk with you to discuss these and make adjustments wherever necessary.
A. THINGS YOU WILL NEED BEFORE THE SEMINAR
· Publicity (Sample Bulletin notices are provided for you.) Included are some sample brochures for the seminar. You may use these or make up one of your own
· Invitations to participants (sample letters are included in this packet).
· Seminar books. This packet contains a book for participants. You may copy it yourself or purchase them from this office for $2.00 each.
B. THINGS YOU WILL NEED FOR THE SEMINAR
· A room with tables and/or chairs for the participants. Attached is a suggested layout for a large room or hall. You will need double the number of chairs as participants or the participants can move chairs as needed.
· Name tags (either reusable or enough for each day)
· Several Magic Markers or Sharpies for the name tags
· Sign-up sheets at the registration table
· Sharpened pencils
· A box of 24 crayons for each table (If tables cannot be provided, groups may form circles.)
· Chalk for the blackboard
· Necessary items for Benediction (please include an incense bowl).
· Sign-up sheet for the celebration of Eucharist
· Necessary items for the Mass
SECTION 4
includes some suggested parish bulletin notices. We have found that nothing helps as much as encouragement from the Pastor from the pulpit and personal letters of invitation.
SUGGESTED BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOR THE LIFE IN THE EUCHARIST SEMINAR
Suggested bulletin notice #1:
Dear Members of St. Mary Immaculate Church,
Dear Parishioner, Father (Pastor's name) requests the honor of your presence at a Life In The Eucharist Seminar to be given here at our parish on ____________. (dates, time, and place) You will be fulfilled as you get in personal touch with our Lord as together we focus on the Eucharist through God's love as Nourishment, Reconciliation, Transformation, His Abiding Presence and Spiritual Liberation. These words will have new meaning to you and our Eucharistic Celebration will be so much more meaningful. To register, please contact the Church office or _________. (name and phone number)
_ _ _ _ _
Suggested bulletin notice #2:
Are you in a Spiritual rut? Does attendance at the Eucharistic Celebration seem to be ordinary and routine? Do you take anything away with you? Do you have a difficult time concentrating? Well, we have the perfect solution for you! Plan to attend the Life In The Eucharist Seminar. This program is designed to improve the quality of your Eucharistic celebration by deepening your personal and communal relationship with Jesus Christ. Acquire a broader appreciation of the Eucharist, and build Christian Community through shared prayer and discussion. The seminar will not only give you a spiritual lift, but it is relaxing and satisfying....a perfect alternative to what T.V. offers these days! We think God will be pleased with you, too. Mark your calendars! The seminar will be held (dates, place, time). For further information, please call (name and phone number).
_ _ _ _ _
Suggested bulletin notice #3:
ARE YOU A PERSON WHO WOULD LIKE GOD TO BE MORE REAL? WOULD YOU LIKE A GREATER APPRECIATION AND UNDERSTANDING OF OUR EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION? WOULD YOU LIKE TO COMMUNICATE BETTER WITH GOD?
Then the Life In The Eucharist Seminar is for YOU! Why not try this special program being offered in our church? What do you have to lose? The seminar will be offered (dates, time, place). For more information, please call (name and phone number).
SECTION 5
contains some schedules from previous LITE seminars given in other parishes. Father Tom Wiese would like to see your schedule before you print it for any possible changes or additions. Please fax your preferred schedule to us at (713) 662-2014.
A TYPICAL LIFE IN THE EUCHARIST WEEKEND SEMINAR SCHEDULE
Friday, November 13, 1992 -
EUCHARIST: GOD'S LOVE AS NOURISHMENT IN JESUS CHRIST
7:00 PM - Seminar begins in the chapel. You may want to arrive a little earlier to have time to get acquainted before the session begins. Please bring a snack to share during the break. Coffee and lemonade will be provided.
9:00 PM - Benediction and dismissal.
Saturday, November 14, 1992 -
EUCHARIST: GOD'S LOVE AS RECONCILIATION IN JESUS CHRIST
EUCHARIST: GOD'S LOVE AS TRANSFORMATION IN JESUS CHRIST
9:00 AM - Coffee, orange juice, and doughnuts will be served.
9:30 AM - Seminar begins in the chapel.
12:00 PM - Lunch break. Please bring your own brown bag lunch and something to share - pickles, chips, dessert, etc. We will gather in the Pavilion.
1:00 PM - Seminar resumes in the chapel.
3:00 PM - Benediction and dismissal.
Sunday, November 15, 1992 -
EUCHARIST: GOD'S LOVE AS THE ABIDING PRESENCE OF JESUS CHRIST
EUCHARIST: GOD'S LOVE AS LIBERATION IN JESUS CHRIST
3:00 PM - Seminar begins in the chapel
6:00 PM - Celebration of the Eucharist
7:00 PM - A covered dish dinner will end the seminar. After the Mass, we will get together in the Parish Hall. Please bring your favorite dish to share.
CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH LIFE IN THE EUCHARIST SEMINAR SCHEDULE
(a suggestion)
Friday, July 30, 1992 - EUCHARIST: GOD'S LOVE AS NOURISHMENT IN JESUS CHRIST
7:00 PM - Seminar begins in Room 14. You may want to arrive a little earlier to have time to get acquainted before the session begins. On Friday and Saturday, you are invited to dress comfortably. Please bring a snack to share during the break. Coffee and lemonade will be provided.
9:00 PM - Benediction
9:30 PM - Dismissal
Saturday, July 31, 1992 -
EUCHARIST: GOD'S LOVE AS RECONCILIATION IN JESUS CHRIST
EUCHARIST: GOD'S LOVE AS TRANSFORMATION IN JESUS CHRIST
EUCHARIST: GOD'S LOVE AS THE ABIDING PRESENCE OF JESUS CHRIST
9:00 AM - Coffee, orange juice and doughnuts will be served in Room 14.
9:30 AM - Seminar begins in Room 15.
12:00 PM - Lunch break. Sandwiches and drinks will be provided. Please bring something to share - pickles, chips, dessert, etc.
1:00 PM - Seminar resumes.
3:00 PM - Break
3:15 PM - Seminar Resumes
5:00 PM - Benediction and dismissal
Sunday, August 1, 1992 -
EUCHARIST: GOD'S LOVE AS LIBERATION IN JESUS CHRIST
9:00 AM - Coffee, orange juice, and doughnuts will be served in Room 14.
9:30 AM - Seminar begins in Room 15.
11:15 AM - Preparation for celebration of the Eucharist
12:45 PM - Seminar ends with the sharing of food. Coffee and punch will be provided. Please bring your favorite snacks or finger food to share.
SACRED HEART OF JESUS CHURCH - MANVEL, TEXAS
LIFE IN THE EUCHARIST SEMINAR SCHEDULE
(a sample)
Thursday - GOD'S LOVE AS NOURISHMENT IN JESUS CHRIST
7:00 PM - Seminar begins in the Fellowship Hall. You may want to arrive a little earlier to have time to get acquainted before the session begins. We will start on time so please be prompt. Please bring a snack to share during the break. Refreshments will be provided.
9:00 PM - Benediction and dismissal.
Friday - GOD'S LOVE AS RECONCILIATION IN JESUS CHRIST
7:00 PM - Session begins promptly in the church. Please bring a snack to share during the break.
9:00 PM - Benediction and dismissal.
Saturday - GOD'S LOVE AS TRANSFORMATION IN JESUS CHRIST
GOD'S LOVE AS THE ABIDING PRESENCE OF JESUS CHRIST
GOD'S LOVE AS LIBERATION IN JESUS CHRIST
9:30 AM - Coffee and snacks in the Fellowship Hall
10:00 AM - Session begins in the Fellowship Hall.
12:30 PM - Lunch. Please bring your own sack lunch and something to share - pickles, chips, dessert, etc.
1:30 PM - Session begins.
4:00 PM - Break
4:15 PM - Session begins.
5:45 PM - Arrive in church for Mass. The principal celebrant
will be the Pastor.
7:00 PM - Italian Dinner served in the Parish Hall.
Contact Information:
9900 Stella Link Road
Houston, TX 77025
Telephone: (713) 661-3958 / Fax: (713) 662-2014
Online Request Form
E-mail: cee@hal-pc.org
