the Eucharist

 The Church calls the Eucharist, "the source and summit of the Christian Life” (CCC 1324). On the last night of Jesus’ life, having his final meal with the Apostles, Jesus’ dying gift is to give himself, hidden in the appearance of bread and wine.  The Apostles and early Church did not see this act as a figurative expression, but Jesus meant it literally. Every Mass, at the priest’s prayers of consecration, we believe that that bread is actually changed into the real Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This is why the Eucharist is so important. It is God himself.

Parish Eucharistic Revival

From the very beginning, the Church Fathers believed that the Eucharist was the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ.  When reading the writings of the Church Fathers on the Eucharist, it is clear that they believed in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. During this liturgical season from Corpus Christi 2023 to Corpus Christi 2024, the Church is celebrating the National Eucharistic Revival at the parish level.   

A statewide event is planned. The NYS Eucharistic Congress will take place October 20-22, 2023 at the Martyrs Shrine at Auriesville. Holy Cross will offer videos, individual and parish programs, continue our Eucharistic Miracles display, promote our current Monday 8:15 AM and Wednesday 7:00 PM Hours of Adoration and other special Eucharistic presentations.

Events & Programs

Adoration

• Holy Hour on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM & Mondays at 8:15 AM

• Eucharistic Chapel open for private prayer & adoration during regular business hours

The following is taken from The Divine Encounter:  Meeting Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration by Mark Hart: 

“Whether you are a "seasoned vet" when it comes to Adoration or the entire concept is new to you, the reality is that the Eucharist is our greatest gift as Catholics.  The opportunity to worship the Lord and adore him in his Most Blessed Sacrament is one that cannot be understated or taken for granted.  Through the Eucharist, we have an opportunity for intimacy with the Lord unlike what any other denomination can offer. We are blessed beyond measure. And while Adoration is most often thought of as taking place before the exposed Eucharist, it can also be done before the reserved Eucharist in the tabernacle,” 

The church sanctuary and chapel are open daily for Adoration. There is no Adoration during a Mass, be it daily, Sunday, funeral Mass, school Mass or other occasion. Outside Mass times, the chapel and church are available for Adoration whenever the church is open. Two scheduled times of Adoration are Monday 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM in the chapel and Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the church. The Sacrament of Confession is also available Wednesdays from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM.

Come and sit with Our Lord.  Pour out your heart. Be silent.  Listen.  He loves you and waits to speak with you!

Pilgrimage to NYS Eucharistic Congress

October 21, 2023

As part of our Parish Eucharistic Revival, Holy Cross is planning a pilgrimage to the NYS Eucharistic Congress on October 21, 2023 from 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM at Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine in Auriesville, NY. More information and transportation registration to come. The Congress will be held from October 20-22 and information is available at nyseucharisticcongress.org. If interested in the pilgrimage, email info@holycrossdewitt.org.

Bishop Barron Book Study

Bishop Robert Barron’s book, This is My Body, is being distributed in the church entrances. Holy Cross will host book studies led by Dc Dare Dutter.  If you would like to join, please sign-up in the church vestibule.

• Our morning group will meet Tuesdays 10 - 11:30 AM  September 19, 26 and October 3

• The evening group will meet Wednesdays 5:30 - 7:00 pm September 13, 20 and 27.

• Three chapters in three weeks! Please join us!

And for those for whom weekends are better, Dc Dare will schedule this book study soon.  Watch for details.

Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit

You may have noticed the Eucharistic Miracle panels by Blessed Carlo Acutis on exhibit again in the church entrance. We hope you are enjoying reading and studying them. They’ll be exchanged every 3-4 weeks with a different set. The lending process is going well and to date 135 panels have been viewed at 8 parishes/events. Two more parishes with 124 total panels are scheduled in the near future and 8 additional parishes are considering borrowing panels.