Diocesan faithful gather in communion with National Eucharistic Congress

By DAWN PROSSER
Director of Communications

“It’s like we have our own little Indianapolis here,” said one of the Eucharistic Revival attendees Wednesday evening.

A group of nearly 150 of the faithful gathered at the diocesan shrine, Trinity Heights, Queen of Peace in Sioux City in the spirit of the National Eucharistic Revival.

Event organizer, Deacon Fred Karpuk of Holy Cross Parish, explained to the crowd that the date and time of the local revival was to coincide with the National Eucharistic Congress, which kicked off in Indianapolis the evening of July 17.

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“We will celebrate with them at the same time and have our revival,” Deacon Karpuk said.
The Sioux City area revival was advertised as, “A pivotal spiritual moment for Catholics in the Siouxland area to come together in faith and leave the evening in a deeper love of the Sacrament of the Eucharist. A time of revival.”

Deacon Fred Karpuk welcomes the faithful to Trinity Heights.Presentations on the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist were offered by Father Travis Crotty, diocesan vocations director; Father David Hemann, Trinity Heights rector; and Deacon Dale Tigges of Holy Cross Parish.

In his presentation about the Eucharist and true presence, Father Hemann referenced the introduction of the diaries of St. John Paul II, acknowledging that the group would finish their evening with adoration.

“No time is more sanctified than when it is given in faith as a pure gift with no other expectation other than to be in the presence of God,” the rector said, quoting the saint.

Following the eucharistic talks, Father Crotty removed the Blessed Sacrament from the shrine chapel for the short eucharistic procession on the grounds. The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and attendees followed the priest to the statue of Jesus at the shrine.
The monstrance was placed on the altar near the statue for the faithful to parFather Travis Crotty with the monstrance prior to adoration.ticipate in adoration. 

A small choir of musicians from Sioux City parishes sang Eucharist-themed songs intermittently during the adoration time.

After the benediction, the choir chanted the divine praises, which were composed by Father Ross Caniglia, parochial vicar at Holy Trinity Parish of Webster County.

Coverage of the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis can be viewed here: WATCH. The congress runs through July 21.