Archbishop Paul D. Etienne invites you to celebrate the Year of the Eucharist.
The Year of the Eucharist started June 2020 and will continue to June 2021. In his Pastoral Letter, “The Work of Redemption: Eucharistic Belief and Practice in the Archdiocese of Seattle,” he encourages us to grow our understanding and experience of the Eucharist.
Many parishes and Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle are bringing the Year of the Eucharist to life by providing opportunities to go deeper including Adoration, resource materials, webinars, small group study and more.
Throughout the Year of the Eucharist, we’ll explore four themes, reflecting the order of the Mass:
- Gathering (June–Sept.) – We focus on the return to public Mass, to gather as communities once again in the midst of COVID-19.
- Word (Oct.–Dec.) – The Church never celebrates the liturgy without proclaiming the Word of God. During this period, we focus on the power of God’s Word, how it is proclaimed in the liturgy, and how we bring it to life every day.
- Presence (Jan.–March) – We focus on the Real Presence of Christ in the liturgy, especially in the sacrament of his Body and Blood.
- Sending forth (April–June) – We focus on the commissioning at the end of Mass, when we are sent forth to love and to serve.
“During the coming year, I ask every Catholic and every parish community to commit themselves to deepening our understanding and experience of the Eucharist, and strengthening our Eucharistic liturgies.”
~Archbishop Paul D. Etienne
The great commission
The final theme for the Year of the Eucharist, Sending forth, echoes the great commissioning at the end of every Mass which sends us forth to love and serve fortified by Christ present in the Eucharist. For more on this final theme, read the special bulletin insert and share with your parish.
The Year of the Eucharist ends on June 6, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Archbishop Etienne will celebrate a special Corpus Christi Vigil Mass on June 5 at St. James Cathedral.
Five ways to celebrate Year of the Eucharist
- Read the Archbishop’s pastoral letter.
- Pray for a deeper understanding and experience of the Eucharist.
- Attend an Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
- Learn more. Watch “Presence” on Formed.org, which explores Christ’s
real presence in the Eucharist. - Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
@ArchdioceseofSeattle for inspiration
and videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parish Toolkit
The Parish Toolkit was created to help parishes promote and celebrate the Year of the Eucharist. Use these materials below on your website, in your weekly bulletin, or on your social media channels.
