Fr. Matthew and the St. Isidore Youth Delegate team represented our parish at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. In this newsletter series, our youth share reflections on their encounter with Christ in the Eucharist.
I think God called me to the Eucharistic Congress because He wanted me to have renewed faith in the power of His Church on earth. I often get discouraged and worry that so many people in our world are losing faith. The Congress reminded me that there are many young people in the United States who are on fire for their faith and on fire for Christ.
One of our youth breakout sessions was particularly moving, when everyone was singing and praising God, and left the session taking the song into the street. The reminder that we are not the future of the Church, but we ARE the Church, was incredibly moving. I have renewed faith that we will be able to show Christ’s love, even though we may be young.
I believe that Christ is present in the Eucharist, but truthfully, I don’t know if I’ll fully understand what that means. Transubstantiation has always puzzled me. It feels like something that is beyond my own perception and cognitive understanding, but I am learning to be okay with that. I have come to rely less on my own understanding of how Christ is working in my life and rely more on opening my heart and mind to being receptive to what God wants for me.
I have especially grown in walking with Christ every day. My prayer each morning is, “Jesus, walk with me today,” which helps me to feel His presence in even the most mundane tasks. It’s easy to be thankful when things are good and to treat God like a wishing well when times are difficult, but in walking with Jesus every day, regardless of the circumstances, I have been able to feel His presence. In the Eucharist, I am able to tangibly feel Christ’s presence and invitation to be with Him, especially during Adoration.
We are not the future of the Church, but we ARE the Church.
—Grace, St. Isidore parishioner and high school junior
Every year, parishioners at St. Isidore take their own path toward the Catholic faith. Read more journeys, or take the first step in yours.
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