Most Rev. Austin A. Vetter Bishop | Diocese of Helena

Over 550 Catholics of all ages gathered at Carroll College during a snowy weekend in March for the Diocese of Helena’s annual Eucharistic Congress. This marked the third Congress held by the Diocese, an event that forms part of the ongoing Eucharistic Revival throughout the Church in the United States. The revival is designed to deepen Catholic's understanding of, and relationship with, Jesus Christ as present in the Most Holy Eucharist.

The congress featured renowned Catholic speakers such as Dr. John Bergsma, Chika Anyanwu, Chris Mueller, and two Sisters of Life, Sr. Antoniana Maria and Sr. Faustina Maria Pia. The event commenced on Friday evening with programming for high school students and a lecture from Dr. John Bergsma for adults.

As per tradition, the Eucharistic Congress included the Diocesan Catholic Youth Coalition (CYC) Convention which offered unique content and experiences for high school youth throughout the weekend. Bishop Vetter blessed the students on Friday night and stated, “I know this for certain: Jesus Christ is never outdone in generosity. So be generous with him this weekend. It may not be what you expect, but take it all in and see what our Lord has in store for you.”

The entire Congress assembled for Daily Mass on Saturday morning followed by sessions tailored to each age group: adults, high school students, and junior high students. In the afternoon, attendees had a choice of 16 breakout sessions focused on deepening their knowledge of Jesus through Sacraments, prayer, and daily life.

After dinner and an evening session with Dr. Bergsma and the Sisters of Life, participants proceeded to All Saints Chapel for Eucharistic Adoration amidst falling snow. Saturday’s schedule concluded with a dance and games for youth attendees while adults enjoyed fellowship time; young adults engaged in a lively game of Catholic trivia at a local restaurant.

On Sunday morning, adverse weather conditions prevented the planned Palm Sunday procession from Carroll to the Cathedral of St. Helena. Nevertheless, the Congress concluded on a positive note with a final session with Chika Anyanwu and a beautiful Palm Sunday Mass and Eucharistic procession within the Cathedral.

In his homily, Bishop Vetter addressed those in attendance, “As we feed on Jesus this morning, as we process with Jesus today through the body of this church, may we see Him journeying with us, comforting us. As he passes by you and you receive him, unite your sufferings to his. We are not alone."