Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

With the approaching National Eucharistic Congress, scheduled for July 17-21 in Indianapolis, IN, and the beginning of the Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope” on December 29, 2024, Bishop Noonan addressed questions from Florida Catholic in this first part of a two-part interview.

FC: The National Eucharistic Congress is the culmination of the Eucharistic Revival. What are we trying to revive?

Bishop Noonan: The Eucharistic Revival is helping people discern where they are in their relationship with God. People are asking a lot of questions today, and they’re asking good questions. I see a lot of people coming back to the Church with a renewed sense of hope. Because we’ve gone through a trying time with COVID, and we’ve survived, they’re asking, ‘So now what are we going to do?’ Some people went through great trauma and are looking for some hope somewhere. That’s where I see a lot of people being renewed in their faith and the Eucharist as well.

FC: Why do so many Catholics have trouble believing in the Real Presence?

Bishop Noonan: The Eucharist doesn’t just come from catechesis; it comes from lived experiences of your faith within the home…and unfortunately, our lived experiences in the faith haven’t been the greatest over the last 30 years. Vatican II focused on experiential faith, but there was no catechesis. So those raised during that time say, ‘It was a wonderful time, but I don’t know what the Eucharist is. I can’t explain what it is, but I know I was happy.’ They didn’t understand it. Hopefully we can plant new seeds of hope about what the Eucharist really means in the lives of this next generation.

FC: How do we reach the hearts of young people?

Bishop Noonan: At World Youth Day you have a million young people, and they expose the Blessed Sacrament and there’s total quiet. What’s happening? Obviously, our young people are hungry for Jesus in the Eucharist and how He has true meaning in their life. Hopefully, the Congress will help deepen their relationship with Christ and Christ in the Eucharist. This will be something that will build in their life and spread and be something they will share with others.

FC: What do you hope the Eucharistic Revival Conference does for the faithful and for those who do not know Christ?

Bishop Noonan: I hope this experience will help concretize what the Eucharist will mean to the next generation. It’s time to take stock of who you are in relationship with the Lord. I always joke about GPS—God’s Program of Salvation. We don’t just go fill up at the gas station and keep going; we need a destination. Most people are going around in circles. (The Congress) is a reminder that it’s okay to fill up with gas, but hopefully you’re accomplishing something that is helping you live your faith, share your faith, and be Christ to others—not just existing.

FC: How can people be Eucharist to others?

Bishop Noonan: We have this idea that when you receive the Eucharist it is fuel for your life; but I think it’s more than that. It’s an encounter with Christ and it’s not just turning everything around because you’re not in charge; rather you're letting the Lord be more in charge. It’s a relationship but even more so it's a dialogue with the Lord—letting Him lead and guide you in your life.

FC: How can our being Eucharist to one another serve to heal and bridge gulfs between us?

Bishop Noonan: We’re called to be prophetic. Prophetic means you know Christ and build a relationship with Him. You have to preach the Gospel; live it; share it—you can’t just talk about it. It’s not just about having an encounter that feels good for feeling good's sake. How can we concretize why we feel good? It’s because we want an encounter with Christ and want to share that encounter—that gives us hope.

FC: What do you encourage parishes to do locally for parishioners who cannot attend this month?

Bishop Noonan: Spend time with Christ—take opportunities for Adoration, Reconciliation—and receive Communion frequently—to enliven your own relationship with Him.

San Pedro Spiritual Development Center offers "Life In The Eucharist" retreats for those unable to attend.

For details visit Life In The Eucharist Retreat or contact local parishes for events.

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