Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

At the close of the National Eucharistic Congress on July 21, Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, addressed a crowd of 60,000 gathered at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium. He encouraged them to identify one person in their lives to intentionally evangelize.

“Brothers and sisters, we believe that God desires to renew his church, and that this renewal will happen through you. And then, in renewing his church, he will renew the world,” said Bishop Cozzens during the final Mass of the congress held from July 17-21.

He posed a challenge to the attendees: “What would happen if each of you thought of one person you know who’s currently away from the faith; and you decided to pray for them and befriend them and then invite them to take one step closer to Jesus and his Church?” As board chairman of National Eucharistic Congress, Inc., Bishop Cozzens asked rhetorically about the impact if all estimated 70 million Catholics in the United States participated: “Will you do it? Will you do it?”

The congregation's response was enthusiastic as Bishop Cozzens introduced the U.S. bishops' new "Walk with One" initiative. This program aims to provide resources for Catholics to engage in spiritual companionship.

The congress and this initiative are part of a three-year National Eucharistic Revival by U.S. bishops that began in 2022. The "Walk with One" is integral to its final year — dubbed the Year of Mission — featuring four components outlined on eucharisticrevival.org.

Local participants are now reflecting on how they can respond to this call during the Year of Mission.

“The whole point of this is what will result from it,” said Dr. Holly Smith-Brooks, director of liturgy and music at St. Margaret Mary Church. She noted that individuals becoming “eucharistic missionaries” would carry forward the revival's mission.

Debbie Minton, director of religious formation at St. Athanasius Church, echoed similar sentiments regarding "Walk With One." She emphasized that everyone has family members who have drifted away from active Catholicism but acknowledged uncertainty about how to begin bringing them back.

Minton shared her post-congress plans including showcasing photos from Indianapolis with her parish community and potentially hosting an exhibit on eucharistic miracles alongside a Bible study focused on the Eucharist.

Flynn Mudd attended the congress with his wife and in-laws. As a parishioner at Our Lady and St. John Church, director of liturgical ministries for Ascension Church, and teacher at Immaculata Classical Academy, Mudd appreciated seeing reverence towards the Eucharist displayed prominently during events.

He supports "Walk with One," stating: “We all know somebody who needs Jesus... Sometimes as Catholics, we’re really good at participating in our faith but not necessarily sharing our faith.”

Mudd highlighted two key takeaways from his reflections: building local community within small groups where friends support each other’s evangelization efforts; and maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus as foundational for effective evangelization efforts.

St. Raphael Church is organizing an event combining fellowship and prayer for congress participants on August 16th at their campus located at 2141 Lancashire Ave., offering adoration followed by discussion aimed at planning steps into Year of Mission activities.