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

The formation team at St. Athanasius Church recently asked parishioners to write down their answers to the question: “Why do you love the Eucharist?” The 47 responses included artwork by an eighth grader and testimonies from the oldest parishioners, each chronicling a loving relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist.

The committee compiled these submissions into a 24-page booklet titled “Receiving Jesus: Reflections on Why We Love the Eucharist,” which was distributed to parishioners on Corpus Christi Sunday.

“When you read it, you know the person, and what they say is very meaningful to you,” said Debbie Minton, director of formation for St. Athanasius, located at 5915 Outer Loop. Minton noted that the book received positive feedback and was “a really good way of bringing the eucharistic revival home to our parish.”

This project is part of the parish’s efforts during the National Eucharistic Revival, an initiative by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Each Sunday, St. Athanasius' Facebook page features a testimony from one of the parishioners as part of this effort. These testimonies are also featured on televised announcements within St. Athanasius Church.

In addition to creating and sharing these testimonies, the parish has participated in the revival by offering classes on the Eucharist and praying a “Eucharistic Revival Prayer” before Masses.

Following are some excerpts from parishioner testimonies:

“When I received my First Holy Communion 67 years ago at age 7, I can still remember the excitement and a little fear (the fear of God) that came with this event... I remember the emptiness during COVID shutdowns when churches were closed, and how great it was to finally receive the Eucharist after months. That was like my second First Communion Day.” — Charlie Eppinghoff

“I realize today that my Catholic faith and receiving Holy Communion is the central, most important part of my life. Holy Communion is my food for life.” — Fran Clark

“I never imagined I could touch Jesus or that He could touch me, but that is what Eucharist is. We touch. There is an exchange that happens in our hearts as Jesus gives Himself to us, and we give ourselves to Him.” — Karen Purnell

“I made my First Communion when I was 7 years old. Back then you fasted from midnight on; no food or water. Mom put bags over the faucets so I would not drink even a drop. Wearing my white dress, stockings and veil, we went to Mass. I really did not know what to expect. I received Communion and returned to my seat. Over the years I’ve remembered this moment clearly. I said to myself, ‘What do I say to God?’ I’m just a little girl. So I said, ‘I love you dear Jesus.’ That was over 79 years ago and I’m still that little girl (just a lot older).” — Carolyn Linton