Beginning on the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, January 10, 2021, the local Catholic Church has entered into the Year of the Eucharist, a time of renewal, healing, and communion. This year is dedicated to helping all of us, clergy, religious, and laity, grow in our relationship with Christ.

We begin this important year on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord because baptism marks the beginning of our initiation into Jesus Christ, a lifelong journey toward union with Christ and one another. The Eucharist is communion with God. Christ nourishes us with his very Body and Blood so that we can be joined more closely to him and to all humanity.

Throughout this year, we will join with Catholics around the world to call upon the prayers and patronage of St. Joseph to help us more fully understand the meaning of the parts of the Mass, the theology of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and the obligation we have as Catholics to participate in Mass on Sunday.

As the universal church observes a special Year of St. Joseph as proclaimed by the Holy Father, we in the Archdiocese of New Orleans call upon St. Joseph’s powerful intercession to bring us closer to Jesus in the Eucharist.
 

Special Initiatives

The Vigil Project Partnership

The Archdiocese of New Orleans is partnering with The Vigil Project (thevigilproject.com) to bring exciting opportunities for parish evangelization and events as well as planning for a large youth gathering in the late fall of 2021.

Twelve Part Explanation of the Mass

Throughout the year, clergy will preach on the various parts of the Mass once a month to help Catholics enter more deeply into the mystery of the Mass.

Archdiocesan Nights of Exposition, Adoration, and Reconciliation

All church parishes in the Archdiocese of New Orleans will offer Nights of Eucharistic Exposition, Adoration, and Reconciliation on March 24 and September 15, 2021.

Year of the Eucharist Art Contest

Adults and youth will be encouraged to participate in a special art contest on "The Power of the Eucharist". More information is available at nolacatholic.org/artcontest.

Notre Dame Seminary Eucharistic Lecture Series

Notre Dame Seminary will host monthly lectures and conversations around Eucharistic topics. More information is available at nds.edu/ELS.