Becoming Eucharistic People: The Hope and Promise of Parish Life

by Timothy P. O'Malley, Timothy P. O'Malley

Winner of a first-place award in the future church category from the Catholic Media Association.

We can’t just talk about Christ’s presence in the Eucharist; we have to believe it, celebrate it, and live it both individually and as a community of the faithful. And we must cultivate a culture in our parishes that treats Real Presence not only as an important Catholic doctrine, but also as the most important part of parish identity. In Becoming Eucharistic People , theologian Timothy P. O’Malley, author of Real Presence , outlines four essential dimensions of a Eucharistic culture in a parish—one that fosters reverence and unity among the faithful, includes every dimension of human life in the mystery of Christ’s Body and Blood, and invites people back to parish life or to become Catholic for the first time. O’Malley—director of education at the McGrath Institute of Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, academic director of the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy, and a member of the executive planning team for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Eucharistic Revival—shows what it means to foster a parish culture where the Eucharist infuses the worldview, priorities, and practices of its members. O’Malley leads you through discovery and discernment about how to create a parish culture where each person is called to holiness and receives the spiritual, theological, and pastoral help they need to meet Christ fully present in the Eucharist and to become a witness to him in the world. O’Malley will help you reflect on four essential facets of a Eucharistic parish O’Malley says that when we reflect Christ’s Real Presence to others, our parishes will become sacred spaces in which every person is led to deeper communion with God and with their neighbors. Online resources, including ideas for parish retreats, teaching resources, and videos based on this book and the US bishops Eucharistic Revival are available from the McGrath Institute for Church Life. Books in the Engaging Catholicism series from the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame help readers discover the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith through a concise exploration of the Church’s most important but often difficult-to-grasp doctrines as well as crucial pastoral and spiritual practices. Perfect for seekers and new Catholics, clergy and catechetical leaders, and everyone in between, the series expands the McGrath Institute’s mission to connect the Catholic intellectual life at Notre Dame to the pastoral life of the Church and the spiritual needs of her people.

Genres: Religion, Theology

160 pages, Paperback

Published May 20, 2022

About the author

Dr. Timothy P. O'Malley, Ph.D. (theology and education, Boston College; M.T.S., Liturgical Studies, University of Notre Dame; B.A., Theology and Philosophy, Notre Dame), is Director of Education at the McGrath Institute for Church Life, and Academic Director of the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becoming Eucharistic People: The Hope and Promise of Parish Life by Timothy P. O'Malley, McGrath Institute for Church Life is a great book depicting the importance and necessity of the Eucharist within the parish life.

The author does a great job in explaining not only the need of the Eucharist within the parish life, but also what we can do as individuals and as part of a parish to cultivate, encourage, and help foster a culture to help strengthen this fundamental part of the Mass and in return, the parish as a whole as well.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Ave Maria Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/20/22.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a parish guide for Eucharistic renewal. I was most impressed with the chapter on A Culture of Eucharistic Solidarity. It describes our relationship with others as well as our relationship with the Eucharist. It includes the quote from EVANGELII GAUDIUM, "The Eucharist, although it is the fullness of sacramental life, is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak."

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Becoming Eucharistic People, by Timothy P. O"Malley, McGrath Institute for Church Life. I think I would of liked this book better. except for the typing across the pages, about not being available for resale distribution. It distracted me to much< i could not get into the book at all.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: An investigation designed to help enable you to bring a Eucharistic culture to your parish.

Why I Read This: It was recommended to me from someone from the Archdiocese.

Review: I thought that this was interesting. I think that there were some practical things for me to consider as a parishioner, but I think that this might be more suited to the leadership team at a parish.

[David Szatkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on the Eucharist and Eucharistic cultures in parishes. I would encourage this book as a wonderful Lenten read for anyone. The book is designed to be read, pondered and engaged by the many, not the few. The book is a great insight into theology and growth as a people.

[Daniel Hackenjos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written primarily for parish/ diocesan leaders. Lots of practical ideas.