By Rachel Balducci
The National Eucharistic Congress was a life-changing experience for many of the almost 50,000 people who attended. The five-day event was the culmination of the Eucharistic Revival, the USCCB’s three-year focus on the gift of the Eucharist and the importance of the Real Presence of Jesus in the life of the church.
For Serrans, it also included the chance to support nearly 50 priestly and religious orders to appear at the event at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Bishop Andrew Cozzens, a key proponent and organizer of the event, invited Serra to be Vocational Sponsors of the Congress. According to past president Greg Schwietz, it was an opportunity handed to Serra on a silver plate. “At first we thought, it’s a great opportunity, but can we do it?” With the encouragement of the USA Council and the Foundation, he said, “we decided to move forward and see what we could get done.” Serra members generously donated $150,000, which sponsored almost 50 religious orders to have booths at the convention. “We got a great response from clubs,” said Greg. Nearly 100 clubs made donations, with the rest of the money coming from private individuals. “That allowed us to make that big number.”
At the event, Serra had a space that included 46 tables for religious orders, along with one table for prayer intentions focused on young people discerning vocations. There was also a space for parents of ordained priests and religious to meet with parents of young people discerning a vocation, meeting there to offer encouragement and to pray with them and for them. Finally, there was a main exhibit that offered larger exposure to Serra itself, giving out information as well as about 750 challenge coins.
In addition to the booths, Serra offered a breakout session on vocational ministry at the parish level. Bishop Thomas Daly and Serra US President Anne Roat hosted a panel of “why” and “how” about vocations, and talked about Ignite and SerraSpark, and how to use them as vocational tools. About 625 people showed up at the session. “It was a powerful experience,” said Greg.
Serra Recognizes NCDVD Director Rosemary Sullivan
Rosemary Sullivan was recogized by Serra US, with the Serra Partnership Award, at the reception of the Eucharistic Congress.
Sullivan is the Executive Director of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors and has over 21 years of experience in the ministry of vocations to the diocesan priesthood. Since 2009, she has also served as a consultant to the USCCB committee for Clergy, Consecrated Life & Vocations. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Foundation of Priestly Vocations and for Enkindle Catholic Ministries and currently serves as Co-Chair of Liturgy for the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress.
A graduate of St. John’s University with degrees in Business and Communications, Rose has been married to her husband Gary for over 37 years; they have four adult children and 3 grandchildren. One of their sons is a priest for the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
