A Tried-and-True Way for Catholics to Evangelize

Can American Catholicism stop its exodus of members — and even evangelize a new generation? This question is urgent. Between 2000 and 2020, 18 percent of the country’s Catholics left the Church, according to Gallup, with only one convert for every four who departed. Renewing the faith will require commitment from every Catholic, and the return of one ancient practice may prove surprisingly effective: the Eucharistic procession.

You may have seen one of these simple and profound processions in the past few months. Hundreds have occurred across America since June, when the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops launched a three-year National Eucharistic Revival to renew faith in Jesus Christ, with a particular focus on Holy Communion, which Catholics call the Eucharist.

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About the Author

Tim Busch

Tim Busch is co-founder of the Napa Institute, a Catholic lifestyle organization.

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About the Author

Bishop Andrew Cozzens

Andrew Cozzens is bishop of the Catholic diocese of Crookston, Minnesota, and the head of the National Eucharistic Revival.

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Can American Catholicism stop its exodus of members — and even evangelize a new generation? This question is urgent. Between 2000 and 2020, 18 percent of the country’s Catholics left the Church, according to Gallup, with only one convert for every four who departed. Renewing the faith will require commitment from every Catholic, and the return of one ancient practice may prove surprisingly effective: the Eucharistic procession.

You may have seen one of these simple and profound processions in the past few months. Hundreds have occurred across America since June, when the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops launched a three-year National Eucharistic Revival to renew faith in Jesus Christ, with a particular focus on Holy Communion, which Catholics call the Eucharist.