Public Invited to Eucharistic Revival “Encounter Nights”

The public is invited to attend one of three inspirational “Encounter Nights” which will be held at Catholic churches throughout Southeast Wisconsin Oct. 17, 18 and 19 as part of the national Eucharistic Revival.

• 7 p.m., Tues., October 17, 2023 | Lumen Christi Parish, 2750 W. Mequon Road, Mequon
• 7 p.m., Weds., October 18, 2023 | St. Mary Parish, 9520 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners
• 7 p.m., Thurs., October 19, 2023 | St. Mary Parish, 108 McHenry St., Burlington (bilingual)

The keynote speaker and leader for each evening’s events will be National Eucharistic Revival Missionary, Tanner Kalina, a Catholic evangelist working with national ministries such as Ascension Presents, FOCUS, NET and many others. Each evening will include prayer, worship, reconciliation and socializing – all focused on Jesus.

An energetic speaker, Kalina says he is ready to amp up the revival’s presence in southeastern Wisconsin and is excited to see how the Lord will connect with each person who attends.

“In Scripture, personal encounters with the Lord led to profound transformation,” explained Kalina. “Encounter nights offer you the chance to spend time with our Eucharistic Lord and taste the goodness that he has in store for your life.”

Held in cities across the nation, Encounter Nights arrive on the heels of a new CARA study, which shows an increase in the percentage of Catholics who believe in the True Presence – that Jesus Christ is truly present under the appearance of bread and wine in the Eucharist. The 2022 survey of self-identified Catholics published in September 2023 and titled “Eucharist Beliefs: A National Survey of Adult Catholics” found 64 percent of respondents provided responses that indicate they believe in the Real Presence.

This is a significantly different result from the previous 2019 Pew Research study that suggested only one-third of adult Catholics in the U.S. believe in the Church’s teaching on the Blessed Sacrament. The result of that study was what prompted the call for a National Eucharistic Revival by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. As we enter year two of a three-year endeavor, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee is igniting the fires of Revival. Learn more about what we’ve done and what is to come on our website.