Eucharistic Revival, summer camps, and vocations

As we enter the summer months, I want to invite you again to join me for the opening of the Eucharistic Revival in our diocese on the Feast of Corpus Christi, Sunday, June 19. I will be celebrating a special Mass at 3 p.m. that will lead into a Eucharistic procession from the Cathedral down 5th Street through the downtown area to Memorial Park. There we will have benediction, followed by a free picnic sponsored by our Rapid City area Knights of Columbus Councils.  

With this special Mass and Eucharistic procession, we will be witnessing to Our Lord Jesus Christ in the great mystery of the Eucharist, letting everyone who sees us know that we cherish the Lord’s Real Presence!  What we will do here in western South Dakota will be taking place in cathedral cities throughout the United States as we begin a three-year revival with Masses, processions, Holy Hours, and Eucharistic Assemblies in our dioceses and parishes culminating, in a National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Indiana, in July of 2024. 

Please pray that God will help us reawaken a deep appreciation for the Eucharist as the source and summit of our Catholic life, proclaiming that the Lord is indeed with us on our pilgrimage through life in this deep and abiding mystery. 

We will also hold our Totus Tuus summer camps for both girls and boys in June and July.  These are great opportunities for our youth to pray and interact with women religious, seminarians and priests and consider how God is calling them to serve him. These camps are a lot of fun and incorporate great times of prayer, adoration, and Mass.   

Our Duc in Altum teams will be visiting parishes across the diocese again this summer, leading parish-based retreats for children and youth. These teams are made up of seminarians and college-age youth who give their time to bring the love and joy of Jesus to the parishes of our diocese.   

Please pray for the success of our Eucharistic Revival, our summer camps for youth, and for Vocations as you enjoy a beautiful western South Dakota summer. 

+Bishop Peter