110 Idaho Catholics complete 33-Day Eucharistic consecration at St. Mary’s Church
News Story by Lisa Ormond | FāVS News
More than 110 parishioners at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Moscow, Idaho, culminated a 33-day journey of prayer and study by consecrating themselves to Jesus during four Masses last month. The consecration ceremonies marked the completion of an intensive spiritual program focused on deepening their connection with the Eucharist.
People gathered at the foot of the sanctuary at the front altar before their church community to read the “Prayer of Eucharistic Consecration” in unison. This marked a sign of their faith and devotion to honor Jesus and his central presence in their lives as Catholics.
Colin Meyer, deacon candidate in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise and a St. Mary’s parish member, was “moved” by what he witnessed.
“It was a glorious sight to behold all those who had participated and completed this walk with the Lord,” he said.
The consecration took place on the Solemnity of Christ the King Nov. 23 weekend, a Catholic celebration feast time that aligns with the last Sunday of the church’s liturgical year. Originally a Roman Catholic feast, it is now observed by Christians of other denominations as well.
What is consecration?
Matthew Kelly’s “33 Days to Eucharistic Glory” — named for Jesus’s years on Earth — guided the consecration process. Kelly describes consecration as an unconditional surrender to God, requiring followers to devote themselves fully to carrying out his will and responding to his graces
This transformation process of consecration for centuries has offered laymen to saints a pathway for creating a stronger faith foundation and a deeper connection to establishing religious beliefs.
A community rises to dedicate themselves
“At first, I was not excited about adding one more thing to my ‘To Do’ list,” said parishioner and small group facilitator Denise Wetzel. “But then I read in the introduction of the book about the Muslim who would ‘crawl naked over red-hot broken glass to receive such bread,’ and I realized I had much to learn about the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.”
According to the Rev. Benjamin Onyemachi, pastor of St. Mary’s, longtime parishioner Michelle Spain was the “brain” behind the efforts to bring the program to the doors of St. Mary’s. He said he was grateful for her passion.
“I was introduced to 33 Days in Arizona where I started my Eucharistic journey,” Spain said.
It touched her heart in such a “powerful” way that she said she wanted to share it with her home parish.
“Yes, I brought the program forward, but God’s plan was even bigger than I could have ever imagined as it unfolded,” she said. “It all kind of just blossomed as it went along and so many people’s hands across the church helped lift it and carry it along.”
Sharing with others
Spain donated approximately 500 adult and children’s books and study materials for distribution. Copies landed in the hands of many including St. Mary’s parish in Genesse and Moscow, St. Mary’s Catholic School, St. Mary Immaculate in Saint Maries, churches in the Coeur d’Alene area and beyond.
An approachable way to learn and deepen faith
The “33 Days to Eucharistic Glory” book and study guide provided users with an easy-to-follow, structured daily program where self or small group study options could be explored. The daily practice could be finished in as little as 15 minutes. Readings, prayers, video podcasts, practical examples and reflections rounded out the comprehensive focus on the Eucharist.
“I wanted to do the study because for myself, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’” said Donna Brearley, a 54-year St. Mary’s parishioner. “I am a cradle Catholic, and so much of our religion and faith is ‘I was told.’ So, to come to a firm belief in my adult life was life changing for me.”
In addition, Brearley was one of the facilitators of a group study at St. Mary’s. She highly recommended group study for personal faith development. In her opinion, there was much to be gleaned from the experiences of other people.
“We reflected on the readings together and on our personal journeys,” she said. “We talked openly about how we were growing as Catholics and what things, people and experiences were helping us flourish in our faith life.”
Lifelong journey of faith
Those who finished the study and presented themselves for consecration at their church’s altar found themselves spiritually changed deeply.
Spain summed up her experience with 33 Days this way.
“Somewhere along the line it is touching people’s hearts,” she said. “And where it goes from there is in God’s hands.”
