JANESVILLE — Like the apostles on Pentecost, we too are propelled by the Holy Spirit to bring Jesus to our families, to our workplaces and social activities, and even into the public square.
We are also called to boldly share the transformational and life-giving truth of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
On June 19, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, both of these acts of missionary discipleship will be on full display in the streets of Janesville.
Parishes joining together
Beginning at 3 p.m., Catholics from all four Janesville parishes — and many parishes in neighboring towns — will join together in a mile-long Eucharistic procession that begins at Nativity of Mary Church, 313 East Wall St., moves through the very heart of Janesville’s downtown, and ends at St. Patrick Church, 315 Cherry St.
Started in 2020, the citywide procession has grown each year with nearly 300 people participating in 2021.
The organizers hope that this year will see even greater numbers.
In “Go Make Disciples: A Common Vision for Evangelization,” Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison said, “Even as we are deeply formed in our identity as followers of Christ, we must take the Gospel forth, inviting others to become disciples through our loving witness and joyous service.” Participants in Janesville’s previous two Corpus Christi processions were struck by the impact their loving witness had on community members.
Paul Murphy, a parishioner at St. John Vianney Parish who assists with safety for the event, noted a variety of reactions along the procession route.
“Downtown, people who were eating at outdoor cafes, stood as the Eucharist passed by,” said Murphy.
“Many people who heard the crowd saying the Rosary asked what we were praying for and in the neighborhoods, people came out of their houses to watch us walk by. Some even joined in the procession.”
Encounter with the Eucharist
The fact that this public witness is an encounter with Christ in the Eucharist is key.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has launched a two-year Eucharistic Revival to strengthen Catholics’ understanding and experience of Jesus in the Eucharist. Eucharistic processions like the one in Janesville are a part of the initiative.
According to Bishop Hying, “These national efforts to renew, increase, and deepen participation in the Mass, Eucharistic devotion, spiritual growth, and catechetical understanding converge very beautifully with the Go Make Disciples evangelizing initiative in our diocese.”
Fr. Paul Ugo Arinze, pastor of St. John Vianney Parish said, “In addition to being a deeply spiritual and profoundly beautiful experience, the Corpus Christi procession also unifies many of our discipleship efforts. It fulfills Go Make Disciples’ call for Catholics to go forth, invites those witnessing the procession to come and see, and boldly proclaims the Eucharistic truth that Jesus is here.”
You’re invited
The Catholic parishes of Nativity of Mary, St. John Vianney, St. Patrick, and St. William invite everyone to come to Janesville on June 19 to participate in the Corpus Christi procession and the tailgate that follows in the St. Patrick parking lot.
The Knights of Columbus will provide grilled meats and music.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own beverages, snacks, seating, shade, and games.
For additional information visit saintpatrickofjanesville.org/corpus-christi