St. Ann DC Parishioners Attend National Eucharistic Revival in Indianapolis!

At Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, our parishioners were among the 60,000 faithful Catholics at the National Eucharistic Congress & Revival!
On the right: Parishioner Jennifer Patterson pictured with internationally known author, Jeff Cavins.

"The National Eucharistic Congress (NEC) was such a gift to Catholics! The last time this event happened was over 80 years ago. The 2024 NEC was a rare collection of incredible speakers that was possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If I had one wish while I was attending, it was that every Christian could have experienced what I experienced. When 60,000 people filled Lucas Oil Arena and fell to their knees during the gorgeous Eucharistic procession, the power of Christ’s Presence and the incredible reverence brought tears to my eyes. The phenomenal speakers and the Holy moments were so profound and moving I will be processing them all for months. What a blessing that the organizers have made the talks available online to the general public. I will be going back to listen to them again. I encourage every Catholic who wants to grow closer to Christ to experience the event themselves by watching the talks online too."   —Jennifer Patterson

Parishioner Melissa Overmyer with Cardinal Gregory!

Melissa Overmyer pictured with Father Privonka.

Testimony from Parishioner Melissa Overmyer:

"The NEC was full of delightful and astonishing surprises…

-The atmosphere was electric with joy and expectation. There were so many beautiful moments of encounter with God and opportunities for growth.

-The talk and healing service lead by my colleague, Dr. Mary Healy, was powerful and beautiful and by the grace of God, set many people free from physical, emotional, and spiritual bondage. Her prayer for forgiving others was a life-changing moment for many! Give it a try! 
"Dear Heavenly Father,
I choose today to completely forgive from my heart__________ (fill in blank).
I totally forgive that person and anyone else who has hurt me, offended me, or betrayed me. I give them a free gift of my forgiveness as You have freely forgiven me. They owe me nothing. I let that go to the foot of the Cross. I ask You Father to bless that person and bring them to eternal life and to cleanse me Lord of any lingering effect that their actions could  have on me today. I ask this in Jesus' Holy Name. Thank you, Lord. Amen."

- Fr. Mike Schmitz was "on fire" with the Spirit and implored us not to leave the NEC until we discerned what the "fire extinguishers" were in our own lives. He encouraged us to pray and ask God for the grace to repent and be set free from any blockage to His Spirit, because, he admonished, that it would be impossible to take back the spark of life that we had received at the Congress if only to return to the very same things that dampen our flames. He said, "Much knowledge can make you great, but only love can make you a saint." Pray for love of God and love for others. 
I ask, "What are your 'fire extinguishers?'"  Pray for the grace to rid your life of those. And, "What are things and ways God uses to 'fan the flame' in your life?" Run towards those. And of course, pray for love!

-My friend Jeff Cavins gave an informative and insightful talk on the Eucharist and stated, "In the Eucharist we have a Bridal-Spousal relationship." We, His Church, are given His Body, which gives us life, and we, in turn, give ourselves back to Him as a loving response. We receive Him completely in the Eucharist. Don't you want to do that today? :)

- Jason Evert gave the most spectacular talk on The Catholic Response toSexuality and Gender Dysphoria. It was compassionate, kind, and hugely informative. I believe everyone on planet Earth should listen to this talk, especially knowing that, as he stated, in our current culture many entities are offering over "500 genders" that you can choose to identify as! He succinctly and scientifically corrects this notion, and states, in reality, there are only two, male and female. PLEASE LISTEN TO THIS TALK! Start at time stamp; 35. Jason Evert at the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress | Breakout Session | Friday, July 19, 2024
And there was, of course, Bishop Barron and Jonathan Roumie and a host of others… what's not to love? 
Listen to them all, and be blessed."
—Melissa Overmyer

Parishioner Susan Gibbs at the National Eucharistic Congress

Parishioners Melissa and Jennifer with Fr. Andrew Gronotte, Legionary of Christ

Melissa Overmyer with the Papal Nuncio to the U.S.!

Hear the Keynote speakers

View parishioner photos & videos