Local News
Letters To the Editor
Published: June 24, 2010
To the Editor:
I write for two reasons. One is to praise the outstanding coverage of the congress both leading up to and during the event itself. Both the pre- and post-congress issues were beautiful. In both print form and electronically the Archdiocese of Atlanta Office of Communications, of which The Georgia Bulletin is just one part, did a most outstanding job.
The second reason for writing is to acknowledge the amazing volunteers who worked so tirelessly to ensure the success of the congress.
In Matthew’s Gospel we hear Jesus say that he came to serve, not to be served. I was reminded of that scripture verse many times as our 15th annual Eucharistic Congress unfolded a couple of weekends ago.
Over 500 volunteers gave their time on Friday night and all day Saturday in every aspect of the congress. While every congress is different, the thing about this year’s event that was most striking was a sense of joy that was infectious. There was, of course, the joy of the people, particularly those who have never experienced the congress before. The joy of reunion for long-time regular attendees. But there was also a palpable joy on the faces and in the spirit of the volunteers. At our congress follow-up meeting this week, the steering committee membership acknowledged the same.
I am eternally grateful to all who helped ensure the success of the 2010 Eucharistic congress. The steering committee volunteers (yes, they all volunteer their time in addition to the work many of them do in chancery ministry), all those involved in the liturgy, security, ushers, finance, track volunteers, bus drivers, speaker hosts, and (don’t let me forget!) the clean-up crew, it was all of you who made this happen.
Space does not allow me to name all who helped make the 2010 EC such a wonderful and memorable event. Please know that we appreciate each and every one of you!
And if you want to help out next year … the volunteer sign up is already available on the Archdiocese of Atlanta website, www.archatl.com.
We hope to see you all again next year!
Deacon Dennis J. Dorner
Deacon Dorner, who is chancellor and director of permanent diaconate, served as chairman of the 2010 Eucharistic Congress steering committee.
To the Editor:
The recent celebration of the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is a pertinent reminder of the significance of Catholic Teaching regarding the sacrament of the Eucharist. Catholics affirm that Jesus is really, truly, substantially present in this sacrament. This doctrine is part of the divine gift of faith, which does not rely on human science for any verification.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church makes it clear: “That in this sacrament are the true Body of Christ and his true Blood is something that ‘cannot be apprehended by senses’ says St. Thomas, ‘but only by faith, which relies on divine authority.’” (#1381)
The clarity of Catholic teaching on the Eucharist is not well served when it is subjected to a “scientific” analysis. Misleading advertisements in Catholic publications can too easily result in unnecessary confusion.
Father John S. Adamski
Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Atlanta
