Jet setters seeking worldly adventure often rely on passports for their travels.
Catholics looking for a more otherworldly experience now have a different kind of passport to help them on their spiritual journey.
Leaders of St. John the Evangelist in Hydes recently introduced the “Eucharistic Revival Passport” at the Baltimore County parish. It’s designed as a tangible way for Catholics of all ages to keep track of their pilgrimage of “heart and soul” during the National Eucharistic Revival launched by the U.S. bishops.
Participants earn stamps for each activity they complete on the passport. That includes everything from heartfelt prayers and Sunday Mass attendance to more challenging tasks such as reaching out to someone new at Mass or participating in the upcoming National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in July 2024. Other activities include eucharistic adoration, planting flowers to brighten someone’s day and even the opportunity to invite a friend to attend Mass together.
Barbara Anderson, director of adult faith formation at St. John, said the project was launched with the hope of appealing to children, teens and adults.
“We believe that it’s brought people together and helped them focus on their spiritual life,” Anderson said. “It has encouraged them to pray more intentionally and reach out to others to invite them to prayer.”
The passport has no strict guidelines for completion. Anderson encourages participants to not only stick to familiar activities, but also to explore new experiences related to the Eucharist, making the Eucharist an integral part of their spiritual journey.
The goal is to help individuals foster a closer relationship with God and a deeper understanding of the sacraments.
“It’s not just about completing activities, it’s about the personal and collective growth that occurs along the way,” Anderson said, “a spiritual voyage that guides believers toward a profound and personal understanding of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, ultimately forging a stronger connection with God.”
While the initiative currently resides exclusively at St. John, it could expand to other parishes if it continues to demonstrate success. Anderson envisions the program as a dynamic exploration, with recognition granted at different pilgrimage levels.
Participants completing 12 activities earn a certificate of completion, tangible evidence of their commitment to the spiritual journey and a significant step in deepening their connection with the Eucharist.
Those engaging in 18 activities receive special recognition, with Anderson suggesting the possibility of an ice cream social or a similar event within the parish. This level of acknowledgment not only celebrates individual achievements, but also fosters a sense of community among participants.
The highest level of recognition is reserved for those engaging in 24 activities or more. Participants reaching this milestone will receive a special gift, adding an element of anticipation and reward for those fully immersing themselves in the Eucharistic Passport Journey.
Anderson noted that approximately 240 passports have been distributed, with more still available for pickup in the church narthex.
The initiative stands as an open invitation for believers to embark on a transformative spiritual journey, one stamp at a time.
Email Adriana Montes at amontes@catholicreview.org
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