Mission Statement:
The Eucharistic Congress' mission is to accomplish, through personal encounter, a real and more fervent devotion to Christ. The purpose is to inspire, empower, engage and transform you as a Catholic by centering your life around the fundamental teaching that Jesus Christ, willingly offered his life for you on the Cross and is truly alive and present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist.
Vision Statement:
The vision of the Congress is to reawaken our people to what is essentially beautiful, good, and true about our faith. As we center our lives around Christ in the Eucharist, we will leave our Church and ourselves in a better condition than we have found it.
The Eucharistic Congress is focused on the Springfield Diocese of Massachusetts to give Catholics in Western Massachusetts the opportunity to learn more about the Eucharist and deepen their love for the gift of Christ’s Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. All Catholics of Western Massachusetts are invited—please come! If you are from another diocese or state, you are certainly welcome. Young or old, single or with a family—this is a fabulous day for the whole community to experience together. Whoever you are, we want you to come.
This logo design began with the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in mind. The Sacred Heart is among the most familiar and moving of Catholic devotional images making it quickly and easily recognizable. And it is a powerful image because of what it represents - Christ’s burning love for us.
In this logo design, the flames traditionally seen above the heart are transformed to incorporate a dove, representing the gift of the Holy Spirit. The blue and red rays eminating from the pierced heart represent the blood and water that gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us. They are meant to remind us of God’s Divine Mercy, a devotion promoted locally at The National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA.
The combination of elements from the Sacred Heart and image of Divine Mercy bring together the power of God’s love and mercy.
Since November 2021, The Year of the Eucharist has provided the opportunity to inspire and cultivate a deeper understanding and practice of the real presence of the Eucharist in our diocese. We have joined together in prayer, Adoration, and in Eucharistic procession. On Saturday, March 4, 2023, during Lent, we will have a Eucharistic Congress at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. This will be a capstone event to learn more about the Eucharist, to gather as a community, and to celebrate the great gift of our faith.
-Bishop William Byrne, Bishop of Springfield
Who is this conference for?
The Eucharistic Congress is focused on the Springfield Diocese of Massachusetts to give Catholics in Western Massachusetts the opportunity to learn more about the Eucharist and deepen their love for the gift of Christ’s Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. All Catholics of Western Massachusetts are invited—please come! If you are from another diocese or state, you are certainly welcome. Young or old, single or with a family—this is a fabulous day for the whole community to experience together. Whoever you are, we want you to come.
This is expensive when I count in my children. Is there assistance available?
We are offering a household cap at $150.00, which we hope will help you bring your whole family. If you are seeking assistance, please call 413 768-0698 or email catholiclifeconference@gmail.com. We also hope that you will help us make this conference break even financially by considering your registration fee as a donation to help keep the Catholic Church strong!
Are there discounts and/or deadlines for the conference?
Yes!
Discounts- If you register yourself or your large family before December 1, 2022, you can receive $10 off your registration.
Deadlines- If you would like lunch included in your registration fee you will need to register by Feb 20, 2023
I have special dietary needs. Can I request special meal choices?
Non-meat sandwiches will be among the lunch choices. Other than that we are unable to provide for special needs.
I would like to be a vendor. How do I do that?
Please see our website for vendor forms or call Lisa Saloio at 413 459-7435.
Are vendors able to participate in the talks?
Vendors are welcome to attend the programs. Your vendor registration fee covers the attendance of two adults.
Who put this conference together? Is Catholic Life Conference a local organization?
The Catholic Life Conference of the Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts, Inc., is a nonprofit 501c3 incorporation formed under the direction of the Diocese of Springfield in cooperation with the Bishop and his staff. However, Catholic Life Conference is a separate entity, formed expressly for the purpose of providing conferences for the Catholics of Western Massachusetts. Under the leadership of its president, April Helenek, and a board drawing upon Catholics throughout the Diocese, the Catholic Life Conference receives its spiritual direction from Fr. Gary Dailey and Fr. David Aufiero. For the Eucharistic Congress, the Catholic Life Conference has been working in conjunction with the Year of the Eucharist committee for the Diocese of Springfield. This Eucharistic Congress is given by Catholics and is for all Catholics here in Western Massachusetts.
Will my teen have fun or will he or she be bored?
We have chosen our speakers with young adults in mind, and that includes your teen. We invite teens to participate in the main program, with opportunities that may especially appeal to them. We expect that your teenager will be glad he or she came and may be able to use this day as part of their confirmation formation. Speak to your DRE and/or teacher for details in this regard.
Can people from outside the Diocese attend?
Absolutely. We want everyone to come! Just register online and invite your friends. We have space for everyone.
I’d like to promote my business. How can I advertise in the program?
We will be offering advertising space in our program to help offset the cost of the conference. If you would like to have your ad in the program, please call Anne Marie Jacques at 413 204-2933 or email her at catholiclifeadvertising@gmail.com
I’d like to be a donor to support this Eucharistic Congress. How do I do that?
You can support the Eucharistic Congress with an underwriting gift. We would love to hear from you! Contact Deacon George Nolan at 413-523-3394 or email him at catholiclifeconference@gmail.com.
How can I volunteer?
We are looking for volunteers and would love your help! Come be part of the team. Look on our website catholiclifeconference.org and choose “Volunteers” from the menu. To make this conference a success we are in need of a large crew of wonderful, enthusiastic helpers!! Volunteers will need to pay the conference fee, but we promise you the fun of being actively involved as an act of love. Plus, a free t-shirt!
Please check back on the website with updates.
Please note: This conference is 100% volunteer-based in order to make this day a reality.