The Eucharistic Congress is a teaching and worship event centered on the Eucharist, the source and summit of Catholic life. The Congress begins Friday evening, October 3, 2008, with a program of Sacred Music at the Charlotte Convention Center. After the program, the Eucharist will be available for adoration throughout the night at the St. Peter Catholic Church at 501 South Tryon Street in Charlotte.

The events on Saturday, October 4, 2008, begin at 9 a.m. with the Eucharistic Procession, which begins at St. Peter Church on South Tryon Street. Congress attendees are asked to position themselves along the procession route and to join the procession behind the church banners.

Programs, or "Tracks," are designed for different audiences: general, Hispanic, children, middle and high school students. During the day, the Eucharist will be available for adoration in a special chapel in the Charlotte Convention Center. Priests will be available for confessions all day, and there will be an area for vendors selling religious merchandise and offering information about Catholic schools, vocations, etc.

The Congress concludes with a Vigil Mass that begins at 4:30 p.m.

The first Eucharistic Congress was held in Lille, France in 1881 under the direction of Msgr. Gaston De Se`gue. In time the congresses developed to their present international character. The Eucharistic Congress of 1908, which met in London, was the first occasion on which a representative of the pope entered England since the Reformation. Two international Eucharistic Congresses were held in the United States — Chicago in 1926 and Philadelphia in 1976.

Everyone.

Leading the Eucharistic Procession will be altar servers, sodalities such as the Knights of Columbus, and the clergy and then, most importantly, the Eucharist. Following the Eucharist will be banner carriers representing churches, schools and organizations in the Diocese of Charlotte. The faithful are invited to join the procession as the banner for their church or organization passes.

The Eucharistic Congress will be held rain or shine. The Eucharistic Procession may be moved into the Charlotte Convention Center depending on the weather.

Children from kindergarten through fifth grade are welcome to participate in the Children's Track. Participating children will be involved in age-appropriate activities and will be served lunch.

All children in the Children's Track must be registered. Registration will take place online at www.GoEucharist.com. Seating in the Children's Track will be limited.

Separate sessions are also offered for Middle School (grades 6-8) and High School Students

The Diocese of Charlotte is committed to "The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People" as adopted by the U.S. bishops. All adult volunteers at the Eucharistic Congress who will have supervisory contact with children will be required to attend the diocesan training, "Protecting God’s Children." Background checks will also be performed on any adult having supervisory contact with children.

Confession
Eucharistic Adoration
Programs in English and Spanish
Music provided Churches throughout the Diocese
Vendors in the Catholic shops area offering religious goods
The opportunity to meet visitors from the Diocese and all over the Southeast

There is no change for any of the events associated with the Eucharistic Congress. Everyone who desires a closer relationship to the Eucharist is encouraged to attend and participate.

The Diocese of Charlotte is accepting contributions to defray the cost of staging the Congress. To donate to the Eucharistic Congress, click here.

The Charlotte Convention Center will offer a variety of foods for sale throughout the day. Lunch will be provided at no charge for the children attending the Children's Middle and High School Tracks. Before and after the Eucharistic Congress, attendees may want to take advantage of the many restaurants, hotels and attractions that are within easy walking distance of the Convention Center.