Prepare for the Eucharistic Pilgrimage with Fr. Clark
This summer, pilgrims with the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will be walking over 30 miles while accompanying the Eucharist through our diocese! Pilgrimages are about more than walking, they're a "movement of the feet and the soul, a journey made both externally and internally." To make sure we're ready to join our pilgrims, we need to train both physically and spiritually, so we can go the distance and come away changed by our encounter with Christ.
Starting Divine Mercy Sunday (April 7), join Fr. Paul Clark in a 12-week mental, spiritual and physical training program as we prepare for the arrival of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage on July 1!
View our plan by week below or download the full plan using the link below. Exercises are explained the 1st time they appear.
Days focused on healthy mindsets
Setup a prayer space that can be an area without distraction for you to gather on Mindful Mondays. Put your favorite holy image(s) in this space.
Exercise Day
Walk/Run 15 minutes
Let's Encourage Giving
Give Thanks
Make a gratitude list of 20 things God has given you that you need to say thank you for and pray a Glory Be in Gratitude for each of them
Wild Card Day
Attend weekday Mass
Step away from something that makes us less human and step toward something that makes us more human
Look at a piece of art or something beautiful in nature and contemplate "What makes this beautiful?"
Exercise Day...with a little bit more
Practice genuflecting with 2 sets of 5 Lunges
Genuflecting is an "action of humility, service and love" Watch this video from Fr. Mike Schmitz: https://youtu.be/8uNnxKSYobw?si=4dUwUA-iTY1kKa0K
And/or: Go to confession
3 ways we are asked to keep holy the Lord's Day:
- WORSHIP of God (For Catholics, this primarily is fulfilled in our obligation to respond by participating at Mass)
- REST/restoration
- RELATIONSHIP/fraternity
(on Sundays, make sure to do something in each of these three areas)
Check out this video to aid in your reflection today: The Veil Removed
Days focused on healthy mindsets
Check out this Mindful Catholic Audio video that you can listen to throughout your day!
Exercise Day
Walk/Run 15 minutes
Let's Encourage Giving
Give Encouragement
Give 10 people genuine affirmation today
Wild Card Day
Park at the edge of a parking lot and say a prayer as you walk to the door
Step away from something that makes us less human and step toward something that makes us more human
Go for a walk with someone you care about
Exercise Day...with a little bit more
Weighted "Benedictions":
hold a weight with both hands while doing the sign of the cross, 2 sets of 5
Benediction refers to the adoration of and blessing with the Blessed Sacrament. Check out the history and development from New Advent: https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02465b.htm
3 ways we are asked to keep holy the Lord's Day:
- WORSHIP of God (For Catholics, this primarily is fulfilled in our obligation to respond by participating at Mass)
- REST/restoration
- RELATIONSHIP/fraternity
(on Sundays, make sure to do something in each of these three areas)
Days focused on healthy mindsets
Sit and breathe deep breaths in silence for 1 minute
Exercise Day
Walk/Run 20 minutes
Let's Encourage Giving
Give from Gifts
Make a donation of something you have and not used in a long time
Wild Card Day
Play a song and dance to the whole thing
Step away from something that makes us less human and step toward something that makes us more human
Skip TV for an entire evening
Exercise Day...with a little bit more
Running/walking Rosaries (interval training) Pray a rosary while walking or running, picking up the pace on the 2nd and 4th mysteries. Alternatively, pick up the pace for 2 Hail Mary's, walk for 1, and repeat.
3 ways we are asked to keep holy the Lord's Day:
- WORSHIP of God (For Catholics, this primarily is fulfilled in our obligation to respond by participating at Mass)
- REST/restoration
- RELATIONSHIP/fraternity
(on Sundays, make sure to do something in each of these three areas)
Days focused on healthy mindsets
In your prayer space: Listen to the song "Who You Say I am"
Exercise Day
Walk/Run 20 minutes
Let's Encourage Giving
Give Your Time
Do an Act of Charity, Work of Mercy
Step away from something that makes us less human and step toward something that makes us more human
Go without music in your car for a day
Exercise Day...with a little bit more
Prostration push-ups, 15 push-ups (full or modified)
Prostration is "the ultimate gesture of submission and worship. Our bodies speak outwardly the act of surrender we are choosing with our will." Read this blog: https://www.abideinlove.com/wp/?p=1257/
3 ways we are asked to keep holy the Lord's Day:
- WORSHIP of God (For Catholics, this primarily is fulfilled in our obligation to respond by participating at Mass)
- REST/restoration
- RELATIONSHIP/fraternity
(on Sundays, make sure to do something in each of these three areas)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven Matthew 5:3
Beatitude" comes from the word "blessed". The Beatitudes describe moments in our lives when we are closest to God, they are opportunities of blessing. Poverty of spirit is about freedom- the freedom to receive our lives as a gift from God and to make a free gift of our lives back to Him in service to one another. To be poor in spirit means to recognize that we are not God and we can't control his plans.
Days focused on healthy mindsets
Take 10 minutes to journal in gratitude, reflecting on a gift you have received from God
Exercise Day
Walk/Run 25 minutes
Let's Encourage Giving
Give Your Words
Have a conversation with someone you haven't talked to this year
Wild Card Day
Relax for 5 minutes — don’t move, don’t speak, enjoy silence
Step away from something that makes us less human and step toward something that makes us more human
Sit in a park for a short period of time and "observe" — just "be"
Exercise Day...with a little bit more
Practice genuflecting with 2 sets of 10 lunges
And/or: Go to confession
3 ways we are asked to keep holy the Lord's Day:
- WORSHIP of God (For Catholics, this primarily is fulfilled in our obligation to respond by participating at Mass)
- "God gives himself as food to the poor person who counts on him. This beautiful mystery reaches its supreme fulfillment in the Eucharist. And to fully appreciate the Eucharist and to receive its riches, one needs a poor heart." -Fr. Jacques Philippe
- After receiving the Eucharist today, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how Christ wants you to be free today.
- REST/restoration
- RELATIONSHIP/fraternity
(on Sundays, make sure to do something in each of these three areas)
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted Matthew 5:4
Throughout scripture, God speaks comfort to us. In Advent we hear the prophet Isaiah's proclamation "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God" (Is. 40:1). St. Paul describes God as "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction." (2 Cor 1:3-4) Jesus, who knew immense suffering in his life on earth, does not promise us that we will never suffer, but he promises to be with us in our pain.
Days focused on healthy mindsets
Check out this Mindful Catholic Audio video that you can listen to throughout your day!
Exercise Day
Walk/Run 25 minutes
Let's Encourage Giving
Give Praise
Visit the Blessed Sacrament and pray the Divine Praises
Wild Card Day
Write down 20 things you're grateful for and pray a Glory Be in thanksgiving for each. What comfort have you received that you are greatful for? What chances have you had to show comfort to others?
Step away from something that makes us less human and step toward something that makes us more human
Turn your phone on do not disturb and be present with those around you for 3 hours
Exercise Day...with a little bit more
Weighted "Benedictions":
hold a weight with both hands while doing the sign of the cross, 2 sets of 10
3 ways we are asked to keep holy the Lord's Day:
- WORSHIP of God (For Catholics, this primarily is fulfilled in our obligation to respond by participating at Mass)
- REST/restoration
- RELATIONSHIP/fraternity
- "The Christian vocation [is] a ministry of consolation. The consolation we receive from God is not for us to keep for ourselves. Rather, we in turn are to become consolers of those who need it." - Fr. Jacques Philippe
- After receiving the Eucharist today, ask Christ to show you someone in your life who needs consolation.
(on Sundays, make sure to do something in each of these three areas)
Check out this video to aid in your reflection today: The Veil Removed
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Matthew 5:5
Meekness allows our hearts to be moved when we encounter others, instead of responding with anger or frustration. God, the source of all meekness, teaches us through prayer and example to persevere in choosing love even in the hardest places.
Days focused on healthy mindsets
In your prayer space: sit and breathe deep breaths in silence for 5 minutes
Exercise Day
Walk/Run 30 minutes
Let's Encourage Giving
Give Thanks
Send someone a thank you card
Wild Card Day
Spend time in Adoration today. As you gaze upon the Lord who appears in the humble form of bread, ask him to soften your heart today.
Step away from something that makes us less human and step toward something that makes us more human
Look at a piece of art or something beautiful in nature and contemplate "What makes this beautiful?"
Exercise Day...with a little bit more
Running/walking Rosaries (interval training)
3 ways we are asked to keep holy the Lord's Day:
- WORSHIP of God (For Catholics, this primarily is fulfilled in our obligation to respond by participating at Mass)
- REST/restoration
- Meekness "is the flexibility of the person who embraces things as they are, not reacting against the reality of things and events. People like this let themselves be guided" by the Holy Spirit. -Fr. Philippe
- After receiving the Eucharist today, pray for the grace to choose love in a difficult place this week.
- RELATIONSHIP/fraternity
(on Sundays, make sure to do something in each of these three areas)
Check out this video to aid in your reflection today: The Veil Removed
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Matthew 5:6
Throughout scripture, our relationship with God is connected to our relationships with our neighbors. As our hearts yearn for God, they should also deeply desire justice and salvation for all who we encounter. Like Christ, our hearts should be moved at the pain of those we encounter.
Days focused on healthy mindsets
In your prayer space: Listen to the song "You Say" by Lauren Daigle
Exercise Day
Walk/Run 30 minutes
Let's Encourage Giving
Give Encouragement
Send an email to a priest thanking them for their service
Wild Card Day
Watch any video from the Eucharistic Revival Website: learn.eucharisticrevival.org/browse
Say a prayer asking God to inspire open your heart to injustice in your life.
Step away from something that makes us less human and step toward something that makes us more human
Go for a walk with someone you care about
Exercise Day...with a little bit more
Prostration push-ups, 20 push-ups (full or modified)
3 ways we are asked to keep holy the Lord's Day:
- WORSHIP of God (For Catholics, this primarily is fulfilled in our obligation to respond by participating at Mass)
- "The fourth Beatitude points to a question: What's my deepest desire?... What do I really hunger and thirst for?" - Fr. Jacques Philippe
- After receiving the Eucharist today, ask Christ to increase your desire for him and love for everyone you encounter this week.
- REST/restoration
- RELATIONSHIP/fraternity
(on Sundays, make sure to do something in each of these three areas)
Check out this video to aid in your reflection today: The Veil Removed
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7
Mercy takes many forms: love, patience, forgiveness, and more. For many of us, forgiveness is the most challenging act of mercy. Luckily, we have the model of perfect mercy in God, who is constantly waiting to pour out his love and mercy on us, particularly in Confession. As we receive God's mercy, we learn by his example to be merciful towards others.
Days focused on healthy mindsets
Reflect for 15 minutes on what the Eucharist has meant to you in your life
Exercise Day
Walk/Run 15 minutes
Let's Encourage Giving
Give from Gifts
Make a monetary donation to a charity
Wild Card Day
Read on of these Resources on the Eucharistic Revival Website: eucharisticrevival.org/revival-resources
Step away from something that makes us less human and step toward something that makes us more human
Skip TV for an entire evening
Exercise Day...with a little bit more
Practice genuflecting with 2 sets of 10 lunges
And/or: Go to confession. As you examine your conscience, ask the Holy Spirit to show you places in your life that you can grow in mercy.
3 ways we are asked to keep holy the Lord's Day:
- WORSHIP of God (For Catholics, this primarily is fulfilled in our obligation to respond by participating at Mass)
- REST/restoration
- RELATIONSHIP/fraternity
- "To be free and happy, we must have the courage to tell ourselves 'no one owes me anything'. Not those who harmed me, because I've forgiven them, and not those to whom I've done good, because I want to love them freely." -Fr. Jacques Philippe.
- After receiving the Eucharist today, thank God for the mercy he has shown you and ask for the grace to let go of something you've been holding on to this week.
(on Sundays, make sure to do something in each of these three areas)
Check out this video to aid in your reflection today: The Veil Removed
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8
The clean heart sees God because it is not clouded by distractions. When we are balancing a hundred priorities, among which God is just another box to check, we cannot see God or his plan for us clearly. Purity of heart is a call to simplicity of heart- to put God first and let everything else fall into place.
Days focused on healthy mindsets
Take 20 minutes to journal. Make a list of everything competing for your attention and reflect on what might be clouding your heart.
Exercise Day
Walk/Run 20 minutes
Let's Encourage Giving
Give Your Time
Share a meal with someone
Wild Card Day
Attend weekday Mass
Step away from something that makes us less human and step toward something that makes us more human
Go without music in your car for a day
Exercise Day...with a little bit more
Weighted "Benedictions"
holding a weight with both hands while doing the sign of the cross, 2 sets of 15
3 ways we are asked to keep holy the Lord's Day:
- WORSHIP of God (For Catholics, this primarily is fulfilled in our obligation to respond by participating at Mass)
- "Purity is also related to simplicity… it implies a love of God and neighbor that isn't tied up in other things, in calculations and human reasoning." Purity is "in one's way of seeing [things]." - Fr. Jacques Philippe
- After you receive the Eucharist today, ask Christ to help you see the world purely, through his eyes.
- REST/restoration
- RELATIONSHIP/fraternity
(on Sundays, make sure to do something in each of these three areas)
Check out this video to aid in your reflection today: The Veil Removed
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9
Peace comes near the end of the Beatitudes because true, divine peace, comes as we cultivate the openness to God's plan and acts of love to our neighbor that the previous Beatitudes point us towards. Divine peace is not the lack of chaos we find ourselves seeking from time to time. Those who strive to bring peace to the world do so by sharing God's love, justice, comfort, and light with others.
Days focused on healthy mindsets
In your prayer space: sit and breathe deep breaths in silence for 10 minutes
Exercise Day
Walk/Run 25 minutes
Let's Encourage Giving
Give Your Words
Pray with someone today (ie. "May I pray with you right now?") If appropriate, pray that God will bring them peace.
Wild Card Day
Step away from something that makes us less human and step toward something that makes us more human
Sit in a park for a period of time and "observe" — just "be"
Exercise Day...with a little bit more
Running/walking Rosaries (interval training)
3 ways we are asked to keep holy the Lord's Day:
- WORSHIP of God (For Catholics, this primarily is fulfilled in our obligation to respond by participating at Mass)
- REST/restoration
- "Someone whose heart is not at peace will be vulnerable to the force of division and all the cycles of fear and violence that trouble the world." -Fr. Jacques Philippe
- We experience the truest rest when we are at peace in Christ. After Mass today, remain in the Church and pray for a few minutes, embracing the peace that comes when we unite ourselves to Christ in the Eucharist.
- RELATIONSHIP/fraternity
(on Sundays, make sure to do something in each of these three areas)
Check out this video to aid in your reflection today: The Veil Removed
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10
The final Beatitude points towards the countercultural life God calls each of us to. Jesus does not promise us a life free of suffering, rather, he promises to be with us every step of the way. Though different from the overt persecution of Christians in the early Church, we still encounter moments of conflict between what God calls us to and the world we live in. When we stand for the dignity of human life, when we refuse to engage in gossip, when we fight to make Sunday Mass a priority over sports or social obligations, our friendships may suffer for it. But the call of the Beatitudes is constant- when we strive to put God first in all things, we will receive eternal joy.
Days focused on healthy mindsets
Write a list of 15 things you like about yourself
Exercise Day
Walk/Run 30 minutes
Let's Encourage Giving
Give Praise
Write a prayer of praise and pray it in front of the Blessed Sacrament
Wild Card Day
Park at the edge of a parking lot and say a prayer as you walk to the door
Step away from something that makes us less human and step toward something that makes us more human
Turn your phone on do not disturb and be present with those around you for 3 hours
Exercise Day...with a little bit more
Prostration push-ups, 25 push-ups (full or modified)
3 ways we are asked to keep holy the Lord's Day:
- WORSHIP of God (For Catholics, this primarily is fulfilled in our obligation to respond by participating at Mass)
- "This is the culmination of the way mapped out by the Beatitudes… strength to embrace suffering for Christ as a good thing, to welcome the Cross as a gift. Here is the ultimate degree of maturity and spiritual freedom, as well as the most powerful witness human beings can give." - Fr. Jacques Philippe
- After receiving the Eucharist today, ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen your courage to witness to the gospel in every part of your life.
- REST/restoration
- RELATIONSHIP/fraternity
(on Sundays, make sure to do something in each of these three areas)
Check out this video to aid in your reflection today: The Veil Removed
