January-February 2001

Eucharistic communities plan gathering in May

Among the thousands of small faith communities in the U.S. Catholic Church, some are Intentional Eucharistic Communities (IECs): those which gather to celebrate Eucharist on a regular basis. In 1991 Communitas, an IEC in Washington, D.C., hosted the first national gathering of IECs, and was pleased when 15 communities sent 155 participants. Now the field has blossomed. When Communitas and others began planning a new national gathering of IECs, they sent the proposal to more than 80 such groups they already knew. Before Christmas, 33 of them had sent money and committed to the project. The meeting will be May 18-20, 2001 in Washington.

Speakers include Bill D’Antonio and Bernard Lee, co-authors of the 2000 study, “The Catholic Experience of Small Christian Communities;” Michael Cowan, co-author with Lee of two earlier books; Bill Callahan, Maureen Fiedler, Bridget Mary Meehan, Jim Hug, Kathy Thornton,and Jim Coriden. Participating communities will share their stories, tell what strategies have worked, and consider possibilities for future joint action.

Co-chair is Ellen Radday of CTA Northern Virginia. She and husband Harry (a former CTA national board member) belong to CTA Northern Virginia, and worship with Communitas in Washington.

If you belong to an Intentional Eucharistic Community or know of one, spread the word. Registration, including meals, is $125 until Feb. 15, $150 thereafter. Contact Ellen at 703 538-6128. eradday@yahoo.com