What to know about the Eucharistic procession through the Archdiocese of Omaha

In less than a week, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will make its way through the Archdiocese of Omaha.

Thousands of Catholics are expected to accompany Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament as He passes through northeast Nebraska.

The Eucharist Procession is part of a nationwide pilgrimage that will visit 27 states and 65 dioceses before culminating at the 10th National Eucharistic Congress July 17-21 in Indianapolis.

While not everyone can attend the Eucharistic Congress, participating in this procession allows Catholics in the archdiocese to unite as One Church to honor our Lord in the Eucharist and play an important role in the National Eucharistic Revival.

If you plan to participate in one or more events this weekend, June 21-23, here are some things to be aware of to help you get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

DATES AND TIMES  

Friday, June 21 (Map of the route below)

1 to 3:30 p.m., CLOISTERS ON THE PLATTE, 23332 Fishery Rd., Gretna 

• Official procession begins and processes four and a half miles with the Blessed Sacrament to the Holy Family Shrine. 

3:30 to 4:30 p.m., HOLY FAMILY SHRINE, 23131 Pflug Rd., Gretna 

• Adoration of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament as the Diocese of Lincoln formally transitions the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to the Archdiocese of Omaha. The afternoon concludes with Benediction. 

Saturday, June 22 

9 to 10:45 a.m., SAINT BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2423 Grant St, Omaha 

• Mass followed by a fellowship breakfast with pilgrims. 

12:30 to 3:30 p.m., SAINT AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 801 South S Mission Dr, Winnebago 

• Adoration of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament at the St. Augustine Indian Mission. 

3:30 to 4:30 p.m., SAINT AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 801 South S Mission Dr, Winnebago 

• Holy hour and Benediction. 

7 to 8:30 p.m., SAINT WENCESLAUS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 15353 Pacific St, Omaha 

• An evening of adoration of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament with an indoor procession, praise and worship music, and preaching by Father Innocent Montgomery, CFR. A large Eucharistic Miracles display will be featured in the narthex. Confessions available. Refreshments to follow. 

Sunday, June 23 (Map of the route below)

10:30 a.m. to noon, SAINT CECILIA CATHEDRAL, 701 N 40th St, Omaha 

• Archbishop Lucas celebrates Mass. 

Noon to 1 p.m. 

• Eucharistic Procession from St. Cecilia Cathedral to St. John’s Parish on the grounds of Creighton University. 

1 to 1:45 p.m., ST. JOHN’S PARISH AT CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha 

• Daytime Prayer with the seminarians of the Institute for Priestly Formation and adoration of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. 

1:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. ST. JOHN’S PARISH AT CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY TO TOM HANAFAN RIVER’S EDGE PARK, 4200 Avenue B, Council Bluffs, IA 

• Formal transition from the Archdiocese of Omaha into the Diocese of Des Moines.  

TIPS FOR WALKERS 

We have two major processions: a long, rural one on Friday and a slightly shorter, urban one on Sunday. Please note: Friday’s procession is a 4.5 mile commitment. On Sunday, you can walk the entire route or just a few blocks. All events are free, but participants are asked to register here for planning purposes. 

It is no secret that weather forecasts can change quickly. At this time, temperatures are expected to be near 90 on Friday and about 80 on Sunday, sunny to partly cloudy. Before you leave for the route you are walking, check the weather and come prepared. 

Here are some things to consider: 

• Parking will be on a first-come, first-served basis at most venues. On Friday, all pilgrims are asked to park at the Cloisters on the Platte as there are only a few spaces at the Holy Family Shrine. 
• Shuttles will be available on Friday to shuttle pilgrims back to their cars at Cloisters on the Platte. On Sunday, shuttles will run continuously at 4 points along the procession route. Please be patient as wait times will vary depending on the number of pilgrims. 
• Those who wish to join or leave at any point during the Sunday procession within the city can also arrange their own transportation (private pickup, Uber, Lyft). 
• Consider bringing a poncho or umbrella in the event of rain. A small umbrella can also provide shade in the hot sun.  
• If severe weather necessitates a change of plans that information will be communicated on social media and in an email to registered participants. If there is severe weather on Friday, a holy hour will be held at St. Patrick Parish in Gretna instead of the procession. 
• Sunblock, comfortable shoes (that you have broken in) and a water bottle are a must. There will be 4 water stations along the Friday route to refill your water bottle. 
• Friday afternoon’s route has very little shade, and the road is gravel, so please plan accordingly. 
• Porta potties will be stationed along the Friday route. 
• Don’t push yourself. The speed of the procession will move at a relaxed pace. If you find yourself getting overheated or tired, take a break.  

A WORD ABOUT EUCHARISTIC ADORATION 

Some Catholics have participated in Eucharist Adoration since childhood, while others may know little or nothing about it. If you want to learn more, A Guide to Eucharistic Adoration will help you understand what it is and why it is so powerful.

A FINAL THOUGHT 

Procession behind Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament mirrors His leading us to heaven. While formal Adoration will take place in churches along the way, remember you are following Jesus with every step you take. 

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, quoted in a blog post on the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage website, said it like this: “Now here’s the thing. What a magnificent ancient Christian devotion: pilgrimage. You’re doing what Jesus did on Palm Sunday, you’re doing what Jesus did on the Way of the Cross. This is phenomenal. This walking together in company with the Lord. It’s a microcosm of life itself.” 

Walking under hot sun, in pouring rain or when your legs are tired isn’t always fun or comfortable but walking with Jesus is always a gift. And one not everyone has the chance to experience. If you know someone unable to attend because of age, health or any other reason, offer to bring their intentions with you along the way. 

Still on the fence about whether to take part in the Eucharistic Pilgrimage? “Why Make a Eucharistic Pilgrimage” could help you decide. 

ROUTES FOR FRIDAY, JUNE 21, AND SUNDAY, JUNE 23. ZOOM OUT FOR MORE DETAIL.