While the U.S. Bishops rebuild Christ’s Church through a three-year initiative that aims to inspire, educate, and unite people to know Jesus intimately, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s Arise Milwaukee is already climbing high in their efforts to accomplish this goal. Arise Milwaukee’s recent Family Day at Menomonee Falls Village Park was a real Eucharistic Revival. It offered to those present the wonders of the True Presence of Jesus. healing for souls and joy in seeing Jesus in each other.(Photos: AriseMilwaukee)
The day was clearly aimed at the young of heart. At first the atmosphere was like that of a carnival with music provided by The Scally Brothers. Face painting, bounce house, balloon animals, snow cones, popcorn, and possible family relays called for action. Also new this year was the rock climbing wall. There was no fear in the eyes of those who rose to the heights.
Volunteers were caringly wonderful in organizing all details. Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity were blessed to be invited more than once to come for the day. On our arrival, we were asked to respond to a passport activity that encouraged answers to questions that allowed families to meet Bishop James T. Schuerman, priests, including Father Enrique Hernandez, Arise Milwaukee chaplain, seminarians and religious.
Franciscan Sister Kathleen Murphy commented: “Summer is the perfect time for the Arise gathering—not just because the warm weather allows for outdoor fun and snow cones, but because it is a season for flowering. One could not miss the flowering of the Church evident at this event. There were so many young families showing their children the primacy of the faith and so many wisdom figures modeling devotion to the Eucharist. What a perfect summer garden of praise!”
One couldn’t miss the close encounter with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, a loving gift for all at the close of the day. Each person was given moments to focus eye to eye with Jesus in the monstrance and call on Him in petition, praise and/or adoration. Special to the evening was also an opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the beauty of the setting sun. Yes, Jesus was here. Watch for more Jesus moments here.
