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CV NEWS FEED // In a recent reflection on his experience at the National Eucharistic Congress this July, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly of the Knights of Columbus urged members to extend a personal invitation to bring at least one person back to the Church.
In an article on the Knights’ website, Kelly recounted witnessing a “deeply moving” show of appreciation for the Knights’ contributions during the event, where an audience of over 50,000 erupted into applause when the organization was mentioned.
Kelly noted that while many may not be aware of the full scope of the Knights’ work for the Congress specifically, their local communities recognize their efforts in serving parishes, supporting families, and helping the vulnerable. These daily acts of service, he explained, are what earn the gratitude of the faithful.
He wrote, “As I reflected on this and on my experience at the congress, I was also reminded of our duty to continue our work — and indeed, to multiply it.”
Looking ahead, Kelly emphasized the importance of carrying the grace from the Eucharistic Congress into everyday life. He encouraged Knights and their families to heed the challenge set by U.S. bishops to bring others back to the Church through their Invite One Back Initiative.
As CatholicVote previously reported, the Eucharistic Revival has published resources and promoted four steps that can be followed as a part of the “Invite One Back” initiative.
In his recent article, Kelly suggested that members of the Knights reach out to a friend, family member, or even a child or grandchild, inviting them to attend Sunday Mass, Eucharistic adoration, or a Eucharistic procession.
“Let’s not just help make these events possible in our parishes. Let’s fill the pews and streets with people who have never been to one, or who have not been in a long time,” Kelly wrote, concluding:
“It’s a simple matter of invitation. Like Jesus said to his first disciples (Jn 1:39) or the woman at the well said to her neighbors (Jn 4:29), all we have to do is say, ‘Come and see.’ The rest we leave in the loving hands of Christ himself.”
