What does it mean to consume the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass?
Is the Holy Eucharist just a symbol?
What is “Real Presence” anyway?
The Diocese of Allentown, celebrating the Year of the Real Presence, invites you to explore these questions in a five-week book study series on “Real Presence: What does it mean and why does it matter?” written by Dr. Timothy O’Malley. The book discussion series is led by Father Stephan Isaac, assistant pastor of Saint Catharine of Siena Parish and Chaplain of Berks Catholic High School, both in Reading.
O’Malley is a Catholic theologian, author, speaker, and the director of McGrath Theology Online at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. O’Malley earned his bachelor’s degree in Theology and Philosophy and his master’s degree in Liturgical Studies from Notre Dame. He earned a doctorate in Theology and Education at Boston College. He is the author of several books, including the award-winning Off the Hook, Divine Blessing: Liturgical Formation in the RCIA, Bored Again Catholic, and Liturgy and the New Evangelization.
Each Wednesday beginning September 15th a new video will be shared featuring a discussion between O’Malley and Father Isaac on key points from the book and questions for reflection. Participants are encouraged to gather at home or at your parish with a group of friends to view the video content for the week, share a meal, and engage in conversation using the discussion guide.
“The book study will help all of its participants to grow in understanding and reverence for the Real Presence of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament,” said Father Isaac, “and grow in spiritual fellowship with those that share this discussion with others.”
Participants can purchase the book from Ave Maria Press or download a Kindle version. Additional resources are available on the Year of the Real Presence website here.