Our Lenten Mission 2023: The Eucharist

Theology of the Eucharist: An Appeal to the Heart
Monday • February 27, 2023

Mrs. Melissa Foley After a difficult childhood, Melissa experienced a journey of healing. Through her healing journey, she had a supernatural increase in her awareness of God’s presence; notably, she knew without a doubt that she was worthy to be loved. “God showed me how, throughout my childhood, even though I felt abandoned, he was always with me.” This truth for Melissa was life-changing. She realized that she was loved already, and now wants to share that truth with everyone she meets. Through her ministry Loved Already, Melissa has led countless people through healing and into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

Eucharistic Reverence and Devotion
Monday • March 6, 2023

Father Peter-Elvis was ordained a Catholic priest for the Diocese of Buea, Cameroon on April 12, 2012. Before coming to the United States, he served as a parochial vicar, parish youth chaplain, and campus priest. He also taught philosophy and religious studies at a diocesan high school as well as other institutions in his diocese.

Father Peter-Elvis studied psychology at Georgia State University and completed his undergraduate degree this past May. He is currently the Parochial Vicar at St. John Vianney in Lithia Springs, Georgia.

Biblical Foundations of the Eucharist
Monday • March 13, 2023

Father Ben Thomsen was born in Decatur, Georgia in 1986. After moving to Japan and Australia in his childhood, he returned to the U.S. for late elementary through high school. He first attended Baylor University in Texas, and finished his undergraduate at the University of Georgia in Athens. At the University of Georgia he converted to Catholicism and developed a strong love for philosophy. Upon completing his 4 year degree in philosophy, he entered the University of Georgia’s School of Law where he earned his J.D. For 3 years prior to entering seminary he was a trial attorney for the State of Georgia as an Assistant District Attorney in the Griffin Judicial Circuit. He attended Mundelein Seminary near Chicago for 7 years where he studied theology and philosophy, and was ordained to the priesthood in Atlanta, May 2022.

Becoming What We Receive: How the Eucharist Transforms Our Life and Mission
Monday • March 20, 2023

Father Casey Cole graduated from Furman University in 2011 with a degree in Religious Studies and a minor in Poverty Studies. He entered the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) in August of 2011, made solemn profession in August of 2017, and was ordained to the priesthood in June of 2019. Fr. Casey has published two books, Called: What Happens After Saying Yes to Godand Let Go: Seven Stumbling Blocks to Christian Discipleship. He is the creator of two YouTube channels, and regularly gives talks throughout the country on evangelization and vocations.