Pope John Paul II has declared October 2004 - October 2005 to be the 'Year of the Eucharist' to promote further the renewal in the liturgical life of the Church that was begun in the reforms of the liturgy made after the Second Vatican Council.

MANE NOBISCUM DOMINE - Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter for the Year of the Eucharist
ECCLESIA DE EUCHARISTIA - Pope John Paul II's Encyclical Letter on the Eucharist in its relationship to the Church


In his pastoral letter for October 2004, Bishop Andrew wholeheartedly commends observance of the Year of the Eucharist to the priests, deacons and people of the See of Ebbsfleet, writing:

'The Eucharist is the place where Word and Sacrament are uniquely held in balance, Christ present in both. The Eucharist is the place for the offering of all that we are and all that we have to God. This is not in any way to provoke God into action. It is a small return for his gift to us of all that he is in the Person of Jesus Christ. 'Blessed are you Lord God of all creation'.' Bishop Andrew Burnham, Pastoral Letter, October 2004, 'The Year of the Eucharist'

SEVEN PRINCIPLES FOR THE YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST
As announced at the end of the International Eucharistic Congress in Mexico

1. It is urgent to emphasize the importance of Sunday Mass.
2. The feast and procession of Corpus Christi (the Body and Blood of Christ) must be emphasized again.
3. Eucharistic adoration in all its forms must be revalued, including nocturnal adoration.
4. Emphasize the importance of frequent and worthy Communion, coupled with the sacrament of reconciliation.
5. Encourage the spirit of mission, which stems from the Eucharist.
6. Share one's table and Mass with the poor, in the service of charity. Combine spiritual commitment with the need of the poor.
7. Renew faith, sacrifice, communion and service in the Eucharist, as a sign for the Church and the world.


RESOURCES FOR THE YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST
Litugical and theolgical resources for the Year of the Eucharist can be found on the web site of the Liturgy Office of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, including:

- an introduction to the Year of the Eucharist; and
- resouces for the Year of the Eucharist.

The Bishop of Ebbsfleet commends Eucharistic Adoration? (Catholic Truth Society, £3.95) containing special material for the Year of the Eucharist, including meditations, prayers, Benediction, Rosary (including Luminous Mysteries), material on the doctrine of the Eucharist and some hymns and poems.