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This Apostolate: History & Episcopal Commendation
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With this encouragement the Apostolate for the Eucharistic Life began its work in establishing its outreach dedicated to bringing the Eucharistic life of Jesus Christ to contemporary life. The ground work and organizational development which led to Bishop Mengeling's commendation and the work which has followed is outlined below. We pray that this Apostolate will serve you in your growth in Christ. God bless you!
July 1998: A draft proprosal was drawn up for the establishment of an apostolate dedicated to drawing the faithful into a deeper appreciation and understand of the limitless gift and grace to be found in the Eucharistic Presence of Jesus Christ. The apostolate would conduct activities aimed at supporting growth in personal prayer and in Catholic faith formation, especially in regard to the Eucharist.
August 1998: The proposal was offered to fifty lay persons and clergy in the Ann Arbor/Detroit, Michigan area for their prayer, discernment and comment.
September 1998: A steering committee was created to assist in the continued discernment of the proposal with consultation being made with Ann Arbor pastors in studying the possible establishment of the Apostolate and development of its activities.
October 1998: The proposal to establish the Apostolate for the Eucharistic Life was finalized, with the focus of initial activity being the establishment of a local retreat residence, the production of an adult faith formation radio program and the publication of a quarterly periodical, all drawing their inspiration from the Eucharist.
November 1998: The proposal was presented to the Michigan Washtenaw County vicariate meeting of clergy for their reflection and feedback.
December 1998: Bishop Carl F. Mengeling of the Diocese of Lansing was consulted and his permission sought to continue with this work in the establishment of the Apostolate. He advised further definition of the aims and activities of the Apostolate.
January 1999: The Apostolate established its Leadership Board. A pilot radio program was produced with the title "True Presence", a fifteen minute reflection on the Eucharist intended to be broadcast Monday through Friday.
February 1999: Bylaws governing the identity and organization of the Apostolate were written and submitted to the State of Michigan for its incorporation as a non profit religious organization. Tax exempt status was applied for with the IRS.
April 1999: The donation of a house to serve as the Bread of Life retreat residence was made to the Apostolate from the Ave Maria Foundation of Ann Arbor, Michigan.
May 1999: Bishop Carl F. Mengeling issued a commendation of the intentions and work of the Apostolate, in the establishment of its Bread of Life Retreat Residence and True Presence Media Outreach.
July 1999: Deliberations were begun with the local township government on the zoning approval required to conduct the retreat activity of the Bread of Life Retreat Residence.
October 1999: The Apostolate's "True Presence" radio production began broadcast to the Detroit Metro area.
December 1999: The Apostolate publishes on the Eve of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 the first issue of the Eucharistic Life Jubilee Newsletter , an educational resource on the Church's teaching on the Eucharist.
March 2000: The Apostolate's publishes the first issue of My Eucharistic Prayer Companion as an aid and call to Eucharistic prayer and reflection.
April 2000: The Apostolate's "True Presence" radio production begins broadcast on the EWTN national radio network in 59 cities in 30 states in the US.
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