The Centered on Christ Area Catholic Community organized “Bicycling for Benediction” to conclude the parish eucharistic year with its parish communities — Richmond, Cold Spring, Rockville and Jacobs Prairie. The local police department and Knights of Columbus patrolled all intersections to provide safe crossings.
On Sunday, July 14, from 1 to 6 p.m., participants bicycled or rode to each parish for a short service with music, prayer and a five-minute talk on an aspect of the Eucharist, followed by the Benediction. The Christian Women provided refreshments at each location. Afterwards, participants pedaled or motored to the next parish. Those who biked used the Rocori Trail.
“It was a great experience that was meant to exercise our mind, body and spirit,” Father LeRoy Scheierl said. “I interviewed several parish members about their experience and we posted a YouTube video titled “Mind, Body and Spirit” (under my Cabin Fever Faith series) on our website christcatholic.com.
The event drew over 110 participants. Most went by bicycle, while others arrived by car or bus. Some just came for the service at their particular parish.
Dino and Cindy Kremers, from Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Rockville, biked the entire 13.5 miles.
Dino said, “It was a beautiful day of weather and fellowship. Casually biking with fellow parishioners presented real opportunities to converse. Most notable was our pace setter, Dave Zwilling, the oldest rider at 75. He led the entire way and was an inspiration and challenge for many riders, including myself.”
Father Scheierl presented three of the talks, with Father Kevin Soenneker offering one. At Sts. Peter and Paul in Richmond, they heard a reflection on “Jesus, the Bread of Life;” at St. Boniface in Cold Spring, they focused on “Jesus, Food for the Journey;” at Mary of the Immaculate Conception, the talk emphasized “Jesus, the Real Presence” and at St. James in Jacobs Prairie, the final stop, it was about “The Heavenly Banquet.”
Dino said, “The talks had beautiful insight that made you go deeper. It was important to me to attend this as the last prayer service opportunity prior to leaving for the National Eucharistic Congress — the home stretch to the NEC, like heading into Jacobs Prairie on the bike trip. I loved seeing so many people wanting to spend more time with Jesus — we all need more Jesus.”
“It was a hot, humid day, so the rest stops at each parish helped a lot,” Father Scheierl said. “At our final stop in Jacobs Prairie, after our prayer service, we concluded with a pulled pork supper. St. James is the oldest parish in our ACC, a great place to end our Sunday afternoon event.
“Participants joined from all parish communities which helped unite each of our parishes,” he said, “knowing we are all united in our faith in the Eucharist and its importance in our life.”