After attending daily Mass for 29 years, Cashmans look forward to the Eucharistic Congress

July 16, 2024

Steve and Peg Cashman have a zeal for the Eucharist, having gone to daily Mass for 29 years.

“We embrace the Eucharist. We’re Eucharistic people. It’s just part of our lives,” he said.

So it’s no surprise that the couple from St. Francis of Assisi Parish in West Des Moines is going to the first national Eucharistic Congress in 80 years this week in Indianapolis, where he’ll celebrate Mass with as many as 60,000 other faithful Catholics.

“We’ve been studying about the Eucharist for years,” he said. “We’re all baptized, cradle Catholics. But there’s always something new when it comes to the Lord. There’s always an additional experience we can have that enhances not only our church devotion but our spirituality in general. We’re excited about it.”

A bonus will be all the additional resources available during the conference. An exhibit hall will feature many different organizations that offer ways for one to cultivate a connection in Christ personally and with others.

“It’s just going to be a great experience. I just know it is,” Cashman said.

He hopes the energy and the momentum built up at the conference lasts a long time.

“It would be wonderful if this fire could continue to burn strong and not only bring people to the Eucharist, but back to the Church,” he said. “We’re in constant renewal. This is a renewal on steroids for all us Catholics and for those who’ve been a little lackluster in our faith.”