Eucharist for Life (EFL) began in Montreal as a monthly gathering of children with their parents to pray for priests and the unborn. This time of intercession has grown to include adoration, evangelization, catechesis, arts and crafts, music, and sports in an environment where young boys can open their hearts to the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood, and children can grow in a sense of wonder and awe at the sacredness of human life.

EFL has now spread to parishes and schools in the United States where children are invited to become “Prayer Warriors in Our Lady’s Army for Peace.” The children offer one decade of the rosary and one sacrifice per week during Advent, Lent, or Easter (act of mercy replaces sacrifice) united with the perfect prayer and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, made present every day in the celebration of the Eucharist. These prayers and sacrifices are written on hearts, placed in a gift-wrapped box and presented with the offertory gifts during a special Eucharistic celebration. The gift-wrapped boxes are then sent to Pope Benedict to receive on behalf of all priests and unborn babies.

A large group of children participating in the Eucharist for Life outreaches sang for the reconciliation service at the International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City in June 2008.

EFL seminarian:

I believe that EFL possesses great potential as a source of strength, support and sanctification for the diocesan community and I personally vouch for it.

EFL mother:

A description of EFL would not be complete without mention of the real joy with which the children come to the monthly meetings. My oldest child is now very naturally talking about a vocation to the priesthood as a possibility for his life. EFL has provided the context for him to conceive of a vocation to the priesthood as something desirable and real.

Fr. Joseph Meagher, Director of Respect Life for the Archdiocese of Newark:

Janis Clarke is coming to our parish and will be speaking to the children in CCD. She is preparing, for the Eucharistic Congress, to send Pope Benedict the hundreds and hopefully thousands of prayer offerings of children following her visits to as many parishes in the US as possible. She has a beautiful way of inspiring young people to offer prayer & penances on behalf of the unborn and priests.

Mrs. Nora Didia, principal of St. Vincent’s Catholic School:

It was a privilege to observe Miss Clarke in her presentation to the students in Grade 3. Miss Clarke individualized each of her classroom presentations to the grade level of the students, inspiring them to know that their prayers and sacrifices will make a difference.