A grassroots effort to renew the Catholic church is gaining momentum. In less than one month since registration opened, more than 9,000 seats for the Eucharistic Encounter event on September 20, 2025, at the Amalie Arena have been reserved. The dash for tickets shows the hunger people have to discover more about the Catholic faith and go deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Now, as Easter approaches, event organizers are ramping up efforts to invite anyone who is looking for hope and is open to an incredible experience of faith.

What: Eucharistic Encounter, Reason for Our Hope

Where: Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr, Tampa

When: Saturday, September 20, 2025, 12 pm – 9 pm

Facts about Eucharistic Encounter:

• Expected to be the largest Catholic event in the history of Tampa.
• Features Catholic celebrities, including chart-topping podcaster Father Mike Schmitz and Grammy award-winning artist Matt Maher. More information can be found here: www.EucharisticEncounter.org.
• Integrates interactive media, high-energy music, and sacred prayers.
• The event is primarily funded by local philanthropists who are passionate about their Catholic faith. This is the reason tickets are available at no cost to participants.

Interview Opportunities:

• Michael and Marissa Guarino (Visionary philanthropists who are funding the event.)
• Father Ralph D’Elia (Planning Committee Member)
• Bishop Gregory Parkes (Spiritual leader of the Catholic Church in West Central Florida)

Media Opportunities:

Eucharistic Encounter organizers are looking for media partners. If you are interested in broadcasting and/or streaming this event to larger audiences, please contact Teresa Peterson (tlp@dosp.org).