A program to be held at 14 sites in the archdiocese for Lent focuses on the Eucharist as the “source and summit” of the Christian life.

“Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist” is a three-part series that explores the truth and beauty of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist and invites attendees to an intimate union with God. The 30-minute DVD presentation and discussion study guide are presented by Augustine Institute. Lent begins Wednesday, March 6.

Sister Mary Kathleen Ronan, coordinator of the archdiocese’s Lay Formation Program, praised the series for its approach to the topic in “plain language. “It’s rich in content and a good launch into Lent for the diocese,” she said.

A description of the series in the study guide notes that it will help people “examine the effects of the sacrament and its setting in the Mass, explore the scriptural foundation of the sacrament and discover the beauty of Holy Communion and the transformative power of the grace God offers us in the sacrament.”

The program will be in at least one parish of every deanery in the archdiocese. Past and present participants in the Lay Formation Program of the archdiocese have joined in service by deaneries (groups of parishes geographically close) to lead this three-week series in early Lent.

Locations, dates and times for the series (some locations are offering the program during the daytime and evening) are:

• Our Lady, 1550 St. Marys Lane in Festus, 7 p.m. Monday, March 11, 18 and 25

• Annunciation, 12 W. Glendale Road in Webster Groves, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 21 and 28

• Sts. Teresa and Bridget, 3636 North Market St., 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 23 and 30

• Holy Spirit, 3130 Parkwood Lane, Maryland Heights, 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 20 and 27

• Our Lady of Sorrows, 5020 Rhodes Ave., 1 and 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, 12 and 19

• Mary Mother of the Church, 5901 Kerth Road, Mattese, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7, 14 and 21

• All Saints, 5 McMenamy Road, St. Peters, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7, 14 and 21

• St. Patrick, 405 S. Church St. in Wentzville, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7, 14, 21 and 28

• St. Joseph, 10 N. Long St. in Farmington, 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, 20 and 27

• St. Vincent dePaul, 1000 Rosati Court in Perryville, (three offerings), 8:40 a.m. and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 19 and 26

• St. Francis Borgia, 115 Cedar St. in Washington, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7, 14 and 21

• Immaculate Conception, 111 N. Washington Ave. in Union, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, 12 and 19

• St. Gertrude, 6535 State Hwy YY in Krakow, 9 a.m. Friday, March 8, 15, 22 and 29; also 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 11 and 18 and April 1 and 8. A holy hour and Mass will be on March 25

• Sacred Heart, 17 Ann Ave. in Valley Park, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday, March 11, 18 and 25

The cost is $6 for the study guide/personal journal. To register, email [email protected]. Be sure to provide the desired location and time.