Frequently Asked Questions

When is the National Eucharistic Congress?

July 17-21, 2024. The Diocese of Gary's One Day Trip will be on Saturday, July 20.

Where is the event taking place?

Indianapolis, Indiana, at Lucas Oil Stadium and other nearby venues in downtown Indianapolis within walking distance.

What is the schedule of the day for the One Day Trip?

• The bus will leave from Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillville at 5:30 AM Central. Arrive a little early so we can get you checked in.
• The bus will make one stop in Lafayette to stretch your legs and get coffee or breakfast. 
• When we arrive in Indy, we will go pick up our credentials at the registration booths. Then we will follow the day’s schedule, which can be found here. 
• After the last general session (around 10:00 PM Eastern/9:00 PM Central) we will meet back at the bus and depart for Northwest Indiana.
• We should arrive back at Our Lady of Consolation around midnight.

What time does the bus leave?

The bus will leave from Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillville at 5:30 AM Central. Please plan on arriving earlier to check in. 

The bus will depart from Indianapolis after the last event, which should end around 10:00 PM Eastern (9:00 PM Central). The bus should arrive back in Northwest Indiana around midnight.

Can I leave my car at Our Lady of Consolation?

Yes! You can leave your car at Our Lady of Consolation. We ask that the cars be parked in the far parking spaces away from the church so people attending the 4pm Mass can park closest to the church.

What is the deadline to sign up for the bus?

The deadline for bus transportation is June 20. That will guarantee you a spot on the bus. After that, the bus registration will stay open until all of the seats are filled.

How do I register?

To register for the day passes, click here. That will take you to the National Eucharistic Congress' registration website. Follow the prompts to register for the correct date. 

To register for the bus, click here. This will take you to the Diocese of Gary website. Scroll down to the bottom of the website and fill out the form that's listed on the page.

Where do I go to check in at the Congress?

Check-in information will be provided to all registered attendees via email prior to July 17, 2024.

We will not be mailing out any physical passes for the event! The individual confirmation emails will serve as confirmation of purchase, and individuals will pick up a physical badge at the registration desk when they arrive onsite.

Can kids come?

Yes! Kids are welcome to come. Children will need to stay with their parents throughout the entire event. There is no babysitting at the NEC.

The youth programming at the conference is for high school youth—incoming freshmen through just-graduated seniors. Children younger than that are encouraged to attend the sessions designed specifically for families.

Can teens come?

High school seniors are welcome to attend the National Eucharistic Congress with a chaperone. Younger students may attend with a parent or legal guardian. High school students can choose to attend with their youth group or with their family.

Can I buy a pass and not use the bus?

Yes!  Many downtown parking options are available in Indianapolis. You can research parking options here. Additional parking information with rates and booking links will be posted soon.

What about food?

Food is not included in the One Day Trip registration.

Outside food and beverages are not allowed at Lucas Oil Stadium or the Indiana Convention Center. You will need to consume any outside food and beverages prior to entering these venues. The only exceptions are baby food, baby formula, and toddler snacks. 

You are welcome to pack picnic meals in coolers left in your car and can enjoy them in the many beautiful outdoor parks in the area.

Concessions will be available for purchase at both Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center during meal times. Please note: most concessions do not accept cash.  A variety of food trucks will be present in the surrounding area with food available for purchase.

Downtown Indy has an abundance of restaurant options with a wide range of prices. Check out this restaurant guide to explore downtown and metro dining options. Many of the local hotels also have restaurants.

Can I bring a stroller for my children?

Yes you can. Strollers and diaper bags are subject to search before entering Lucas Oil Stadium or the Indiana Convention Center.

How much walking can I expect for the day?

Lots of walking—the main Congress venues cover a 1- to 2-mile radius. Parking lots are located throughout the downtown area. Shuttles will be available only for those who identify ADA needs during their registration and park in the designated ADA lots.

On Saturday, From 3-5:00 PM Eastern, there will be a large Eucharistic Procession through downtown Indianapolis. Organizers suggest rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft if you need a ride.

What if I need a wheelchair or medical scooter?

If you have a wheelchair or medical scooter, you may bring it with you. There will be enough room on the bus to store them during travel.

If you need a scooter or wheelchair while in Indianapolis, the Indiana Convention Center suggests contacting:

• Indy Scooter Rentals, 317-855-3158, indyscooterrental.com
• At Home Health Equipment, 317-872-9702

Is there a bag policy?

We recommend small, clear bags/backpacks to carry onsite. This will allow for smoother security checkpoints.

Strollers and diaper bags are subject to search before entering Lucas Oil Stadium or the Indiana Convention Center.

Is there assigned seating?

Most sessions will have a general seating approach. Individual seats will not be assigned, but groups may be assigned to specific sections of the larger venues.

What should I wear at the Congress?

Casual attire is acceptable, but please avoid clothing that will distract or detract from the purpose of the gathering—to honor Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

You can anticipate a lot of walking, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.

Layer your clothing as you move through spaces with A/C into the hot July temperatures outside.

Clothing to avoid:

• T-shirts with vulgar or provocative graphics or language
• Low-cut tops
• Shorts or skirts that are shorter than your fingertip length when your arms are resting at your side

Will translations be available and in what languages?

Select programming throughout the Congress will be in Spanish. A translation app will be available as well. The languages offered will be based on the attendee information provided during registration. More information will be made available closer to July 2024.

Do you have event-specific questions? Check out the National Eucharistic Congress' website for more FAQs: https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/faqs