What is Eucharistic Adoration?
Adoration is a quiet time spent in prayer before Jesus, present in the Eucharist. A Consecrated Host is placed in the center of a sacred vessel called a Monstrance. The word Monstrance means "to show." The Monstrance is then set in a very special place for all to see and worship. Jesus truly is present body, blood, soul and divinity in the Consecrated Host or "Blessed Sacrament."
The Catechism quotes Pope John Paul II: "The Church and the world have a great need for Eucharistic worship. Jesus awaits us in this sacrament of love. Let us not refuse the time to go to meet him in adoration, in contemplation full of faith, and open to making amends for the serious offenses and crimes of the world. Let our adoration never cease." (CCC, 1380)
Every vocation in the Church comes from and through Christ Jesus. It is He who calls. Spending time in Eucharistic Adoration with our Divine Lord and Friend is a good place to go to ask what he wants with our life. Why not spend some time each week in adoration, in union, in contemplation of the Lord present in the Eucharist?
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What Do I Do During Eucharistic Adoration?
If you attend Adoration at your parish, it will most likely be in a small chapel or part of the Church. As a form of respect, you should always genuflect when you see the Lord in the Host. Maintain an attitude of respect, and if others are present, silence. On retreats or other special occasions, there may be music playing to help foster a spirit of prayer, worship, and Adoration. Always keep in mind that you are in the presence of God!
Kneeling, sitting, standing, and even laying on the floor before the Blessed Sacrament are all appropriate forms of prayer. Let your posture reflect your worship of the King and do what is comfortable for you.
You really don’t have to “do” anything during Adoration. You can just sit there and look at Jesus. Take the time to be with Him. If you are the only person in the chapel, don’t be afraid to pray or sing aloud. This is your personal time with Christ.
Information from CatholicLink.com
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When does St. Charles have Eucharistic Adoration?
Eucharistic Adoration takes place around the clock in our Perpetual Adoration Chapel! We offer Adoration every hour of the day, every day of the week. Come join us!
We ask for TWO people to commit to adoring our Lord for every scheduled hour each day. Click on the button below or in the yellow box to sign up! All are invited to come and spend some quiet time in prayer in the presence of Our Lord.
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Other Resources:
"Explaining the True Presence" by Katie Kelleher Junk (Catholic Herald; December 15, 2022)
Wisconsin, Milwaukee Big Part of 2024 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage by Kathleen McGillis Drayna (Catholic Herald; May 23, 2023)
"Preach the Eucharistic Lord" by Chris Sparks (pgs. 24-25 Marian Helper, Summer 2023 edition)
"Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist" Series on FORMED
"Radiation Therapy" Video on FORMED with Dr. Tim Gray